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outofthefires · 6 months ago

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A Rose from the Ashes. SL03 - A Tale by Cinder & Kaito - Part 2

֍ Kaito ֍

There it was that inner well of strength that my father gave me, it woke me up as I heard Cinder mention her sister. Cinder had stood up; her hands were gone… but they had accomplished their intended task.

I stood tall next to her, eyes burning and a voice still straining. “Perhaps we should let Peony decide,” I said plainly.

‘Your Highness she is so young… and her mother…’ The doctor began.

“Her mother has allowed her to be placed into the care of the imperial medical research team. And, true… she is too young. Too young to die, too young to suffer, too young to have to make this decision. But she is suffering, she is dying… she is also clever, and kind… This world has forced this upon her, we can’t force anything else she didn’t ask for.”

But really what was the choice… potently die from a chance of a cure or… die in a few days possibly hours, when she entered the fourth stage of the disease. “How would you feel about that Cinder?”

֍ Cinder ֍

Warning flashed in my vision, telling me to stop and slow down. To avoid the extreme changes within me. But there was no way.

At first when I heard Kai’s voice, certain he would disagree with me. And I couldn’t have healed it against him. He had a commonwealth to consider, and I… I had one life I could not let go of.

However, as the prince spoke, before my eyes I saw the transformation of a prince into an emperor. He spoke of empowering my baby sister to make her own decisions.

I swallowed down the frowning lump which wouldn’t allow me to speak. Shaking my head, and then nodding. My hands clasped together so I didn’t throw myself at Kai and hug him.

“Yes…. Yes…. Please… yes…. She is…” I took a few steps forward. “Peony is intelligent, she will make the correct decision. Please.” My hands held before clasped as in prayer. “Yes...” my voice broke. “Yes...” I said once again.

The doctor rubbed his furrowed brow before placing his glasses back on his face. ‘I don’t believe this is a good discussion to have with emotions running so high.’ He stated. Holding his hand up to silence me when he saw my lips parting. ‘But, As she is a child, and her weight low. We could give her half a dose of the medicine, and still have enough to test and replicate if necessary.’

Now his eyes were on me. ‘I hope you can live with the outcome of this. You have been reckless with your own life. And not that of your sister.’ His voice has been so low. Just for me to hear, and these messages decide effect came to life right away.

Guilty, lost, humbled, and still. I didn’t want to stop. “When can we try?” I asked.

‘No time as the present.’ The doctor slowly walking back to the android for the so-called antidote.

Giving me time to reach out to squeeze his hand. “Kai… Thank you… I….” Words were lost to me. How did I thank him for this opportunity?

֍ Kaito ֍

I listened to Cinder… the hope in her voice, the desperation. I knew it all too well. But I knew this was a risk. When the Doctor agreed I felt… hope.

It was dangerous. I knew it was… but this child deserved to live. They all did… and if… I let myself imagine Peony healthy. I imagined what it would mean for the whole planet. Just for a second until I felt Cinder’s hand.

I looked at her. “We have to tell her the truth... that it could be dangerous,” I told Cinder, resting my free hand on top of hers. “But we can’t tell her it came from the Queen… if it…” I couldn’t say it out loud. I couldn’t get her hopes up any higher. “It could be a security breach and who knows what the Lunars would do if they thought we leaked this information. Only the Imperial advisor and I know about this… and it needs to stay that way until I…” I cleared my throat. I couldn’t finish that sentence either. I trusted Cinder not to say anything… If she hadn’t spread the story of the bomb that Cress dropped on us… then there was no way she was going to tell anyone this.

Then we were walking following the doctor… he muttered and tapped on his portscreen the whole time. People seemed to jump out of his way… like they were used to his distracted behaviour, and possibly had been ploughed over by him in a state like this.

Then I realised I was still holding onto Cinder like she was my lifeline… as though… maybe… I could be hers. Just for a second, just for this moment… because if this worked. It would be the very last time. If this worked… there wasn’t another choice.

֍ Cinder ֍

Somehow walking through these sterile white corridors had become the norm for me. Having been in and out of here since the night my step mother signed me over to become a lab-rat.

I didn’t want to expend too much energy considering where the doctor was taking us. “I agree fully to anything you ask of me.” I was willing to give my life all so my younger sister could have this chance. “You know, I would never share anything you tell me in confidence. Never!”

The sound of our footsteps echoed on the floor as we came to the door, but I stopped Kai once the doctor had rushed in. Looking down to find our hands still entwined together. He hadn’t let go… and nor had I.

“Kai…. I….”

Warning lights began to show. I felt hot under the collar of my shirt and jacket. Was I about to do this? Yes… I had too… I wanted to tell him everything….

The truth….

All of it….

EVERYTHING!

He deserves to hear it from me!

Gazing up at him, his black hair messy and falling into his eyes, the solemn look on his face.My heart did something at seeing him so clearly stood at the precipice of a decision that no one our age should have to make. And seeing this, I couldn’t… I couldn’t tell him anything… I couldn’t place my burdens upon his shoulders too.

“Thank you, you—”

Before I could say anything more the doors slide open, and the old doctor frowned looking us over.

‘Are you both waiting for a formal appointment or invitation to join? This was your idea after all.’

֍ Kaito ֍

“I know you’d never break my confidence,” I told her, whispering as we walked to make sure the doctor didn’t hear. “But we couldn’t ask #Peony to keep a secret like this.” I had just convinced the doctor that she could make this decision herself and if he heard me say this… it wouldn’t bolster that position. But not telling her had less to do with her maturity and more to do with her purity and naivety.

I watched her out of the side of my eye… my gaze flicked to her constantly but I was afraid to linger, in case I blurted out everything. I couldn’t… and yes part of that was because it would be cruel to say these things if… in the end, it could never be. But even worse… what if she doesn’t return a modicum of my feelings? She declined my invitation to the ball after all.

Prince or not… there was no rule that she had to return my feelings. In fact, her complete and utter lack of swooning was what I found incredible to be around. She didn’t pander to me or say what she thought I wanted to hear. She spoke to me… real conversations. I just knew that everything she showed me was the truest version of Cinder. Not polished etiquette and predictable flirtation. Or any flirtation, really… apart from me. But I did fluster her, even if she always rallied.

“You don’t need to thank me for this Cinder.” I clasped her hand in both of mine now. I looked into those unusual eyes of hers and tried for the strongest smile I could muster. “I really, truly hope this works.” My eyes burned, but I meant it. Even if it meant there was a ticking clock over my head if it did. I meant it, even if it meant the end of the life, I’d wanted all my nineteen years.

I meant it… even if it meant I would never know a love like the one my parents shared. Or that I would never dance with Cinder again, not in private… not at a ball. Never sneak out and have her scowl at me for ditching my security.

Then the Doctor spoke, and I sighed. Stepping into a room with bustling droids and one of the Doctor's human assistants… a tall dark-skinned girl with braids tied back in a ponytail so long it brushes the hem of her lab coat. Beyond her was a window… “That’s… Peony’s room…” I saw her there sleeping with her little doll.

This was the room behind her, the one the droid vanished into. The pink curtains were pulled so the visitation room couldn’t be seen.

‘Oh… Doctor Erlund… I was just recording the patient's vitals…’ She coughed. ‘Your Highness… I wasn’t expecting to see you here, please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your Father. He was truly a great man.’

I cleared my throat and nodded respectfully. “Thank you,” I whispered, my eyes flicked back to the window that housed Peony’s sleeping form.

‘The little miss cannot see us or hear us in here. You can speak freely and not wake her. The window is a portscreen, we thought a two-way mirror would be…’ She trailed off. We all knew. Why force a child to look at the marks of the disease that was going to kill her? ‘She can choose her own view… she had mermaids and an underwater palace all day today.’ She smiled… looking sad I knew; she’d fallen under this little girl's spell too. There was heartbreak in her eyes.

֍ Cinder ֍

I hadn’t expected anyone to be here in the room when #DoctorErland opened the doors, and some part of me felt highly protective of my #Peony being in her bed asleep not knowing she was being watched.

However, when I recognised the tall, beautiful woman by her voice, my shoulders relaxed. This was the same voice who I had overheard telling #DoctorErland of when I was locked down on a lab table!

Standing next to Kai, I hide our clasped hands when the lab assistants eyes fell on them. Having her see the connection between my friend and I, again had me feeling raw. I wasn’t ready to let go of him just yet. I needed to feel his hand in mine, even if it was for a short period of time.

“Thank you for looking after My sister.” I told her when I saw the ease in which she glanced at #Peony. “And for letting her have her mermaids.” She just smiled a little uncomfortably.

‘You will find most of the people here who know your sister, have come to feel… attached…’ I saw sorrow in those eyes now. I guessed feeling a connection with anyone in this wing was a bad idea. Yes... yes… I am sure Fateen-Jie has work to be getting on with. Indeed, I’ve just send a file of data I need you to analyse. And it is of top priority.’ #DoctorErland seemed a little snipping towards the tall beauty for no apparent reason.

‘All my work is of urgent priority Doctor; we are trying to save all our people in the Eastern Commonwealth.’ I couldn’t help but smile when she gave him a taste of his own medicine back.

Turning to face Kai, she bowed her head, taking her leave before the sound of her heels took her out the door.

“I’d say you know just how to annoy your team.” I told the doctor walking closer to the glass.

I wanted to go into the room, to kiss #Peony’s forehead. To tell her I was back and explain the situation to her slowly. But how would I explain it to Kai? I placed my gloved hand on the glass pushing myself up against it.

“Peony?” I called her name softly.

“Pee, it’s Cinder…. I’m here?” Seeing her sleeping, hugging the doll in her arms, covered with blankets given to her by Kai and his team here.

‘Cin..der…’ I couldn’t believe how broken her voice sounded. Seeing the blemishes covering her arms, hands and face broke my heart.

“Hi… how are you?” It was a silly question I knew.

‘I’m dan…cing..’ she tried to hum a tune. I felt a lump growing in my throat. How could I tell her about the possibility of an antidote? What if I gave her hope? And it didn’t work? Stars! Was the doctor, right?

֍ Kaito ֍

I hadn’t even thought to conceal the fact that #Cinder’s hand was in mine… In fact, I hardly registered that she had until after Fateen had left us here.

I had put her in danger again! Stars! How many people had passed getting here? The whole Palace would be talking. If this got back to #Levana… I couldn’t bear to think what she might do! Before I could spiral down that deep, dark hole my heart was breaking. Was it ever going to stop breaking?

Cinder’s voice when she spoke to her little sister was so shaky, so unlike anything I had ever heard from her. It sent a chill racing down my spine. I lifted Cinder’s hand and squeezed it. “It's okay, Cinder. Let me.” I let go of her hand, for the first time since she’d taken mine in the lab and moved to the button the doctor was holding to allow Peony to hear us.

“#Peony… It’s Prince Kai.” It was strange to refer to myself like that… but she liked it. “I know you’re dancing but I need to ask you a very important question.”

She whispered my name hoarsely… she was getting so ill… I asked a droid to help her take some water.

“C’mon little flower, can you wake up for me, just for a minute and then you can rest.” I couldn’t ask her this when she was hardly conscious.

‘Prince Kai? I can’t see you the drapes are closed.’ Finally, she sounded like she was awake.

“I’m in the room with the doctor because I need to ask you a very grown-up question. Do you feel well enough for that?”

‘Sure… but important? I’m not very important… you should ask Cinder, she’s clever…’ #Peony was definitely awake now, but weak.

“Oh no… there’s no-one more important than you right now Linh-mei. But you can make any choice you want, okay… no one will make you do anything.” Peony coughed, and winced. “I have medicine here…”

‘Will it make me better!?’ She tried to sit up.

“I don’t know, little flower. I hope so, but no one knows. Not even the doctor, they still need to do lots of tests… but…” I let go of the button before my voice cracked.

‘It will be too late…’ She said, her lip wobbling.

“Yes, it will be too late. But because you’re such a clever girl we wanted to let you choose. This medicine could make you better or it could make you sicker… or…”

‘I could die?’ Tears ran down her pock-marked cheek. ‘But I’m going to die anyway… I pretended like I wasn’t… because it made people sad but… I know.’

I released the button, and tears escaped and landed on the back of my hand. “Yes, Peony… you are right. This medicine might make you better… but we can’t know for sure.”

‘Did the strange doctor make it? Or the friendly one?’ She asked.

“It wasn’t made by a Doctor in the palace,” I told her, honestly.

‘Where did it come from?’ She asked the one question I couldn’t answer.

“I can’t tell you that its….” I struggled for a word.

‘Secret Prince stuff?’ She quizzed.

I couldn’t help but laugh a little. “Exactly, it’s secret prince stuff.”

‘If it works it could help other people who are sick too?’

“Yes, it could.”

‘But even if it doesn’t the doctors could… learn things… how to fix it. To help other people?’ I did a double take, I let go of the button and turned to the doctor.

‘We could make new discoveries with testing… it could be useful if, in fact, it is intended as a genuine cure.’ He explained and I pressed the button again.

“The doctors here could learn a lot about that too,” I told her, and she was quiet for a long time. She was quiet for a very long time, holding onto her doll.

‘Cinder… Are you still there?’ She asked. With my hand off the button, I held out the other one to her.

֍ Cinder ֍

This wasn’t as easy as I first imagined, when I spoke to the doctor and Kai about giving my little sister this chance, it felt black and white.

1.If they gave her antidote, it could survive her from an illness so many had died from.

2.If they didn’t, she would die. Because death was knocking on her door, and dread filled me with every passing moment she would be lost to be before anything could come of the work I had been doing with the doctor.

I wanted nothing more than to give her the chance to survive. Give her a chance to grown into the beautiful woman I always imaged her to be. To live those dreams, she shared with #Iko and me. But standing here, with my eyes closed, my forehead on the wall hoping the cooling sensation would hold off the stomping headache, as well as the hidden tears threatening to fall.

However, listening to her conversation with her Prince, those tears streaming down my face…. Tears! All my life I wanted to cry, to feel tears in my eyes. To be a normal girl just like the others. To show my stepmother, I too had a heart that felt pain and emotions! But right now, with my slight imparted I wanted this wish to come undone. I wanted whatever Dr Erland had done to be, to be disengaged!

Peony was far too intelligent not to understand what was being asked of her, and her question told everyone in this room the truth. No… This was not an easy task to achieve. Gone were my quick comebacks, the sarcasm, the rebuttals. Instead, all I felt was heartbreak, with a soul crushing awareness.

“I… I’m here..” Opening my eyes, I used the back of my gloved hand to wipe away the tears. Dr Erland cleared his throat. ‘Gather yourself Miss Lhin.’ He stepped forward, his finger hovering over the button on the wall. Nodding to let me know he was ready when I was.

I saw the outstretched hand from Kai, taking it to step close. Nodding once. “I am right here Pee. I’m not leaving you alone.”

‘I know you would never.’ She whispered, before finding her voice again. ‘What do you think I should do?’ She asked.

More tears flowed from my eyes. “Pee, you must make the choice. I told the prince and the doctor I wouldn’t make you do anything you didn’t want too.”

She went silent for a few minutes before continuing to speak. ‘Will you be mad if I take it and I die?’ my legs about gave out from under me. More tears falling.

“I would never be mad at you. You are my little sister. I will… never… be mad. Swallowing back to attempt to keep my voice even.

‘It could help so many people. If… if it doesn’t help me.’ She sounded resolute and so grown up in the same breath.

‘I want to take it Cinder. But before I do, I need to tell you. I want you to do it…. I want you to keep the dream alive.’ I closed my eyes. I knew she was being secretive for me. For the dream we had seen together.

I squeezed the hand holding mine, the warning telling me to be careful. But there was no listening to them now.

‘Pince Kai?’ She addressed her monarchy with Grace. ‘Please tell the doctor I would like to take the medication now.’

֍ Kaito ֍

I kept my hand on Cinder’s knowing there was nothing I could do that would make her feel any less alone right now. But I knew from sitting by my father’s side as he passed… it would have been so much worse if I was alone, all by myself. #Torin’s presence was barely a comfort… but it was just… better. There was no way to put the feeling into words.

I glanced at the doctor, and he nodded, handing the potential miracle in a bottle to the droid. “Peony...” I said… when I had a grip on my emotions. “You’re very brave. That was a very hard choice. No matter what you choose… you are still the bravest person I ever met. The droid is bringing you the medicine.” I couldn’t let myself call it a cure or an antidote because, right now; it was just liquid in a jar. A wish, a hope, a dream… I looked at Cinder. The death of all dreams. All contained in a shiny little tube of glass.

‘You two should go to the visitor's room... Let her see you. I’ll remain and monitor her condition.’ The doctor pointed to a doorway. ‘That will lead to the visitor's room, try to keep her calm.’

I pressed the button again. “Cinder and I are going to come and sit with you in the visitor's room, where you can see us. You won't be able to speak to us for a minute but then we’ll be right where we normally are, okay?”

‘Promise you won’t go away?’ She whimpered.

“I promise. We’ll be right there. A prince never breaks a promise. You want to see us, don’t you?” She just nodded. I could see the droid preparing things near her bed. “Okay, just a moment little flower and we’ll see you.” I lifted my hand off the button and the doctor handed me two earpieces, explaining they would let him speak to us privately.

I stepped to the sink that plainly said “Hand Wash Only” above it, but cupped water into my hand and splashed my face. I placed a finger beneath Cinder’s chin and tipped her face up, letting her see as I composed myself. Taking a breath and morphing my expression into a mask of calm.

“You can be brave too, Cinder. Stand tall and look strong. Even if you don’t feel like you are.” I whispered.

֍ Cinder ֍

“Stand tall… Look strong…” repeating the advice, hoping it would make me believe and act right away.

Closing my eyes I allowed Kai to dampen my face. The relief to come from this action was incomparable. Having never truly felt anything equivalent to these emotions, I had no idea how to manage them. And with my sister in the next room, waiting to see us… I knew I had to stop myself. I had to be strong, the tearless Cinder she came to rely on.

“Do not allow that android to inject Peony until she can see us.” I told #DoctorErland. “I will not let her take this step alone. She has me.” There sadness in my voice had to be replaced with hope. and Quickly!

‘I promise, I will have her bed moved closer to the visitor glass too.’ #DoctorErland gave me a knowing look. I guess he was getting to understand me a little better with all the time we had spent together.

Did I want to open the door the droids used to run and hug my sister? Yes. Could I do it with the Queen from hell here? No. If word were to get back to her… and Kai… how and where would the doctor or I even begin? #DoctorErland stepped up to push the door open for Kai and myself to take. ‘Just through here and you will be before your sister Miss Cinder.’

I glanced up to meet Kai’s eyes. “Thank you. For staying with us. We truly appreciate your support when I know you have the world on your shoulders right now.” I couldn’t not acknowledge his presence and how grateful both my sister and I were for it.

It wasn’t far to walk, through the sterile room. This short cut would have been nice to know about when I’d been visiting my sister before. But I wouldn’t dwell on that fact right now.

‘Cinder…’ the moment she saw us her full eyes streamed with tears.

“Here… Pee… I’m right here… and so is Prince Kai…” the blemish skin, the wet hair stuck to her forehead, the doll in her arms telling me how weak #Peony’s grasp had become since I last saw her.

‘Are… are brave girls… allowed to feel scared, Prince Kai?’ She asked the question, and my eyes blurred with a lump growing in my throat.

֍ Kaito ֍

It was a tip that I had learned when this horrid plague began. Seeing the death toll and infection rates rise day after day made it hard to hold out hope, but life went on and I still had duties to carry out. I had to appear hopeful and… well, not like I was about to break down. I fitted the earpiece the doctor gave me into my ear and covered it with my curls, even though it was so small it was likely impossible to see.

“Don’t thank me Cinder, even if it's only a small chance to save her life… it’s not something I could walk away from,” I told her in the narrow passage between the two rooms. “I almost didn’t make it to the Doctor’s office…” I admitted. “I almost came right here… but I was afraid it might… Well, I couldn’t bring myself to be the one that might have caused her harm. And not without….” My throat grew tight, and I cleared it. “Someone she loves should be with her.”

By the time we stepped into the cosy viewing room for the sterile passage the pink drapes had been pulled back and her bed was moved as close to the glass as possible.

I pressed my hand to the glass and smiled, practised… calm in a crisis… none ot the tears I had shed behind the scenes. Not now. “Oh, don’t you know, little flower?” I said softly. “Nobody is brave without being afraid. If something isn’t frightening, then we don’t need to be brave. Being brave is being afraid, but doing it anyway.” I told her and it wasn’t placating. It was true. “Taking this medicine is very brave, but not taking it would be brave too… because both are frightening. But you need to do what you believe in the most.”

‘Do Prince’s get scared?’ She asked.

“All the time, and Emperor’s and Empress’. Kings and Queens and soldiers.” I found Cinder’s hand again beneath the viewing window and squeezed. “Sisters too.”

‘We are ready when Miss Lihn is ready.’ The doctor's voice came into my ear.

“Peony… the medicine is ready. Is this truly what you want?” I asked her one last time.

‘I am afraid. And I am brave.’ She dipped her chin and the lights glowed against her fever-beaded forehead. ‘Cinder… if… I… Tell Mom and #Pearl I was brave and I love them.’ Then she reached out to touch the glass.

‘And I love you, you’re my real sister too.’

There wasn’t enough training or practice to keep a tear from escaping now. The doctor's voice was over a speaker in #Peony’s room this time. ‘Droid, please administer the experimental drug now.’

I sighed in relief and terror. Relief that I didn’t have to say those words… It was cowardly. And terror because… what if?

I glanced at Cinder, and more tears came. ‘It’s okay to be scared.’ #Peony said to us both as the droid inserted the needle into the IV port. ‘Be brave too.’

The clear liquid drained from the syringe, and I found myself holding my breath, and trying my best to be brave.

֍ Cinder ֍

My mind spun out of control, what was I to do with this moment and all that had transpired?

With my friend, the prince, and soon to be emperor of our natation, told me he had planned to bring this antidote from the Luna Queen straight to #Peony’s bedside the moment he received it. To my stepsister telling me she loved me, and that I was her real sister! How in the name of the Stars could anyone be strong and show no emotions in the face of this declaration?

Kai’s hand found mine, while I placed my other over the small, blistered hand of my sister on the other side of the glass.

“I love you Pee… You are my real sister… You are my heart and my soul.” Somehow managing to keep the Trimble in my chest from being heard in my voice.

I had no idea where the Doctor’s voice came from, however I heard it in the distance telling the android to proceed with injecting #Peony, and I could swear my heart stopped.

Warning lights flashed over my retina display, but I turned them off. Nothing, not even my body telling me of the dangers to me would come between #Peony and I right now.

I don’t know how or when it happened, but I began to hum the song from the small music box Kai had gifted me. It had helped her before to sleep, so I hoped to give her some comfort with what was happening now. #Peony had been listening to music more over my last visits. Kai and his partner had danced for her, making her fall in love with the music and the idea of dancing in the arms of someone who would cherish her.

He gave her hope. He spoke to her with truth. And….. H. O. P. E!

As the android rolled back away from #Peony, the syringe disappeared into its chest compartment, I was holding my breath. Looking, watching, waiting. What was going to happen? How would she react to the drug? Would she convalesce? How soon will we know?

Uncertain how much time passed; I stood still not wanting to miss anything that could change in her body. However, she lay there in her bed, Still, her breathing heavy, her body weak. And… Well… Nothing happened?

I had to fight with myself to pull my eyes from her towards Kai.

“What…” I didn’t know what to ask… How? Turning my attention back to her, I just asked. “Pee… How are you feeling?” Would she tell me?

‘I.. I feel no different.’ She said with her dry throat.

I asked the droid to please give her some more water, before asking Kai.

“It didn’t work? She gave you something fake, in the hopes to trick you?”

My fist hit the glass wall in front of me. “This was all for nothing? The promise to healing and life… she lied!”

I knew my logical mind would tell me to wait, to give it time, no medication could be a miracle… Peony deserved a miracle!

֍ Kaito ֍

I had to loosen my grip on Cinder’s hand… worried I was squeezing it too tight… I waited… like this was some kind of magic potion and there would be a poof of smoke or a flash of light and #Peony would be transformed into her normal healthy self again. It took a few runs of the song Cinder was humming before I recognised the tune. I placed both my hands around hers now.

It was the song from my mother’s music box. Did that mean she’d played it for #Peony? Or did it just bring her comfort?

“I don’t…” I started to say. But then Cinder’s composure broke, and I sprang into action. Flipping the switch that meant #Peony couldn’t hear us and pulling Cinder into a tight hug. Spinning us so her back was to the glass.

‘It's far too early to see any results yet.’ The doctor tried to tell us into our ears.

“It’s okay Cinder…. Let it out; scream if you need to…. Cry… just don’t let Peony see.” I put my hand on the back of her head and hid her face against my shoulder… Stars!! Why was holding her so painful and so amazing at the same time?

I let her release all the emotions that she needed to. My gaze was on the half-dozing child. I wasn't sure how long we stood like that before a flicker drew my eyes to the monitor. Something had changed.

Her heart rate was flicking consistently between seventy-five and eighty… it wasn’t that… something else. A flicker.

Her temperature. It had been one hundred and five when we came in. It read one hundred and three now. Was this… could it really be…

“Cinder… Cinder her fever is breaking.” It dropped again… “Stars above…. The fever is dropping.”

֍ Cinder ֍

Anger, lost, guilt, hopelessness,these were the emotions filling everything from my thoughts, to my feelings, to need to blame myself.

If I hadn’t taken her with me to the junkyard! If I hadn’t let her dream of escaping and living free in the European Commonwealth… if I had taken better care!!!!

If…..

if………

IF!!!!!!!!!

I buried my face into Kai, chest. My hand fisted against him as I stood her losing myself.

“I… I….” I couldn’t! I was so strong for my friend telling him I would be there when he was lost. And here I was…a mess when the same time came for me!

I was a fraud! I couldn’t look after anyone or anything. I didn’t know why Kai had such faith in me.

“What?” I asked lifting my head slightly looking up at Kai’s face, because I didn’t dare to hope again. Not after everything #Peony had lived at such a young age.

“It’s going down?” asking

‘The prince is correct.’ The doctor affirmatively confirmed. ‘This is unexpected, for change to be seen so soon after administering the drugs.’

Finally, I wiped my tear-stained face before turning to look for myself. “So, the antidote works?” I asked seeing #Peony drifting off in her bed. I stepped out of Kai’s arms holding me.

‘It is too soon to determine such a thing; however this is a good start.’

֍ Kaito ֍

I knew it was foolish but hope swelled in my chest. Fevers went up and down all the time… but this seemed drastic. Stars above! Please!

Please, let this be the start of a miracle.

When Cinder righted herself, I let her go and stepped to the window to flip the switch. I leaned I knew it was foolish, but hope swelled in my chest. Fevers went up and down all the time… but this seemed drastic. Stars above! Please!

Please, let this be the start of a miracle.

When Cinder righted herself, I let her go and stepped to the window to flip the switch. I leaned her. “We’ll stay right here.” Was that a promise I could make? I could be called away at any second.

But until then I would be staying right here.

‘Will I be all better when I wake up?’ She asked and my heart sank as much as it had risen since I saw her temperature drop. “Probably not, but that won’t mean the medicine isn’t working. Sometimes things take a while, and you have been very sick for a very long time.” I told her honestly. “But sleep… sleep always makes us feel better and helps us heal.”

֍ Cinder ֍

She whispered; ‘good night.’ Her dry lips stuck together, I saw from the way her chest rises and fall not so rapidly now.

Resting my forehead to the glass, I couldn’t take my tear-filled eyes from her. Unsure when things could turn.

‘She is sleeping.’ The doctor’s voice broke the silence in my mind. But I knew this really. My own system following her vitals from where I stood. ‘Now we monitor the changes.’ He added.

My legs gave out from under me, but I was lucky enough to be leaning against the glass, so I slide down it until I was sitting with my back to the glass and my eyes closed.

I brought my knees up to my chest, pushing the legs of my pants as far down as possible.

“You are so good with her. You gave her the strength to give this a go.” I didn’t look up at him.

Kai had gone over and beyond the call of duty of any friendship, let alone a new one such as ours.

“I’m sorry…” I told him again…. Because I had lost all aspects of my heart and a way to speak about all the things I felt right now. How did I say I was full of hope one moment, and dread the next? After you had been the one to beg for this to be done to your little sister?

֍ Kaito ֍

As soon as #Peony fell asleep I flipped the switch so no sound from this room would disturb her, to allow Cinder to cry, scream or just talk. I reached out to catch her when it looked like she was about to fall, but she seemed to catch herself and slide to the floor. I chose to sit next to her, facing the glass in case anything changed.

“I’ve visited a lot of schools and children's centres… I guess a young Prince is more exciting to kids than an adult Emperor. I always tried to make time to speak with some of them personally.” I laughed awkwardly, dragging my hand through my messier-than-ever hair. “It might sound conceited but when you realise how many people in the world look to you to see how to behave; it feels like a responsibility. I always thought that kindness was the most important thing a person could possess. And it's not something you can just pretend to be… you have to mean it, especially with children, they are the most intuitive of us all.”

She apologised and I shook my head. “There's nothing to apologise for Cinder… if anything I should apologise to you… this was a risk… but she… Peony is…” I sighed. Could I say that #Peony was special? Was that fair on the hundreds of thousands of children dying in quarantine right now? “She deserves a chance… and it could be a long shot… but it is also the only shot. All the years of research and we can barely even treat the symptoms never mind a cure… and somehow… This… 𝕨𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟…” I said the last part through gritted teeth. “Magically shows up with a cure.”

This wasn't a coincidence; I knew that Levana had something to do with the Letumosis outbreak. It was too much of A coincidence, that she shows up now with a supposed miracle.

#Peony’s temperature continued to decline steadily as I watched the monitor. I pulled out my port screen and sent a calm to Nancy to bring us something to eat and drink, but I had a feeling that neither of us was particularly hungry.

֍ Cinder ֍

Reaching out I took his hand, I knew the gesture meant something completely different to him than it did to me. But it gave me such comfort to know I had a true friend in him.

“That’s a lot of pressure to be placed on small shoulders Kai. Your people may look for all those things without really knowing what it did to you. And you… from where I stood looking up at the net screens… you have anyways achieved the highest of standards.”

He was too kind, not just to those he knew, but to anyone who asked for his attention. Which is why I knew the true meaning of us sitting here. We both knew the real reason #Peony got a shot. Well… the doctor and I knew the reason anyway.

“I know this must be hard for you… to give my sister a chance that every child her age and younger deserves it too…. And I know me being here has a big part on the decision… and I also understand how I should feel guilty because she.. Peony has been given this opportunity… but I don’t… would I do this for others? Hundred percent… I will give my all and then some for you, this empire… our nation and all those who live in it… if my sister lives… anything is worth this opportunity.”

I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful, on the contrary, I needed Kai to understand I had to put my sister first, and I appreciated him for helping me.

Sitting up straighter now, my eyes moved over the room, I checked that we weren’t being over heard. Because if the Queen of Luna heard what Kai was saying… Only stars knew what she would do.

“Are we ready to face the facts of what Cress discovered and advised us?” Lowering my tone. “Kai… if this drug works…. And stars know I want it to work… her ask… it is too much… I don’t believe in consequences… I… I know I don’t have proof… but I know in my soul…. She has something to do with the loss of our emperor’s life.. may his soul rest for eternal…”

֍ Kaito ֍

“I don’t to make it sound like it’s a burden… but sometimes I feel the pressure. I was born with a purpose and that is something that many people never find no matter how hard they search for it. I just don’t want to let anyone down.” I admitted… “I know that I cannot be everyone’s ideal ruler. But I still want to be the kind that does what is best for all… including those that might not approve of my choices.” I thought back to the outbreak in the market. Reading the names… the newborn baby that was named for me… and never got to grow up… because we… not just me or my father, but all the rulers and governments of this planet had failed to contain and eliminate this threat.

And now… Me… Just Me… May have a chance to end this global crisis, and inadvertently bring around the destruction of my own country.

She understood. She had no idea what that meant to me. I nodded; I was glad she did… “It wasn’t hard to choose this… or to allow Peony to choose this. It’s a risk, but…” It had occurred to me as we sat here. “It is also the quickest way to find out if this is real. If we waited for weeks or months for studies to be performed… #Peony and hundreds of others would be lost… We would have lost our chance to try for her…”

I wanted to tell Cinder no… I wasn’t ready. I wanted to pretend I was just a boy sitting here… waiting for my friend to wake up and be well.

I couldn’t deny anything that Cinder said, she heard everything that Cress had told me. The two-week deadline since we had first spoken to her and planned to reconnect was approaching, but I may need to make my decision before then. “I’m not sure anyone will ever have proof…” I hoped so, maybe one day someone would. “But I also think the answer to that has been made very plain tonight.” I replayed the casual way #TheLunarQueen decided to hand me that shiny little vial.

“As badly as I want justice… I need to think about all the people that this could save right now… how can I walk away from something that could put an end to all of this suffering Cinder?” I felt my eyes stinging now… Of course, none of this mattered if #Peony didn’t get well. “I’ve sat by unable to do anything while people die… little babies, named for me, getting sick without any hope of recovery… sitting idly by and allowing my own people to be used as guinea pigs to try and cure this disease.” I had voiced my objection to the cyborg draft to my father and I was unsuccessful… I could have fought harder, but I didn’t. I let it go and prayed to the stars that they would find a cure or any kind of effective treatment.

֍ Cinder ֍

Resting my head in the glass, I listened to him with my ears open to any sound or alter, letting us know she was getting any better. “No one is expecting the stars and the moon from you.” Or at least I hoped they didn’t. “You need to stay true to yourself, to listen to everyone and then do what you feel is right.”

Now wasn’t the time for me to push him of what this nation felt was fair, I was proof there were issues with our government, and society.

“I feel selfish… I shouldn’t have pushed you to take this step sooner than when you were ready. But…” tugging on my gloves to distract myself for a moment. “I’m glad you understand what the cost of waiting would have been… and I cannot... I wouldn’t have waiting for those tests.”

Stars, I wanted the doctor to take my blood and pump it into my sister, just to try and give her more time. My gaze moved from him to the ceiling, and then returned again. Chewing on my lips as I felt dread coiled its slimy way up inside of me.

“She’s got us in a hole and has pulled the ladder up. Knowing full well, we can only live if we aren’t in the hole…” I dragged my fingers through my pulled back hair. “Why can’t I think clearly? There has to be a way out of this! Out of giving her everything she wants!” I wanted to scream ‘Without giving her you…’ but it was unacceptable for me to have an outburst like that right now.

“I… I am so sorry Kai,… I’m not sure what we can do.” For someone who always had the answers for everything, it was disconcerting to be in this position.

And then a small light flickered on. “What about Cress?” I asked him. “What if we bring Her in front of all the Commonwealth? In front of all the leaders? They would have to believe us, right? She said she could give us the information, so why can’t we show the others it too?”

֍ Kaito ֍

“I really wish that was true… and it might be… only…” I dragged a hand through my messy hair. “I am… I want to be the best I can be for my people; I have had almost nineteen years to prepare for this…” I neglected to mention that my father was a few years older than me when he took the throne. But that train of thought came to a crashing halt.

“No Cinder… you didn’t pressure me into anything… The moment she handed that little bottle to me I knew nothing was ever going to be the same. Even it is a fake.” I looked up and Peony, her temperature and heart rate were still dropping slowly. “If anything, I feel like I put you in the hot seat suggesting we allow your sister to decide.”

The picture that Cinder painted with her words couldn’t be clearer… there was no denying it. #TheLunarQueen had me cornered.

I smiled a little at her next words… it gave me some kind of comfort that she was exhausting all of her intellectual resources to try and find a way out of this. I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe she wanted what I did. But only for a moment, then I shook my head.

“The Queen already believes I am harbouring Lunar fugitives… even if it was at all possible to get #Cress here. It would only prove her claim to be true and we would be obliged to hand her over to the Lunars. Even if we complied… it would be all #Levana needs to declare open war.” I shook my head… Levana’s absurd rant about Lunars in the courtyard of the Palace is still fresh in my mind. “Cress would be executed.”

I reached out and took Cinder’s hand. “I just… wish…” My eyes stung. “Things could be different. Perhaps… with the Grace of the Stars… someday it will be.”

Then #Peony’s voice creaked her sister’s name… she was awake again. I flipped the switch so she could hear us too. ‘Cinder… are you?’ She lifted her head and coughed… not the rattling, bloody cough she had battled for days. She reached out for a tumbler of water and lifted it to her lips by herself! Her hand shook… but she did it! Then she spotted her sister. ‘You’re both still here!’ she smiled.

֍ Cinder ֍

“Have some faith in your people, they may be frightened. However, they had witnessed you growing up before their eyes.” These were some of the comments I had been used to hearing at the market place whenever news of Kai has been displayed on the net screens.

“The love they shared with you over the emperors’ passing, it was truly a window into the affection they also have for you.” I meant every word of what I had said. “You may have big shoes to fill, however the stars will bear witness for you. You will make their people proud of you and your achievements to come as their leader.”

Then I was shaking my head. He hadn’t put me in a hot seat… why would he think such a thing?

But then Pure terror stopped all thoughts running through my mind. All the things I had been thinking of sharing, the comments he had made, the step we could take. All gone. I hadn’t even flinched at Kai taking my hand in his.

“She… thinks you’re harbouring Lunar fugitives?” My mouth went so dry, fear filled me with a sickening feeling. Was is me? Had I placed my friend… the boy I knew I’d falling in love with… in mortal peril?

“No….” I couldn’t help myself from being confused at why I hadn’t listened to #DoctorErland and Kai. Andy just stayed away. “We cannot let her harm, Cress. Not for helping us.” I felt myself slipping into the darkness of defeat once more. And we hadn’t even reached a Pivotal point in this fight against the #LunaQueen.

Before I could say anything more... I heard her voice, making turn where I sat to face the glass.

“I’m right here Pee… we are here... we wouldn’t leave you alone.” I squeezed Kai’s hand at the sight inside the medical room. She had picked up the water tumbler herself. Her temperature had eased, and her heart rate.

Moving my gaze to Kai, whispering. “Please let me I’m not imagining this?” She was getting better?

֍ Kaito ֍

Cinder’s words struck a bell inside me… Trust my people. I did trust my people… I could trust my people to do what was right. If I had to do the unthinkable, they would rise up and protect the Commonwealth… Would I be the emperor that allowed war back onto Earth after one and a quarter century? Was eliminating this disease worth sacrificing world peace?

I scoffed and nodded, glad of the distraction from darker (if only moderately) topics. “Yes, she believes she saw a Lunar in the courtyard at the protest; before she brainwashed them and made them leave.” I tousled my hair again. “She’s utterly ridiculous. How does she presume that a Lunar ship both left the ports on the moon 𝕒𝕟𝕕 entered Earthen airspace and landed completely undetected by either side?” I paused. “Sometimes, I think that the bioelectrical manipulation addles their own brains along with others. But if #Cress is indeed and ally we can’t sacrifice her to #Levana’s wrath.” That was my burden alone.

All attention had turned to the young girl and the miracle of her raising her own cup of water. “Stars Above.” I - whispered, grasping Cinder’s hand. “I assure you Cinder… you are truly seeing this. #Peony sipped again and coughed a little, a droid was there to tip the tumbler the right way before it spilt down her front. She had reached for the water on pure instinct… like anyone with a cough might. Her body was capable of responding to a basic need she’d not been able to do for herself as long as I had known her.

“#Peony?” I asked. She took a paper towel from a droid, as it attempted to wipe a small trail of water from her chin and did it herself. “How are you feeling?”

The child stopped and seemed to take inventory of her own body. ‘Sore… tired… my spots are itchy.’ This last one seemed to embarrass her. ‘But I think…’ she inhaled deeply… like she was testing her lungs, the death rattle that had been her breathing for days, a wheeze now. ‘I think I feel better…. Am I getting better?’ she gazed at her sister. ‘Cinder! Am I?’

‘Young Miss Lihn,’ #DrErlund's voice was piped into Peony’s room not our ears. ‘May we procure another blood sample to check the progress of the treatment?’

‘Yes!’

She said too eagerly. Sticking her arm out to each passing droid. ‘Yes!!! I want to know if it's working.’

‘Please, child.’ The disembodied voice said. ‘Please remain calm, you must not exhaust yourself. You must conserve your energy if you are to heal.’

֍ Cinder ֍

“Once we have our answers from in here, we will consider our next steps with Cress, and the enemies within your palace.” I told him. However, I wasn’t so sure what those steps would turn out to be.

My eyes were locked on my little sister, collecting data of the number of blemishes upon her skin, the size the colour, the stage they told a story of. Analysing what could be seen visually was all I could do to help at this stage. “Itching?” I asked with curiosity. “Peony is it a little itchy feeling. Or the kind that tells you something is wrong?”

She continued to listen to the doctor and the androids working to collect samples from her.

‘Do you remember when I fell from the blocks and scraped my knees and hands?’ She asked. ‘Well, it’s like that. When the scabs were itching. Pearl kept telling on me, and mom was so annoyed with you for letting me climb up them in the first place.’ She coughed her breath still overwhelmed from the amount she spoke.

“She’s getting betting… Kai… itching... and are you listening to her speaking?” She still did not sound herself. But it was a vast improvement.

Excitement blossomed in me. “Stars… is it too soon to hope for something good to come out of today?”

I didn’t want to think about the future or the consequences this will have. Kai had a lot of pressure on him, but seeing my sister, hearing her, bearing witness to this miracle. For now. This is what we needed to concentrate upon.

Or at least this is what I told myself as I sat here moving into Kai to give him a half hug.

“Thank you…. Thank you for letting us try this…”

֍ Kaito ֍

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖊𝖓𝖊𝖒𝖎𝖊𝖘 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖕𝖆𝖑𝖆𝖈𝖊…

I couldn’t have said it any better myself. My home had been invaded by enemies. The only home I had ever known.

She described her itching like she was healing, like a grazed palm that was healing over and driving you mad… we all knew the feeling. Even Princes skinned their knees. I knew that it had to be intense, she was covered in those blisters, but I still couldn’t stop the manic, hopeful laugh that escaped from me. “Just try not to scratch #Peony… The blood sample will tell us more.”

I tried to be realistic, she was reaching for a lesion on her arm. ‘Med Droid, please apply colloidal oat paste to Miss Lihn's affected skin.” The doctor's voice came out again.

I remember this, they used it on Father too until he lost the strength to attempt to scratch at his skin. “We have to have hope Cinder… Hope is strength, hope means there’s still fight left in us.”

And I prayed to the Stars that our hope wouldn’t shatter here tonight. ‘Your Highness… Miss Lihn.’ #DrErlund was in our ears now. ‘We’ll you join me in here for a moment please?’ I looked at Cinder. I knew that she would want to see whatever he wanted to show us as badly as she wanted to be here with her.

Like it was on cue the droid moved from swabbing a fowl-looking substance on #Peony’s arms to pulling the blankets down to her ankles. The paste looked, for all the world, like vomit but I knew from experience it smelled rather nice. “#Peony, sweetheart. We are going to go see the doctor, you can talk to us like you did before. But we’ll give you privacy while the med droids help you out with all those itches, okay? We won’t be far.”

Then I looked to #Cinder and flipped off the switch. “Would you rather stay with her? I can tell you everything if you don’t want to leave her.” I wanted to let her choose… I knew it had to be an impossible decision at such a pivotal time.

֍ Cinder ֍

𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲…

Kai was so right, if we lost all hope, we would lose this battle before the war began. Some part of me felt disheartened with little hope left when I thought there was No way for me to help #Peony, after I’d already failed #Iko. But now, everything didn’t feel lost to me.

#Iko… news I hadn’t broken to #Peony as of yet, however very soon I would need to do it, before her mother did it for us. Shaking the thoughts out of my mind… no… no... now wasn’t the time, first we needed answers! I hadn’t realised Kai had asked me a question.

“Sorry?”

Frowning as my internal processor replayed his conversation with my sister. He was so sweet and kind to her. Speaking to her as though she were a close friend. Even if part of me knew, this was Kaito... the crown prince. He would speak to everyone with kindness and respect.

“Oh…” thinking as I nod, and then shake my head. I felt divided in the choice between staying with #Peony, or to leave? My eyes move from #Peony to Kai and then back again.

“I’m coming with you. We can still talk to Pee, and if she needs me, I’ll be right here for her. But… Kai… I need to understand, to learn.. so that I can help her... and you.”

It was difficult to pull eyes away from my sister. Seeing her trying to sit up, drinking water, speaking to us. I could see the slight differences. I hoped to stars, the doctor had good news and it wasn’t just wishful thinking.

“Let’s go see whet the good doctor had to show us.” Tugging on my gloves pushing the legs of my pants down before I lifted myself up off the ground where I’d been sitting. As my eyes grew wary, of what we could be about to learn. I hadn’t considered the damage this illness could cause my sister. We were so young, so fragile.

Hope... I could feel it rising within me again as I walked over to the door Kai, and I had used to enter this room. Holding it open. “Come on Prince Kaito. Hope is still alive here with us.”

֍ Kaito ֍

Before I repeated myself… she was answering me, it was understandable that she wasn’t hearing everything that was being said. I couldn’t count the number of times I had to have #Nainsi repeats a conversation about my father to me after the fact… but this time she needed a moment to process.

I nodded, it was the answer I expected, but I would always give her the choice… it seemed like this cure was a real cure but… if these were #Peony’s last moments; she should be here. But knowing what was happening inside this little girl's body? That was life-changing for the two girls and world-altering for everyone else.

She held the door open, and I smiled at her, rising to my feet. “Let’s go see what hope has in store for us… shall we?” I stepped through the open doorway and reached back for Cinder’s hand, as though it was natural. As though it was where our hands belonged, linked together. And I lead her back through the narrow passage with only a single doorway at the other end. The light of the room beyond it was nothing like the soft soothing lighting of the visiting room. It stung my already strained eyes, too many tears had threatened today. But hopefully, the Doctor had news that would drive them away… for now.

“Is everything okay?” I asked. The doctor's gaze went right to our linked hands, but I didn’t care. These could be my last moments with the woman I had fallen in love with. I wasn’t about to waste them.

‘Take a look at the screens…’ he showed us two side-by-side screens. Showing what even I knew to be a magnified blood sample. ‘One on the right is #MissLihn’s sample from this afternoon and the Left is the sample we just took.’ #DrErlund tapped a few times on the smaller Portscreen in his hand and blue dots appeared on the screen. The left had significantly less. ‘The blue indicates the viral letumosis pathogens. As you can tell there is a pronounced difference in each sample. But watch…’

I watched… five, ten, fifteen seconds passed. A flicker on the screen and a blue dot disappeared…

“I’m not sure I understand… Are you saying it’s working?” I asked.

‘That is exactly what I am saying, Prince Kaito… and not only that… It's effective even outside of the human body, it is still eliminating the virus inside the sample independently of the human immune system.’ He announced that as thought we should understand him perfectly. The significance of this was lost on me though.

“What does that mean?” I prompted.

‘It means… If the drug maintains its current rate, I believe the #LihnPeony will no longer be afflicted with letumosis in a matter of hours. Then she will need to recover from the physical drain the disease has taken on her body.’ I almost shouted with relief, but he continued.

‘And also, that we may be able to heal those on the brink of death… if their body is strong enough to survive while the drug destroys the pathogen, the chances of recovery are significant.’

I was stunned… I couldn’t wrap my head around this… A world without letumosis? Was it possible? Was it within reach? Was my soul the only asking price?

“But Peony… she’ll survive?” It was all that managed to make it out.

֍ Cinder ֍

Yes my Princess, Miss Lihn is fighting hard. She will survive if this rate of action continues.’ #DoctorErland’s eyes drifting to me after he answered Kai’s question.

We had seen this before. We knew what this looked like. The screens before me reminded me of the results he had once shown me of my blood sample.

“Does this mean, you could use Peony’s blood and that of anyone who is cured from the disease to duplicate more, and maybe better antidotes?” My mind reeling from the fact that my baby sister would be okay.

I squeezed Kai’s hand in mine. Not ready to let go of a moment sooner than necessary. And as much as I didn’t want my thoughts to go there. I knew they had too. “How soon could we duplicate the antidote? Do we really need the help of the Luna’s to make more?” The doctor saw the pain in my eyes as I asked the question, and if I wasn’t mistaken,

he felt the same way too.

‘It’s a little too soon for us to understand the making of the antidote, Cinder. But trust me when I say. We will leave no stone unturned to find out.’

Even though no orange light blinked in my vision, I still found it hard to believe this old man cleaning his glasses in front of me now. My voice cracked as I spoke now.

“Thank you… thank you both… for trusting Peony and me with this chance. I swear… to my dying days... I will be in your debt.” I solemnly swore in that moment, I would pay these two men back somehow.

֍ Kaito ֍

I felt my knees wobble at his words. And I leaned on the nearest table ledge to keep steady. Cinder dove into all the questions that I couldn’t straighten my head out enough to ask. More dots vanished and the doctor and Cinder sounded like they were talking in another room.

I wanted to ask the doctor for more… but of course, it was too soon, it was even too soon to know for sure if this would work. But for right now all signs pointed to #Peony getting better, and that was what we needed to cling to right now.

Then the doctor spoke again my full attention came crashing back. ‘I am going to return to the labs. The med droids can handle #Peony’s care. They will draw a sample every four hours and I will be monitoring her condition remotely.’ He looked at the little girl through the screen. ‘We do not have a moment to waste working on this cure.’

Part of me wanted to protest, to say that he should be here in case something went wrong. But he couldn’t enter the room while she was still contagious. I knew he was right. I could only stall #Levana’s deal for so long while they study this cure.

But there was hope. And it was squeezing my hand… Could there be a chance? Could I give my father his dying wish and find love?

“Don’t thank us Cinder… the only person we should thank is #Peony… for being brave enough to try something so dangerous,” I said.

‘And My Prince, You should find time to rest… I heard what happened at dinner… and then this… revelation. You will need your strength and wits to deal with our visitors tomorrow.’ He dipped his chin respectfully and slipped from the room, a portscreen in hand and a droid trailing. I had a feeling it was carrying #Peony’s blood sample. I looked back to the screen. She was lying back holding her doll up above her head, smiling at it like it was the first time she had ever seen it.

She was humming… the tune of the music box I had given to Cinder. She was the most important person in the commonwealth today. I turned to Cinder and there was a rushing inside me… to tell her all of my hopes, all of my dreams… to see if she shared even one of them with me. But I swallowed it all back and with tears threatening for all the things I might not ever have and could still lose, I said. “I’m so glad your sister is going to be okay.” My voice shaking, squeezing through the tightness in my throat.

To Be Continued ....

#storytime #thelunarchronicles #cinder #linhcinder #a rose from the ashes #kaito #Price Kaito #story time #au worldbuilding #AU sto

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outofthefires · 1 year ago

Text

A Rose from the Ashes. SL03 - A Tale by Cinder & Kaito - Part 1

֍ Cinder ֍

֍ A Rose from the Ashes

#TheLunarChronicles

Is a rose still known by the same name if it survives the ashes it was immersed in? I am asking for a friend, because what would a cyborg like me know of these things?

I’ve been told I am not human, even though I was born as one, told that I have no humanity.

When it was the people in my life who act as they have none. That I am emotionless, as my tears come for no one, however now… now I have tears… I feel pain…. I feel the lost connection between me and my heart. Doesn’t this mean I am now a real girl?

One who is consumed by Devastation…. Who is Traumatised and crushed by the loss I would not wish upon another human being.

So much had happened…

We found out that my body somehow had something that fought the blue fever.

Iko was sold off in pieces by my evil stepmother.

Peony had been taken to the New Beijing palace for medical attention, thanks to my deal with Doctor Dimitri Erlund.

Prince Kaito had to send his best friend #Hiro away to safe him from the Luna’s delegation visiting the Commonwealth.

The emperor was in stage, three of this incurable disease.

I had managed to fix Prince Kaito’s android only to find out he had been secretly looking for the lost Luna princess.

And then with him we had made a connection to a Lunar in space by the name of #Cress.

All in all, life as I knew it… it was over, as I sat looking at the net screen with a journalist breaking the news of The Luna Queen herself was in route to visit now.

‘This cannot be allowed, first she sends her people. And now she is coming?’ One man shoulders his way to the front shouting.

‘I hear they are having our people who work in the palace tortured.’ Another shouts.

‘Our prince is too young to deal with this. He needs his father.’ A woman cries out.

‘He needs to support his people.’ Someone else shouts.

“What else do you think he is doing? Right now… what would you do in his shoes?” I hadn’t meant to shout, but I couldn’t hear any more. “He is keeping them within the grounds of the palace so they cannot mix with all of you. He is dealing with his father, our Emperor (In his honour, long live the emperor.), diagnosed as being in stage three of the blue fever… and you his people… are out here screaming that he can do better?

How about you go to him and show him you support him. Show the Luna’s that his people are behind him, that he is not alone. Those of you who are invited to the Ball…. Go… and stand as one beside him. Do not let him feel alone.”

They grumbled and hushed me; however, I could see as I walked away with a painful hobble, some eyes were watching and taking the time to understand our surroundings.

I couldn’t help the burning sensation growing, something beyond my control since I’d been in the lab, and the doctor had done something eminently suspicious. However, I was on a mission. I had to work out how I could help Kaito from afar without the Luna’s ascertaining, what we were up to. But how?

Could the doctor really help? The last time I had attempted to speak of the Luna’s with him, he had shot me down.

Turning the palace pass around my fingers as I hobbled my way up the hillside, I needed to revisit the topic with him.

The pass Kaito had issued me had come as a gift from the stars and him. I had been in and out four or five times a day, spending time with my little sister #Peony as much as possible in between working.

The uncomfortable chairs outside of her room had become my sleeping space now. It had made it easier for me to go see the doctor whenever he needed me, testing me, taking blood, injecting me. I took it all. It was all worth it when I could come rest my forehead to the cool glass looking over my sister as she slept.

At the same time, I kept #Iko’s personality chip in my legs secret compartment. This had now become how the three of us could share the same space at once.

֍ Kaito ֍

֍ Long Live the Emperor

“Never lose your kind heart, it will be your strength.”

I leaned against the wall of the elevator… “I should have kissed her.” I said the droid operating the lift. “Do you think I should have kissed her?” I asked, the android didn’t even turn its sensor to me. I shook my head. “Stars, I miss #Hiro.” I muttered to myself and stepped off the lift on the fourteenth floor. When I stepped back into my room there were still several people there and it made me want to leave immediately.

I never had a reputation as a demanding Prince, I was sure I had my tantrums as a child like any other child would… but the staff never dreaded to see me coming unless they’d caught me sneaking out. Before I addressed anyone in the room. I turned to my newly restored Android and said, with all the pomp and royal entitlement I could muster. “#Nainsi, by the end of the day tomorrow I would like an office assigned and prepared for me. It doesn’t need to be fancy… just a desk and somewhere to take meetings.” Then I raised my voice. “I will no longer be conducting Imperial business from my personal chambers unless it’s a matter of great urgency.”

The chatter in the room reduced to a murmur and people looked around as if realising for the first time that this was my space… their Prince… who demanded nothing and asked little, the boy whose last living family member lay dying in this very building… had his room, his only place of sanctuary invaded by (essentially) perfect strangers.

I received an update regarding the protest outside, it seemed to be dissipating. Someone from this room must have informed a family member or friend that I had issued a command not to suppress the net chatter regarding the gathering because it violated the citizen’s rights to free speech. Now, that was being reported on the lesser news feeds. It wouldn’t be long before the larger newscasters reported the story too. And shortly after a new story would dominate those headlines.

Everyone but #KonnTorin was gone for an hour before the dreaded knock came and #Nainsi opened the door. #DrDmitriErlund stepped inside wringing his wool cap in his hands. ‘Your Highness…’ He looked… Exhausted. ‘I wanted to personally inform you…’

Fear, speared through my heart. “Father?” I gasped. #Torin gripped my shoulder, though his own terror was evident.

‘He lives, Your Highness… he has entered the fourth stage of the disease. I didn’t want you to find out via comm.’

I was stunned into silence for a long, long moment. I could not break down, not now…. Not in front of the doctor and Advisor Torin… I. Could. Not. Break. Down.

‘Perhaps we should go and visit him.’ #Torin said after a long, long pause.

֍֍֍֍ Some Days Later ֍֍֍֍

I had no idea how long I had been asleep in the so-called armchair (more decorative the comfortable) next to the observation window of my father’s isolation room before I was gently woken by my valet. Father’s curtain tightly drawn. No one but me, #KonnTorin and the Doctor were the only people that were permitted to see the Emperor in his current condition.

The Imperial Advisor had arranged for a bed to be brought in after I refused to leave this room that first night. Now… I had been taking all my meals here, doing whatever little work I had been doing here. I told Father about Cinder, not what we had done; contacting the Lunar Satellite girl. Just about her and how she made me feel like a person, not just a Prince. How every time she was around things felt manageable… how easy it was to smile and laugh around her. I asked him if he thought I should have kissed her, too. He was too weak to answer. Days passed. I told my father about #LihnPeony. My promise to visit… how I would have to make good on the promise soon.

He deteriorated so quickly; I didn’t even know someone could lose weight at such a rate. He had been losing weight since the beginning, but now his skin hung macabrely from his bones, and he was wasting away before my eyes.

It happened in minutes; one second Father was sleeping, fevered, he was breathing quickly and sweat beaded on his brow moments after the med droids wiped it clean. Then alarms were sounding, Father’s body convulsed with coughs, Droids scrambled, and I flattened myself against the glass. “Father… No, please, Father… please don’t leave me to do this alone.” I begged and pleaded and the coughing fit continued.

‘Kaito…’ A firm hand came down on my shoulder. ‘Don’t let this be the last thing you say to your father.’ He told me, tears brimming in his eyes. He quickly turned away, pulling a handkerchief from an inner pocket.

Father’s coughing subsided and he seemed to reach out to the glass, turned to look at me and wheeze a breath. I summoned all my strength, taking a deep breath. Stars, I wished I could be stronger. “It’s okay, Father.” I tried to swallow the lump in my throat. “It’s time to rest. I am not afraid. I can do this. You can sleep now. Mother is waiting for you.” I wasn’t sure, but I swear he was smiling… or trying to, at least. “It’s impolite to keep a lady waiting, isn’t that what you always told me? Close your eyes, sleep. Tell Mother I love her. I will Always miss you both, but I’ll be okay.”

‘My beautiful boy…’ They were the first words that my father spoke in days. ‘Never lose your kind heart, it will be your strength.’ He coughed again, blood sprayed against the glass and stained his lips. His chest rose and fell jerkily, as he struggled to breathe. The med droids worked to clear his airway. “No…” I ordered… “Make him comfortable… It’s time to let him go.”

It took another four excruciating hours of my father breathing shallowly, completely unconscious from the painkillers before the Emperor of the Eastern Commonwealth finally passed away.

I collapsed into #Torin’s arms once the curtain was drawn. We cried. The press office released the statement… though I knew it would not spare me a public speech. Then the net screen in the room flared to life. The scrolling text read:

[Incoming video link: Her Majesty Queen Levana Blackburn of Luna.]

֍ Cinder ֍

֍ Meanwhile on the streets of New Beijing – Five Days Later ֍

As you walked the market places with the streets were sombre, nothing but the essential businesses were open. There were hums of sorrow in the wind, with only soft prayers being heard no matter where you turned. The scent of incense coated your nose and the back of your throat. Everywhere the eye could see there was no body in any clothing with bright colours. The world was muted in it’s tone. Our beloved father… The man who governed our commonwealth was gone, leaving a chasm which could not be filled by another. #EmperorRikan had lost his battle with Letumosis, and our great commonwealth was in mourning.

People were walking by foot towards the palace on the top of the hill, everyone held their heads down while holding silver plates in their hands, filled with whatever offerings they could afford. These were to help with our emperors spirit guide, to show him the way to his next life. Some people brought food, some fruits, some clothing, and others brought flowers. Everyone lit incense, to show him the path he had to take. From his city, all the way to his palace.

Those who walked in the opposite direction, you could see the red string coiled around their finger from the palace temple, a sign from the priest of the royal family to thank the people for paying their respects to an empty platform where #EmperorRikan should have been laying in state. Letumosis hadn’t only taken so many lives, it had also stolen our final goodbyes to those we loved. And this was resoundingly establish even more so now.

I came to the front of the line after nine hours of waiting and walking, the doctor had offered to bring me to the front with him and his team to pay their respects, however it felt wrong for me to do such a thing. I felt I had to wait with the others of our city, with those who had travelled in to pay their respects. That I couldn’t and shouldn’t have taken advantage of my connections to the palace. And now, holding out a small silver plate with white lilies and chrysanthemums set upon them I bowed down as far as my limbs would allow me.

“I am sorry I never had the chance to meet you in person, you may not know me Dà yé, however your son has told me what an amazing person you are. I will be his friend, and I will help him… thank you for looking after us.”

Rising I held my human hand out towards the priest, for the first time in public I had removed the glove from that hand. Taking the red string and coiling it around my finger. Walking out of the temple my eyes drifted to the Western doors of the palace, and I knew he was in there somewhere. My comms to him had gone unanswered from the day the news broke over the global links. I had been visiting with #Peony at the time. She had told me to go to Kai, however, I knew I couldn’t do that. No matter how much I wanted to be by his side.

So, instead I sent a comms;

[ I don’t want to say I understand your pain, Kai. However, just know. You are not alone.]

I held no malice toward the prince. I knew this was not an easy time for him. He was stepping into a role that would be the greatest challenge for him. At the same time as being a son who had lost his father… I wished #Hiro were here, I did not know the boy too well, however for what little time I’d spent with the two of them together, I could tell that he would have been who Kai would need the most right now.

I sent my friend another comms as I walked.

[There is always light somewhere in the darkness, don’t forget to look for it.]

Once the comms were sent, I continued on the path towards the entrance returning me to the palace Letumosis Labs to see my little sister. A red string for her in my hands too.

֍ Kaito ֍

※ Lady Peony ※

⎝ “Are you sure you’re read for all this fabulousness?” ⎠

“I don’t mean to be indelicate My Lady, but what on earth is taking you so long?” I chuckled. Tapping on the glass with the pink drapes shut tight.

‘You can’t rush perfection, Your Majesty.’ The high trilling voice came from behind the curtain.

The day after my father had passed and I delivered my speech in a daze, I had gone to see #LihnCinder’s little sister. The speech wasn’t to announce Father’s passing. That had been done almost immediately after… the people had the right to know without delay that their Ruler was gone.

“It’s still Your Highness until the coronation.” I told her.

I wasn’t sure why I had chosen then to make good on my promise, perhaps because of the way Cinder had spoken about her little sister and I really needed a ray of sunshine in my life. From everything I knew that was exactly what #LihnPeony was. Even as sick as she was this little girl did not let me down. She was a complete sweetheart. It was strange to think of her as a child when there were only two years between her and Cinder. But there was an innocence to Peony that made her seem younger, and her slight stature and round cheeks only added to that.

‘Okay, are you sure you’re ready for all this fabulousness?’ Her wind-chime voice came through the veil.

I chuckled and grinned at Amélie where she sat, ever poised, in an ornate red velvet chair. The beautiful woman was easily in her forties (though I had never dared to ask) and didn’t look a day over the age of thirty. Her skin was pale and perfectly smooth, the only flaw being three small freckles scattered across her left cheek. But the word flaw was totally inadequate, it only added to her undeniable beauty. Her hair was jet black and pulled back into a severe bun on the back of her head.

‘Come, Come my little flower.’ My childhood dance instructor drawled in a deep, raspy French accent that had inspired my very first crush. The curtain began to open and revealed the girl. The armchair in her room was far more suited to comfort than the ones in the viewing rooms. The girl tried to sit up in the chair and look full of energy, but her exhaustion just from the effort of changing her clothing was as evident as the red-rimmed blue marks that were visible on her neck and face.

On my last visit, she told me that she wished she could go to the ball and dance with me. But the chances of Peony surviving until the Ball were slim. But she was so hopeful that she would be cured; that I made her a deal; that I would teach her to dance once she was better. That, of course, led to her insisting that I prove to her I could dance.

So, I had a simple ball gown sent to her room, a soft pink dress, with darker pink flowers painted onto the silk… I was worried that embroidery would hurt her tender skin. I had full-length gloves made to match; to cover the signs of the disease on her arms. The dress was loose and flowing, if she was strong enough to stand it would flutter when she twirled. But she was struggling just to stay sitting now. In place of a tiara, I sent her a headdress made from strings and strings of pearls… again thinking of her comfort. Just so she could at least share in the celebration of the ball in some small way.

‘Thank you so much for my dress.’ She smiled and looked away shyly.

“It looks so pretty on you. You look like a Princess, Lady Peony.” I smiled at her through the glass. And Amélie lavished her with praise in both French and English.

‘My mother would never let me wear something like this. She would want it to be form fitting and…’ She trailed off, biting her lip and wincing at the action in a way that had Amélie looking away to hide her sympathy.

“I’m sure you would look just as beautiful in that, too.” I smiled and Peony blushed. “Now shall we get this show on the road?”

Peony smiled excitedly. “This is the dance we will teach you when you get better, okay?” I commanded the net screen to play the song. Amélie reached from my hands, and we danced the same steps she taught me when I was only fourteen. Making believe at that moment that she would, indeed, get the miracle my father had not.

(Music: Christina Perri - A Thousand Years I Wedding Dance Choreography I Pierwszy taniec -)

youtube

֍ Cinder ֍

֍ Hopelessness

⎝ Location: Palace Labs

Awoken in the early hours of the morning, with a comms advisory stating that #Peony had moved into the third stage of Letumosis. The shockand the suddenness of the act had taken me by surprise more than the message itself. Because when I opened my eyes, she was lying on the lab bed, with a med droid moving around her only feet from me, on the other side of a window.

She looked at peace while she slept, hugging the beautiful dress Prince Kaito had gifted her. She hadn’t stopped whispering to me about the time he had shared with her. How his and his partner had danced like stars in the sky, the beauty of the music she’d never heard before, and now she would listen to on a loop.

I managed to sway her opinion in my favour before bed, asking her to remove the dress for a nightgown, as her lesions were beginning to look painful to the naked eye. Reluctantly she agreed as long as she could keep the dress close. So, we had folded it in a way that it lay beside her on her bed, close enough for her fingers to play and feel the softness of the fabric as she drifted to sleep, and ever since the dress hadn’t moved and nor had the head piece. She clung to them, as they were symbols of a dream which finally came true.

The wearing of the android treads bought my attention back from where it had drifted. #Peony had been given a sedative to help with the pain and discomfort the virus would unleash on her. Upon closer inspection I could see the signs. The virus had most definitely progressed. Large, boil-like lesions had gone from the shades of blues and purples to reds all over her neck and cheek, with perspiration coating her skin.

What would this mean for #Peony? Just the thought had brought the facts up for me to read.

In the third stage of Letumosis -

The patient becomes very weak.

They can barely speak or even lift up their head, with the occasional bloody cough.

The colour of the patches becomes lighter and slightly red.

The patient begins to perspire and feel warm with severe sweating.

Hopelessness consumed me beyond the point of return. I never in my life felt this way, as I did now stood with my forehead plastered to the glass wall I had to pretend to stand behind.

“Screw this.” Muttering the words to myself, I left the viewing room and walked around to the android wing entrance, this was the first defence to keep the quarantined patients at a safe distance from those who were not infected, such as the doctors and the nurses who were analysing the disease and trying to come up with a cure.

Voices came from the med droids attempting to stop me from going to her, however I wasn’t going to stand by, allowing her to suffer on her own. Pushing my way into her room, I came to a stop beside her bed. Lifting the cooling cloth, I’d seen being used to help give her some relief.

‘Cinder?’ her voice brock with the lack of energy visible to me. ‘What are you doing in here? You… no… you will become unwell too...’ #Peony lifted her hand trying to push me away, however it was a futile action.

“I’m going to be fine, remember I told you, I am immune to the disease you cannot infect me. I told you remember I'm working with the doctor to find you a solution, a cure, I’m not going to stop until you are back in your own bed.” The words were thick in my throat. Was I lying to her? What could I do? Nothing. All I could do was wait for the doctor to find a way to save her.

‘Cinder... you…’ I cut her off, setting the damp cloth on her forehead and then climbed into her bed holding her to my side.

“I am fine, trust me. Now close your eyes and sleep. You need to save your energy.” Humming at first the tune of the song she loved now. and then softly signing the part I knew she loved the most.

I have died every day waiting for you….

Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years…

I'll love you for a thousand more!

֍ Kaito ֍

※ Ashes to Ashes ※

⎝ “Your Family will always be my family.” ⎠

Announcer: ‘The streets of New Beijing are lined with people as the ashes of our beloved Emperor journey home; to be interned alongside those of his beloved wife. Travelling with the remains of His Imperial Highness Emperor Rikan, is his only living family Crown Prince Kaito and his most trusted Advisor Konn Torin. Although it has remained unannounced it is widely believed that once crowned, Prince Kaito will not appoint a new Advisor and his father’s loyal subject will remain in service to the crown.’

The feed was muted in our open-topped hover as we rode through the streets. Allowing those in the city who could not venture to the palace before Father was committed to his final resting place, to say their goodbyes and show respect. Many people dropped flowers ahead of our passing… the maglev tracks left the flowers unspoiled in the streets. Streets that I knew were often littered… but now? Now they were swept clean. I was deeply moved by the sight, knowing that many of these people struggled to keep their families fed and here they were… laying flowers for my father's final journey.

Moved… and ashamed. Shamed that my people were starving while plans for the arrival of The Lunar Queen were underway at this very moment. The treasury threw money at the event while our countrymen went hungry. I shook my head… pinching the bridge of my nose to try and dislodge the thoughts.

“You should have allowed your husband to ride with us, #Torin.” I spoke. “You lost a friend; you deserve to be with family.”

The usual stoic man turned to me with a solemn almost smile. ‘I am, my boy. Let’s not forget I am among the first to have lain eyes on you moments after your birth. Your father placed you in my arms when you were less than one hour old, and I heard your dear mother speak your name aloud for the first time.’ He paused for a moment. ‘He didn’t feel it was appropriate, he had little occasion to meet your father and even less to spend time with you. He wanted you to feel like you were… with family.’

I couldn’t but smile… a very small smile was all I could muster with my father’s ashes on display a foot away and the newsfeed drones watching my every move. “Your family will always be my family, Torin.”

It felt like hours before we got back to the palace and Father’s ashes were placed on the pedestal in front of the entrance of our family mausoleum. Torin and I took a seat on a raised platform, and now the people of the city and those who travelled here would be invited in to say their final goodbyes… While the rest of the world watched. At least the news drones were not permitted into the palace’s airspace.

It was going to be a long… long day. Selfishly… I just wanted to mourn my father my own way. In the kitchens, eating soup with Mama Zhao. But I owed this to my people.

֍ Cinder ֍

֍ Isn’t being a Cyborg Bad Enough?

⎝ Location: Palace Labs

“Stars Above! Isn’t being a cyborg bad enough? You want to make me believe I’m Luna too?” The words weren’t computing even as they came from my mouth. “No…. NO! I won’t allow it!”

‘It’s not for you to allow Cinder. I had my suspicions when you first came into the labs, I couldn't put my finger on it and without proof it wasn't something I was willing to discuss with you. But cinder it is true I have seen it… I've seen it in your blood you are lunar my dear.’ He said the word like it wasn’t about to shatter my life.

“No… No… It…” My world came crashing down around me. Had my guardian known this? Or had he been lied to? How else could any of this truly be factual?

‘Once again you are missing the point I’ve been trying to make.’ The Doctor paced across the room; he had called me… no he had demanded I come to see him as soon as I’d been cleared from quarantining after my outburst with #Peony as he called it.

“No, I’m not missing the point, because you aren’t making one. All you have done is shout at me, telling me YOU and I… that WE are Luna!!! You had even more blood taken from me, and when I rolled my eyes at you, you bluntly shouted out that I must leave and not return to the palace until the Luna Queen leaves these grounds! It’s not the same thing.”

The old man frowned deeply, creasing his forehead letting his eyes rest over the muted Netscreen. It had been replaying the emperors procession from earlier in the day, nothing had changed really on the scrolling text. It was a view of the palace as the sun set behind it, while they spoke of all the messages that had come in from all over Earth.

‘Cinder, I need you to trust in what I am telling you. I will make sure your sister is cared for extremely well, she will be given the treatment as soon as I have one. However, you… child…. You cannot be seen on these grounds. It will not be good for you, me, or our prince if she finds you here.’

It all felt overwhelming, I couldn’t believe all the information the doctor had explained. How earthen people’s ID chips were sold on the black market, to those without a chip, giving them a chance to live a better life. How there were Luna’s without powers called ‘Shells’, these babies would be killed because the Queen couldn’t control them. How the doctor believed me to be one of these Shells... How I had benefited and lived this life of mine, only because my father, mother, or both, must have smuggled me off Luna, and sent me here to Earth. It was all too fanatical and unbelievable at once.

“I’m sorry I cannot trust anything you say. You lie to your prince so openly and easily. What is stopping you from doing the same thing now?” But the truth was I knew he wasn’t lying. For the first time since I met this man. My orange light which warned when someone was lying, remained off.

‘If not for yourself, Cinder. Do it for your sister, and your friendship with the prince.’ This hit home making my eyes sting.

“When… when can I come back? I wanted to go see Kai, it’s been a hard day for him. I wanted to sit beside my friend, and show him, he is not alone.” I asked with my shoulders slumped, voice low, because what choice did, I really have?

He placed a hand on my shoulder. ‘I will comms you as soon as the path is clear for you to return. You are doing this for his safety too, Cinder. For him and Peony.’ Tapping me on the back, he asked me to stand walking me to the door. ‘I have a hover waiting for you. It will take you home.’

“Home….” How could I tell him that the place I slept had never been my home. Being a cyborg had ostracised me from people, if they now found out what the doctor believed, what would happen to me?

֍ Kaito ֍

⎝Happenstance⎠

For hours I sat there, hearing the apologies of the diplomats and world leaders who had travelled to pay their respects to my father. Hours.

Hours.

The people filed in laying gifts, and flowers and praying in more languages than I knew. Some cried loud and unrestrained… others wept silently… many shook as they tried to control their emotions. Then there were the stoic ones, they intrigued me the most, were they fearful for the future, numb… or just unaffected? No… it couldn’t be the last one… no one would stand in line for this long if they did not care.

A small girl had fallen and become separated from her mother in the shuffling. One of the palace guards abandoned his post to stop several people slowly shuffling forward on top of the girl; but then he appeared to freeze realising he had broken protocol. I had abandoned my post, excusing myself from the American Secretary of State and reached below the barrier to lift the child from the fray… It was unlikely she would have been hurt, but she was becoming upset. I guided her and her mother to the head of the line. No one could expect a four-year-old with a skinned knee to stand in line, right? She told me her Papa died too and kissed me on the cheek, then gave me her (clearly handmade) doll so I would have someone to talk to. I only accepted it when her mother assured me, she had one doll for every birthday and this one was just the latest.

That doll currently sat next to #Peony’s bed on top of the folded dress I had painted for her. I had come hoping for her smile, wishing on stars that by some miracle… today, she would look better… the blueish lesions faded… her mood and energy boosted. Anything… everything. But she was sleeping and despite the attentive droid mopping her brow; it didn’t take long for the sheen of fever to set in again. But still, I sat… I would rather be here in the short time I had before the arrival of the Lunar Queen. Even asleep… she was still the last ray of sunshine left in my world. I smiled.

This strange, beautiful, pure-spirited girl… did she affect everyone this way? She didn’t deserve this. No one did… but Peony…

I sighed… “I’m so sorry, Lady Peony.” I whispered to the sleeping form. “I promise you… I will wipe out this disease… If I can just survive this day.”

֍ Cinder ֍

When the doors to #Peony’s viewing room slide open, the last person I expected to bump into, sat there watching her. My demeanour changed in a blink of an eye.

I straighten my shoulders, wiped my face with my gloved hands and then tugged the gloves up at my wrists, and the leg of my pants down.

All these things were a habit I couldn’t consider changing, as they were a way for me to safe guard my anonymity in a world, I would always be unfortunately unaccepted.

Before I worried what people would think of me for being cyborg and now, the good doctor had opened up his diagnosis of me being of lunar descent?

“Kai… I mean… Prince Kaito…” People walking in the corridor behind me stopped to take note. So, I bowed best as I could.

“I wasn’t expecting you to be here, not today of all days.” Taking a few steps into the room, so that the door would close behind, letting out a sigh of relief when no one outside could hear our conversation.

However, now I found myself in another conundrum. What did you say to someone who lost their father?

“It was a beautiful prayer service, the emperor would be so proud of you, may his spirit find its way to our lost empress, and may the two find peace and rest.” Bowing my head as I spoke the words of mourning.

֍ Kaito ֍

“Cinder!” I gasped… I shouldn’t be shocked. This was her sister after all. “I… I….” I smiled, instantly feeling like it was inappropriate. Because her sister lay dying behind the glass, my father’s ashes had just been interned next to my mother's. And yet… the sight of this woman could still make me smile.

I nodded, accepting her condolences. “Thank you, Cinder. I believe they have been reunited and I have no doubts Mother is already teasing him about what a terrible dancer he is.” I chuckled. Father was actually a wonderful dancer… but he boasted about it so often when they were courting that mother refused out of stubbornness to praise him for it.

“I’m sorry… I don’t normally visit at this hour… I didn’t intend to intrude on family time…. I just.” I turned back to the glass, the sleeping girl coughed softly, and I found myself focusing to make sure that there was no blood on her lips. There wasn’t, it terrified me that this was yet to come for this little child.

“Your sister… she brightens my day, she’s so…” I shook my head, there were no words for the purity of this girl's heart. “I have so few reasons to smile lately.. and now today… of all days. I have two of those reasons right next to me.”

֍ Cinder ֍

His smile was contagious, even at a time of loss he could find it in himself to smile. Even when speaking of his parents. The truth of it, I smiled now too. Thinking of his mum, chastised his father for not dancing well.

“It is a wife’s prerogative to tease her husband.” Walking into the room, I saw #Peony asleep and the back of a droid caring for her. She wouldn’t have had this care if she weren’t here.

“Please, Kai… you are not intrude I was—“ Stopping myself from explaining how this was going to be my goodbye to my little sister. Because I’d been told not to come back. He did not need to hear it.

“I am most certain Peony will happily take your company over mine. And I don’t know how to thank you for this… she is here, being cared for with respect and kindness, because of you.” The sound of coughing was me rush over to the glass, palms flat pushing, and wishing I could be in there with her. My hands fisted at how useless I felt in this moment.

“She has a talent, ever since she was small. She can make you feel welcomed, wanted, and loved. It’s her heart…” my voice cracked a little, smiling as I watched her. “It’s full of love for everyone.”

Once I could she her settle into her sleep once again, I turned to look at Kai. He wasn’t a mess; however, he wasn’t as well put together as i was used to seeing him too.

“Two reasons? I didn’t know androids gave you so much happiness.” Knocking my fingers on the window.

“I wanted to thank you so much for taking time out of your day to come dance for her, she couldn’t stop smiling and talking about it when I last visited. I think her crush on you has grown stronger. You truly are her Prince Charming.”

Taking another glance at #Peony notices how she still held the head piece in one hand, and now. “There’s a doll…” the words were said to me of course. It was a small handmade doll I’d seen girls in the market square play with. “Did you bring it for her?” This time I turned to face Kai.

֍ Kaito ֍

I smiled and nodded. “So, she reminded us…” I laughed softly. “Frequently.”

Before I could answer her, she was stepping up to the glass rapidly and my heart broke. I had been in her shoes only days ago. I stepped up behind her and hesitated before reaching out to touch her shoulder lightly. “I don’t believe that’s true. The Lady Peony speaks very highly of you. And the rest…. That isn’t me. It’s the doctor… he believes that having Peony here will advance his research and all patients in the study receive the same level of care.” I looked around her room. “I may have suggested a little pinker to housekeeping. White makes everything so… hospital-like.”

I felt the back of my neck heat. “I know it's likely inappropriate… Your sister is ill… and Father just… but I can’t help but smile when I see you.

You’re just… so authentically you. A trait sorely missing in my life since #Hiro left.”

“Oh…” Heat flashed again. “Yes… it… I…” I knew it was unlike the rest of the grand things in Peony’s room. And I was sure that there were pictures of my interaction with the child at the service on the net already. Even without the press there, it was impossible to police port screens. “A little girl at the service... she gave it to me so I would have someone to talk to about Father. But your sister has sort of become my someone to talk to.” I shuffled awkwardly. I knew I couldn’t confide in her all my fears and anxieties... she was only a child. But her utter and complete faith that I would be, in her words, The best Emperor that ever Emperored… comforted me.

I knew it was borne of a misguided crush… but still. Perhaps it was just her contagious optimism. “So…” I finally continued. “I figured she was the best caretaker.”

With a small whimper, the girl stirred… her waking hours were… erratic. I knew it wouldn’t be long before her sleep was plagued with coughing fits and fevers. “I fear I may have filled her head with hopes of attending the ball… I just couldn’t…” Her eyes began to flutter, and I thought she was waking, even now, I couldn’t bear to steal away her hope so I cut off the half-verbalized thought.

֍ Cinder ֍

“Lady Peony?” Questioning the title, I knew my young sister would have adored, even more because it came from her Prince Charming. “You know what Iko, and I call her?” A pang of heartache pushed at my chest, those phantom tears threatening to become real once again. “Gōngzhǔ (Princess) Peony… because she was born to be known as Gōngzhǔ Peony.” Knowing #Iko would have been hanging off each and every word Kai said if she were here.

Shaking off the storm within me and turning my head to glance back I found Kai right there.

“Sure, yes. The doctor is ever so helpful.” Trying to keep my tone even.

As much as I wanted to come clean, to tell Kai his doctor had been lying to him when he asked for Kai’s signature. I couldn’t, and not just because what it could mean for #Peony, but more so how it would most likely hurt Kai to learn it now.

My eyes followed his vision to the glass and the room beyond it. The touches of pink, giving a sterile room just a hint of a homely feeling.

“Even the smallest change you have requested on behalf of my sister is much appreciated. Just the fact that you are taking time to visit… it’s your kindness she has been speaking of so much.”

I could feel a heat creep up into my cheeks, a warning in amber scrolled across my retina display telling me to calm down.

**𝚆𝙰𝚁𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙶 – 𝙴𝚕𝚎𝚟𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙻𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚕𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝙰𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎, 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝙸𝚗𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐.

I wanted to roll my eyes. Because I didn’t need my sensors telling me what I already was well aware of.

Clearing my throat, my eyes dropped to my hands as I mindlessly tugging the hems of my gloves up when I thought of his loses in these days. Not only did Kai have to say goodbye to his father, but to his best friend too.

Before I could ask after #Hiro, ask if he had arrived safely to his destination wherever it maybe. Or thank him for the gesture of kindness it is placing the doll by my sister, I heard her voice. It had lost the melodious ring she always had, sounding raspy and dry.

“Med Droid, please could you give Peony some water?” It rolled into action upon my request. My sister slowly opened her eyes, with a hint of a smile when she saw who stood beside me.

‘You came back again?’

Uncertain who she was speaking to. I stepped back allowing her to have her moment with her Prince. Because of course I wanted her to have all her special moments, I wanted her to be full of memories she’d been dreaming for all her life.

֍ Kaito ֍

I smiled at that familiar word; one I had learned to never use lightly for fear of creating an international incident. “While that is a very fitting title… it’s a word I am not permitted to use lightly.”

I knew that Cinder had mixed feelings about the doctor, he was a weird guy… there was no doubt about that. But Father trusted him and that was all that mattered to me.

“If there’s anything you think she needs… or even just wants…” I smiled at her. “I can’t do anything for the people suffering all over the commonwealth… but she is right here, and she deserves the best we can provide. And visiting… Honestly, I think I get more from it than she does… I have been… well let's just say my social calendar is wide open these days.” Telling her I was lonely since #Hiro left seemed a little pathetic.

She was doing that nervous twitch again with her gloves. Then she stepped away and my first instinct was to reach out and stop her. Luckily extensive etiquette training taught me to control these impulses.

I smiled at #Peony. “Of course, I did, My Lady… but look who else is here this evening.” I held out my hand for Cinder to come closer.

‘Cinder!’ #Peony smiled and sat up a little. The med droid immediately adjusted her bed to prop her up. ‘You’re both here! Together.’

֍ Cinder ֍

Of course, he couldn’t or shouldn’t use that title. However, it wasn’t what I’d meant. It was how #Iko and I saw our little #Peony. We hadn’t thought she would be married to the crown Prince! Is that what he had thought I meant?

I hovered in the background; my natural instinct was to move out of the way. My step mother had never allows me to be seen with the rest of the family if she could help it.

But I found myself looked at Kai back profile. Mulling over what he has said before #Peony woke.

It must be difficult for him now in the palace With the Luna delegation here, and the imminent arrival of their Queen. He was alone without his father and his best friend too.

“No. Peony don’t sit up; you need to rest.” Rushing to the window so she didn’t have to strain to see me.

‘I want to see you, Cinder. You’re here… and so is Prince Kaito.’ She’d already said this moments ago. I glanced towards Kai before speaking.

“Yes, we ate here. The prince came to check in on you. And I….” Sideways glancing at Kai before continuing “I wanted to come say hi too.” ‘Aren’t you saying with me tonight?’ Her brow furrowed.

“No, not tonight… I… uhmm… I need to do some work.” I disliked lying to her.

֍ Kaito ֍

I watched the sisters interact, but they looked nothing alike. I knew Cinder was adopted, she had told me… or; so I had gathered because I heard her refer to her stepmother… and #Peony spoke about her father like he hadn’t been Cinder’s father all her life. I had made a point of not doing a net search on Cinder. I tried to always do the same with my friends… or uhm… other interests.

I was shocked by the revelation that Cinder had been spending the night here and I made a mental note to #Nainsi to arrange something comfortable to sleep here. A recliner or something that didn’t make its intention obvious. But when I thought about it… I shouldn’t have been shocked to learn this.

“It’s not a good idea for Cinder to stay tonight #Peony. #QueenLevana will be arriving tonight.” The girl cringed away, fearful. “No, no, no.” I said softly lowering myself to her eye level. “We talked about this, remember? The Lunars cannot get into the Medical Wing. And they wouldn’t even try because their magic doesn’t work on droids and there is glass everywhere. I only said it was a bad idea because the security will be tight at the exits and entrances as soon as they enter Earth's orbit. You are perfectly safe here. The lunar's vanity will see to that. This is the most guarded place in the Commonwealth. Better guarded than even me.” I smiled but she still looked afraid.

I looked to Cinder, perhaps the comfort would be more effective from her sister.

֍ Cinder ֍

My eyebrows pulled together in deep contemplation. Kai has made quite a few interesting points.

The doctor knew how I would react to being asked to leave me sister here unattended, and he still told me to stay away when the Luna’s would t come here to the medical wing? If the Queen wouldn’t come here, then why couldn’t I come to be with #Peony?

Okay… fine… she wouldn’t be ‘unattended’, with #Pearl and #Adri visiting. But still. They wouldn’t stay the night here on the uncomfortable seating just in case #Peony woke from a bad dream in the night.

Shaking the thought away, to return my attention to the conversation I was surprised to see Kai watching me. So, I replayed what had been said.

“Kai is right Peony; you are in the safest place in the commonwealth.” Pretending to whisper. “And you know my promise still stands. I have a few friends in the kitchens here now, thanks to the prince. So… they’ve agreed to sneak a tray of your favourite foods down to you.” Attempting to distract my sister with food.

For a while she didn’t speak, and the. A whisper came across. ‘Will there be custard buns?’

I smiled, my hands fisting on the glass dividing the two of us. “Yes... I will ask them to have custard buns just for you.” My eyes pricked with scolding hot tears.

‘They won’t be as good at the ones at the market.’ Shaking my head. “They are better. Truly mouthwatering.”

‘What foods will there be at the ball Prince Kai?’ She brought him into the conversation. I could see fear still lingering in her features; however, she was attempting to move forward.

֍ Kaito ֍

I smiled at Cinder when she mentioned friends in the kitchens. But some part of me feared that too. If the friendship that sparked between us was discovered; would Cinder, be targeted as #Hiro had been? Cinder couldn’t just up and leave like that… and it wasn’t like it had been easy to organise my best friend's safe passage either. In fact, the only way had been to not organise it at all and leave it in the hands of a freshly programmed escort droid.

I heard the sorrow in Cinder's voice and before I could stop myself my hand slipped into hers and squeezed. This touch wasn’t like when I wanted to brush my fingers against her cheek or tuck a stray hair behind her ear just for an excuse to touch her, or like the moments when it took all my control not to kiss her. This time it was like the many times #Hiro slipped his hand into mine while I watched my father decline, and I needed the strength.

I was about to comment on Momma Zhao’s custard buns… but then those too-soulful eyes were on me, asking me a question. The fact was… I had no idea; the menu was being completely revised now; to suit the tastes of the Lunar Queen and her delegation… they said it was to put our best foot forward, but I had a feeling that not many spices grew in the domes on the surface on the Moon. Delicate Lunar stomachs weren’t used to heat and flavour.

“Oh, so many sweets… and a lot of fish, or so I am told.” There were no oceans on the moon… so this was a show of what Earth's regenerated oceans had to offer in the way of trade if the Queen signed the treaty.

“I wanted shaved ice… but apparently that wasn’t nearly fancy enough.” I chuckled, trying to make the girl smile. But at least it was the truth too. “But the food was never the best part of the ball. That was always the music.” My smile grew. “The music and the dancing… those are the best things about the festival.”

֍ Cinder ֍

‘Oh… sweet and sour fish balls soup, and all the dumplings you could think of I bet too.’ The princess had taken my lead and excited my little #Peony with tales of the ball.

When his hand slipped into mine just below the glass window, I couldn’t help but to squeeze back. A friend, this was my friend showing me his support, making it so the tears in my eyes dried and disappeared without being seen.

“I bet you’re right.” I told her about the food. And then her eyes lit up. Even with the dullness of the illness consuming her body and life line. The thought of dancing and music gave her something to hold on to.

‘I’m really going to miss the dancing and the music. I wanted to sit there and watch everybody dancing to their heart’s content.’

My lips parted, but I couldn’t bring myself to lie to her. As much as I planned to fight until the last breath… I couldn’t lie to her. So, I smiled. Squeezing the hand in mine.

“What song would you really want to hear P? Which is the one you hope they will play?” Her eyebrows pulled together as she contemplated my question. Her eyes were on Kai, then on me. And then back on him again.

֍ Kaito ֍

Feeling that squeeze returned made my heart swell a little. The intention was purely to comfort a friend, I had been so bereft of friendship since I banished my best friend. It was a great comfort to feel that with Cinder now even if it was only a moment in time.

The sisters spoke and I smiled, it was a small, sad smile. But it was a real smile.

#Peony was grinning… sleepily, but grinning. Her still keen eyes flickered from Cinder to me and back again. “I know exactly what My Lady would like to hear.” I let my smile grow and take over my face for a moment. I called out the name to the Net Screen behind us and slipped my hand out of Cinder’s and stepped back far enough to bow to her with my hand extended. The screen started to play the very old song. “Lihn-Mie.” I tilted my head up to her like a proper gentleman. I was breaking a rule we’d made addressing her formally. But a higher rule was the one of honour and respect a Prince owed to the person he was inviting to dance. “Would you honour me with a dance?”

I knew she would hate this. But I knew that she wouldn’t disappoint her sister who was swooning and and sighing dramatically about fainting. My gaze flicked from Cinder to #Peony. I smirked at her and whispered through my smile. “Don’t disappoint the little one!”

‘My sister is gonna dance with the Prince!’ Lady Peony crooned at her new (to her) doll and propped it on her knee for a front-row seat.

֍ Cinder ֍

As soon as the music began to play, I knew I was in trouble.

“Stars… no!” My hand shot up to my mouth. Shit! I knew I shouldn’t say no to the crown Prince. No matter if we were friends. But then again, if friends couldn’t be trusted to say it how it was, who on Earth would?

‘Cinder… please!’ #Peony swooned bating her eyelashes so slowly anyone watching could tell this disease wasn’t taking it easy on her little body.

“P…” I began

‘Please…. Please… please…’

Closing my eyes, I nod my head once before giving Kai my full attention. “Wángzǐ (Prince) Kaito, it would be my honour to dance with you. But I should warn you, your toes are in grave danger.” Slipping my human hand into his waiting one, I gave him the most uncomfortable and improper cutesy I’d seen.

“What are you doing. This is such a bad idea.” Whispering through a smile as our bodies came into contact. Placing my cyborg hand on his shoulder so gently hoping he wouldn’t notice the difference through the gloves.

‘You both look so charming.’ #Peony smiled watching us with glazed eyes.

Something prickly warmed behind my retinas. He was heartbroken with the loss of his father, and here he stood trying to give my sister memories. Taking the first step to follow his lead.

֍ Kaito ֍

I smirked at her. She had told me before that she didn’t dance. But it was just #Peony and I here so my guilt at putting her on the spot was minimal. When the little Lady started to lay it on thick, I felt a tiny bit more guilt.

She shocked me with her acceptance, but she added just enough of her signature sarcasm to make it believable. My hand closed gently on hers, I didn’t chuckle at her curtsey… because it was honestly a relief from the expert preening, I was used to. This was a reminder that Cinder had more important things to do than spending hours learning to be a perfect potential princess.

Her hand was cool on my shoulder and the other was so warm I was sure she was sweating inside that glove. I must have had her spun if her body couldn’t even decide on a temperature. “Toes heal.” I grinned. “Honour is forever. And I for one.. think this is a wonderful idea.”

I looked into her strange eyes and whispered. “Ready?” I took one step forward guiding her back a step, just simple slow motions. It felt like far too long since I had been this close to another person that wasn’t about protocol. I wasn’t alone anymore, here, and now. At this moment I had a friend, a real human connection. “Dancing doesn’t need to be fancy or choreographed… sometimes… it's just music and movement.” I took small steps, taking her with me in a slow circle.

֍ Cinder ֍

“Toe, heal, what?”

Thanking the stars, I’d kept my connection to the net intact, a quick search began a fast stream of information scrolling past my vision. Dropped my gaze while reading it and then dismissing it all as reading about dancing was no way the same as dancing itself.

‘Stop thinking Cinder, follow the beat of the tune you hear.’ #Peony hummed low, her attention to details when it came to all these things had been frightening at times.

“I wasn’t taking dancing lessons. Remember.” Reminding her not out of malice, but fact.

‘And here we are, you look beautiful dancing. Even in your work clothes.’ My eyes were on her once again. Seeming her small dull face smiling with tiredness in her eyes.

“Now I know there is something wrong with your eyesight.” Teasing her just as we did growing up together.

‘Pay attention to your surroundings and your dancing partner. I am not here.’ She shouted, but it was far from what her shouts once were.

“You mean my victim here.” Winking at her before looking back to Kai. “Sorry… sorry… Kai… I am ready.” Nodding as I followed him glancing down to catch the placement of my feet.

“Music… movement… listening… Something about coordination too… stars… can’t I program a droid to do this instead?” And then I stepped on his foot and froze. Thanking the stars, it was with my Human foot.

“Sorry!”

֍ Kaito ֍

I chuckled at the sisters' bantering and smiled. I was glad they could smile and be happy. Even with #Peony behind that glass; so sick it took all her energy to sit up. I heard what she said about the dance lessons… it made me wonder if her stepsisters had lessons and she was left out. From the stories, Peony told me… that kind of thing happened a lot in their family.

“There’s a lot you can learn from lessons…” I told her honestly. “But… sometimes it’s better to just… go with the flow.” Then my smile tilted up to one side. “But your sister is right, you do look beautiful in your work clothes.” Then I flushed, the back of my neck heating as I mentally berated myself. This did not fit into my plan to distance myself from her to keep her safe.

#Peony swooned again, and I chuckled. Then she stepped on my foot, and I winced a little… but she was a slight little thing. “I’ve danced with Droids before, actually. A Tech Corporation tried to create a dance company as some kind of publicity stunt.” I spoke, moving with her around the room. Talking about something she might be interested in.

She was a tech genius after all. “They wanted me to name myself as a sponsor… so I went to see what they could do…” I talked on and on about their techniques, the execution, and the unparalleled timing when they performed as a group. I kept her distracted, kept her moving. I told her it left me feeling… hollow. I kept my attention on her and only her… like a good dance partner always did.

֍ Cinder ֍

In a room where everything was measured, the sound, the air, the atmosphere. I felt hot under the collar. My gaze narrowed waiting for that telltale orange light which told me when someone lied, but it didn’t show this time.

The prince had lied to me when we first met, however it wasn’t anything I couldn’t tell for myself. But now. Was he seeing the same me as was reflected off the shining glass?

Beautiful? In my work clothes? They were old, well worn, worked hard in, day in and day out. How could he truthfully believe what he was saying to me? And yet… no orange light blinked in my vision.

His eyes were addictive, when you dared to look into them it wasn’t easy to break away. Add to the fact his way to draw you into a conversation. The perfect subject for every person he met. Well educated, well spoken, with the knowledge of the world, not because of a net link in his mind. But from Learnt knowledge of a spectacular education all on full view.

I moved with him, listening to him speak so eloquently, his lips moved ever so slightly with that calming sound of his voice melting into the music playing softly behind us.

My feet didn’t stumble, even if I did a few times. However, as the talented professional dancer Kai was, he took it into his stride, turning us, correcting me, and making it feel flawless. Even though I heard every word of his story, I knew the company, the androids he spoke off, knew the tweaks I would make in the coding to change the experience better for the human. I said nothing. For once I kept my sarcasm to myself and just…. Listened.

֍ Kaito ֍

She was dancing with greater ease now, listening to my every word. I smiled… okay maybe this act drove home the spoiled Prince routine, but it was making her more comfortable. She was examining me as though she could reveal all of my secrets through my eyes alone. But all I saw were the strange depts of hers. The tempting shape of her mouth, and high angular cheekbones all coming together to create this truly unique kind of beauty.

“After the show, I asked the director, who was human, if I could dance with the lead female android.” I continued the story and picked up the pace a little… but this was a slow waltz so even with her few stumbles I was confident she could keep up. “And she instantly started to fuss and stumble over her words. She even called over her programmer… because of course, these droids hadn’t been programmed for anything unchoreographed. But… because I’m a rebel…” I laughed and dared to take Cinder's hand and spin her away. Then back again. #Peony squealed in delight. “I asked the lead dancer for a dance… and it was a disaster.” I laughed.

The song was coming to an end, and I smiled at her again. “Guess what, Cinder?” I quirked a brow. “You’re dancing… and pretty well for a first timer too.” I leaned in closer to her and whispered, very carefully, making sure #Peony couldn’t hear. “I wish I’d kissed you that day in the elevator. Because after today…” I stopped, the sense of dread about the #LunarQueen’s visit looming over me again. “I may lose that chance forever.”

֍ Cinder ֍

My friend was laughing, my sister happy to watch us from the other side of the protective glass. And me. My mission had been set. Don’t step on the prince’s feet, don’t make a fool of yourself, and don’t fall! All of which were panning out just about.

So, I told myself until Kai decided to show off by adding moves such as turns me out, and then back in. I thanked the stars when he caught me from hitting his chest on the way back into him, then continued without missing a step.

Kai’s story had been entertaining, so him, the inquisitive side of him would of course want to test the droids out for themselves. I had to laugh with him as he recalled what he had done, said, and then realisation dawned on his last comment.

I didn’t have the time to dwell on my achievement, because I knew I hadn’t misheard his whispering confession. My eyes darted to #Peony, and then back to Kai. His kind and handsome face taking me in, my heart racing and heat creeping into my cheeks. Warning signs flashing before my retina display, again I knew he wasn’t lying.

Kai had wanted to kiss me? In the elevator? But now… he couldn’t? I hadn’t realised how close I had somehow moved into him. Had my feet stepped in, or had his? His pink lips so soft and welcoming. So close for us to share a kiss.

And then I woke up from this dream because it couldn’t be reality. I couldn’t kiss the prince of our people, not when he was about to step into the role of our emperor, not when… not when he didn’t know the truth about what I am. I couldn’t break the trust he placed in me. He would never want to kiss me if he knew I was part cyborg, and if the doctors facts were true, I was Luna too! Stars above. How did we end up here?

I broke away from Kai’s hands, stepping back just as the song came to its end. Bowing my head twice.

“Thank you, Prince Kaito, for the great honour of this dance.” Placing the right amount of emphasis on the word ‘prince’.

֍ Kaito ֍

I needed this... this time… this moment… to be just Kai. Before my entire life changed… again. I felt like my life got turned on its head every week since Father got sick. I had gone from a Prince whose main duties were social and political events, public appearances… and studying. Every day, history, politics, humanities… learning how to be my Father. Or as he would put it, learning to be better than him. To needing to make decisions that affected the entire Commonwealth. My speeches were no longer performative, they were necessary to maintain peace and hope.

I lost my best friend. I had my lifelong companion hacked and bugged! I spoke with a Lunar spy that was supposedly on my side? And now… now… My father was in a gold box next to my mother's, I was poised to be coronated and an actual honest-to-stars evil queen was on her way to stay in my home.

So this moment… as selfish as it was to put Cinder in this position, if our friendship was discovered it would put a target on her back… I needed it. A lump swelled in my throat at the thought. It was both from gratitude that I had the chance to have these moments and sorrow at all I had lost and was yet to lose.

She was flustered, those strange eyes that never gave any hints of her emotions darted around like they were examining my features for signs of dishonesty. I shouldn’t have been shocked, I knew very few people ever even imagined a royal admitting a desire to kiss them… for the vast majority of people they never crossed paths with royalty, but all the same, her bewilderment surprised me. I hadn’t made my flirtation a secret, had I?

She stepped away and I stiffened… I had been too forward, and her sister was right there! Stupid, Kaito! I berated myself. I bowed… years of training and conditioning pulling through to keep this from getting too awkward.

“Thank you, Cinder.” I smiled and then looked from her to her sister. I heard the way she said, Prince… Telling her about my yearning to kiss her had been Un-Princely, yet I couldn’t bring myself to regret it. Because now… she knew. And despite her reaction, something told me… that maybe she would want me to if I asked. “Thank you both, for being a bright spot on a dark day.” I stepped up to the glass and pressed a kiss to my fingers and then placed them on the window where #Peony reached out her tiny hand like she could really touch me. “I’ll give you two ladies your family time. I appreciate you letting me intrude and steal your big sister for a moment.”

‘You can steal her anytime you want.’ She smiled, her tired eyes brightening for a moment.

I turned to #Cinder, whispering again. “The Queen will arrive in an hour. The Palace…” I swallowed. “Won’t be safe outside the secured wings, you’ll need to pass through those areas to get home.” I paused letting it sink in. “Please… stay safe, Cinder. I’ll make sure she has company every day… and if… I need to arrange an escort for you… I’ll um…” I needed to arrange a contact for her in the palace, for when… The lump was back. I couldn’t consider this little girl's death, not today. “I will have someone contact you…” Then I remembered… A woman who was not even registered as a palace employee yet. It would be safe. “Her name is Jasmine.” The widowed tailor I had foolishly, but unregretfully rescued from the factory district.

֍ Cinder ֍

I felt it, the moment he went from being Kai, to Prince Kaito and it hurt my heart. I didn’t know why as I had been the one to remember him of the vast chasm between our worlds. A cyborg mechanic from new Beijing couldn’t live up to the needs of the new emperor of new Beijing and the eastern Commonwealth. The fact that he has graced me with the trust to be a friend was more than someone like me could have imagined.

“Kai…” I started but bit my lip when #Peony spoke.

‘Thank you, for everything.’ She had curled up into her bed once again, holding the doll close to her chest. In that moment I couldn’t see the young lady she wished to portrait to the world, I just saw a child who didn’t deserve what was happening to her.

Then Kai was asking me to leave now too? Just as the Doctor had before. Both the men’s warnings had the same effect in how I heard them. Even if the meaning behind the two had been different.

“One hour…” repeating it with a nod of gratitude “Jasmine…” again nodding to indicate I understood what he was telling me. My heart if it was human would have broken because of the way his brown eyes took me in. But I knew, in that moment I knew. This was it. I wouldn’t see him again, not like this. Not Kai… he would be my emperor if we ever crossed paths again. “Thank you. For everything. For taking care of her.” Looking back at my sister.

֍ Kaito ֍

I could hear the hesitation in how she said my name. But she had been right to put that space between us, it was the safest thing for her. Even if it made my heart ache more than it had been since my father’s suffering ended.

“You are welcome, sweet girl.” I whispered to #Peony.

The way Cinder repeated the time frame to me and Jasmine’s name I knew she’d heard me; she understood that this palace was no longer a sanctuary. “I promise you that no Lunar has… or will ever set foot in this wing. Security aside… their vanity won’t allow it; there’s too much glass. She’s safe here… it’s the other wings…” I smiled meekly. “All I’ve done is visit Cinder, and that’s as much for me as it is for her. The Doctors and nurses are the ones keeping her as comfortable as they can.”

I watched Cinder turn to look at her little sister again. I looked for as long I could bear… memorising the high cheekbones, the angle of her jaw and the uptilted, most unique eyes I had ever seen. Because I knew I would never see her again after tonight. I didn’t know why…. But I felt it, knew as surely as I knew the sun would rise in the morning.

I knew it had to be so. To keep her safe. But it filled me with dread and made me feel lonelier than I ever thought possible. “It’s an honour to know you, Cinder.” I reached for the door, my hand feeling as heavy as my heart. But I forced it to turn the handle and I left the girls to what peace they might find and hoped the Queen of the Moon would leave before #Peony’s time ran out.

֍ Cinder ֍

As soon as I heard the door close behind me, my eyes burned with fresh tears flowing from them. My heart felt so heavy and my warning signs flashed as I dismissed them.

‘Cinder? You are crying? You… tears… you can cry?’ #Peony still lay slumped in the medical bed, her dark circled eyes not moving. ‘You care for him.’ It wasn’t a question, more a statement. My lips parted but she cut me off. ‘He cares off you too. I saw it just now, how he couldn’t take his eyes from you.’ I’d felt his glaze on me, however I hadn’t dared to look.

‘Go and tell him.’ She smiled a sad and lost expression as her breath hitched. ‘This is not how you want to remember this moment.’

She was correct, in my heart of hearts, I knew. “Thank you, Gōngzhǔ (Princess) Peony.” Turning around I rushed as fast as I could to the door flinging it open. A droid rolling by stopped to glance at me, but my eyes searched for the retrieving outline of Kai. When I saw him, his shoulders, the stride of his step, that dark hair that fell into his eyes.

“Stars! This is a mistake!” I told myself but rushed after him. “Prince Kaito…. Kaito….” I called as my feet rushed, the knocking sound of the soles of my shoes echoing in this spotless corridor. My hands reached out for him pulling and tugging him to stop.

“Kai…” Those warning signs went off once again, and I silence them.

“Kai…” I hadn’t thought this through. What did I want to say to him?

“You’re not alone, even if I am not here, I’ll find a way to make you see you are not alone. I know you have a lot thrust on your young shoulders. But you have to know that with you as our head, our empire will thrive. Your mother and father are so proud of you. I’m… I’m so proud of you…”

Leaning in, reaching up on the tips of my toes, I bought my lips to his cheek. Placing a feather light kiss on it. “I believe in you.. all your people believe in you.” Closing my eyes, I paused for two deep breaths. Taking in this closeness, the scent which was so Kai. Committing it to my memory before pulling away to meet his eyes.

“Be safe my emperor, your people are waiting for you.” Taking two steps back, my sight roamed over him, I was setting him to my memories. Understanding dawning on me, but I didn’t dare give life to those thoughts rampantly pushing to be free.

All of What I had been feeling, all the confusion, now… I now understood what it was… it all dawned on me too late… it was too late …. I had to let him go…

“Goodbye Kaito.” Swallowing back all other words, I turned wiping my eyes as I walked away from the first boy in my life, whom I had fallen in love with.

֍ Kaito ֍

Outside the door, I stopped just for a moment. Only for long enough to take a breath and let it out, my mind reeled at the way the air shuddered in and out of my lungs. But then I moved again… down the hallway before I could do something hasty; like turn around and go back to that room. Ask #Peony to excuse us while I spoke with her sister in private, found an empty office and pour out my reckless, foolhardy heart to this intelligent, wonderful… sarcastic, alluring young woman, who looked at me (most of the time) like I was just a man.

The scene was playing out in my head… and, of course, my imagination was running with my wildest dreams; where she felt the same and closed the distance when I leaned in to kiss her. I knew there was a chance she would step away… break my heart, but Stars Above she was worth the risk!

But I wasn’t. I was not worth the risk it would pose to her? She could pay with her life… with the Lunar’s… there were so many things she could lose that were, in my eyes, worse than losing your life. The image of #Hiro on his knees before #SybilMira… the fear in his eyes when he told me later about the all-encompassing love he felt for her… how it was like his heart broke when she ripped her foul power away. How utterly he had been violated! Losing your freedom was bad… but losing the freedom to feel you’re true and honest feelings? The thought made me sick to my stomach. I couldn’t expose her to that. I couldn’t be that selfish.

Just as my mind began to replay the scene in my head she called my name… the only reason I knew it wasn’t part of my day-dream was that she called me 𝓟𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓚𝓪𝓲𝓽𝓸. In my dreams, I was always just Kai. Then she said it. Kai…

I didn’t dare turn to see her until she took my arm and turned me to her… she was really here… she… came after me? With tears on her cheeks. My mouth fell open to say her name and ask her what was wrong but she was speaking. She was speaking and tears finally spilt over in my own eyes… how could she have so much faith in me when I was standing here, fantasizing about things that would put her life in jeopardy for my own happiness? The mention of my parents. The Father whose ashes I had in my hands mere hours ago. A sound escaped me that was supposed to be her name but was hardly a whisper.

She kissed my cheek and my body screamed. Kiss her. Kiss her. Kiss her!! But if I did I wouldn’t be worthy of any of the things that she said to me. I hadn’t realised that I had raised my hand and curled my fingers into the overalls tied at her waist. 𝓜𝔂 𝓔𝓶𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓸𝓻. My breath caught… why couldn’t I speak… speaking was what I was good at. Why were words failing me now? How was she so breathtaking even when she cried?

She stepped away and my hold on the fabric wasn’t strong enough to stop her… not that I would presume to do such a thing. Tears fell freely when she made her way back to her sister’s visiting room. I had to let her go. I had to walk away and let Cinder live her life, keep her out of the reach of the evil that was descending on my home.

'𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮, 𝓶𝔂 𝓫𝓸𝔂.' The words my father said to me so many times in his final days. I watched Cinder walk away, lifting her hand to wipe away her tears on those heavy gloves. Another long, tremulant breath escaped my lips. “I found it.” I whispered, hoping that people were right and that the words found their way to my Father’s ears. And even if I couldn’t have it… I would never regret falling in love with Lihn Cinder.

Why couldn’t I walk away? Selfish.

“I will fix this Cinder… I’ll make our people safe…” Quiet words finally came when she was too far away to hear me. “I’ll be the man you believe I am. Then I will do whatever it takes to make you, my Empress. If you deem me worthy of the honour.”

֍ Cinder ֍

Forty-five minutes later as I walked out of the gates of the palace, the two guards wished me a good night, the older of the two joking about how they would see me in a few hours once the sun had set. Fully aware of my routine by now as I no longer required to hide or sneak into the grounds. The pass Kai had bestowed upon me gave me free access without questioning to come and go as I pleased.

However, tonight I walked out of those gates without looking back with a heavy heart. Because there were three people on this planet whom I had cared for. Three people who gave me the small amount of joy in my star cursed life. And I had lost them all in one go.

Iko had been stolen from me, she has been ripped apart and sold like she was nothing. And all I had left of her was her personality chip in my pants pocket. I wouldn’t let that chip out of my sight for as long as I would live.

Peony was bending stolen from me by a disease I should have been the cure for. And the Doctor had still not had a breakthrough.

And Kai…. “Kai….” I whispered his name. He had never been mine to have… or so I had thought.

‘𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘹 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘊𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳… 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦…’ He had said the words in such a soft and elegant, emotional manner to himself, it seemed like I had been intruding when my ears heard him speak.

But it was what he had said after that… it had blown my mind into a billion pieces.

‘𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘐 𝘢𝘮. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘺 𝘌𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳.’

He wanted me… Kai said he wanted me! But what brought me pain, was the knowing. He wouldn’t want me if he knew what I was.

As my feet dragged on the cobble streets and down the hillside, fresh tears flowing down my cheeks. Tears I had once wished for upon the stars. I have begged my ancestors to give me them so that people knew I was a real girl. And now, now that I knew how it hurt when they fell, I wanted them to go away.

֍ Kaito ֍

It was too soon… Stars! Was it only an hour ago I danced with Lihn Cinder for the first and final time? And now… now I was stood in the same clothes (Much to the chagrin of my stylists) I had interned my father's ashes in. A black silk tunic with subdued blue and green embroidery. My hair still refused to be tamed… even if I had truly allowed them to try… just for today. The open-topped hover hadn’t helped.

#KonnTorin stood steadfast at my side. No recording device had been amenable to the #LunarQueen. That was fine by me, I had a feeling the Queen’s gifts were substantial and if #ThaumaturgeMira could turn #Hiro into a crawling mess when he had never expressed the slightest interest in her gender, without breaking a sweat; what could this woman do to me?

My people were in mourning, they didn’t need to witness their sovereign at the mercy of a foreign ruler so completely. There was enough unease in the Commonwealth, they did not need to fear the Queen's influence over their future ruler. The ridiculously shiny spaceship sat on the welcome pad for an even more ridiculous amount of time. I felt sweat dripping down my back inside the dark tunic and I resented my refusal to change into something white, another acceptable colour for a mourning period. The evening was closing in and even with the air cooling… the humidity thickened.

I wasn’t fidgeting… I wouldn’t fidget or huff… or swipe the hair caked to my forehead away. ‘Stop fidgeting.’ #Torin said, stalwart as ever. Unphased by the heat and the wait.

“I’m not.” I whisper-hissed right back. The advisor's gaze moved to where I was tugging on the sleeves of my tunic. “Stars Above!” I huffed. Stars! Now I had broken both of my silent vows to myself.

As if that phrase had summoned her… The ramp to the Queen’s transport, finally, began to lower.

֍ Cinder ֍

“Stars!” My eyes widened at the view unfolding before me. The murmurs of all those surrounding the giant net screen beside me in the middle of the square, matched the astonishment I had meant to keep within. However, we were all amidst the metaphorical darkness that this ship on the screen brought with it.

‘Look how big it is.’ Voices whispered.

‘She will mesmerise our prince.’ Another dared to say.

‘She will make him his slave. She is said to be so powerful.’ Another voice.

Soon, I lowered my hearing before I cracked and shouted at them. They didn’t Kai, they didn’t know how strong his will power would be, how he would never allow the Queen of Luna to enslave him in such a way.

But the doctor’s voice rang in my memory. ‘They are extremely powerful, Cinder. They know how to get what they want.’ So why had he sent me away? Why had the doctor and Kai both wanted me to stay far away from the palace on top of the hill?

“This is ridiculous...” As the words came out of my mouth, the ship finally opened with a shimmering ramp extending to lowered itself to the landing deck for the palace.

First came a platoon of guards, their eyes scouring the grounds for any sign of trouble. Then came a barrage of Luna’s dressed in flowing garments lined each side of the ramp, all with their heads bowed waiting. The square became silent the moment she came to the edge of the entrance of the ship.

But then she stopped, still like a statue, unmoving, waiting, but for what? Who truly knew?

֍ Kaito ֍

The guards filed out and lined the ramp, #SybilMira hurried forward and bowed low, as elegant as a swan… and I wondered if the camera was seeing the same scene I was or if that perfect curtsey was enhanced with a glamour. Part of me believed that The Thaumaturge spent many hours perfecting her craft. The Queen appeared at the top of the ramp, flanked by a dark-skinned, bald Thaumaturge in a crimson coat, the colour was the only thing that distinguished the coat from #Sybil’s.

The Queen paused at the door of the transport. She was trying to be dramatic… then finally she moved… stepping into the fading sun, her veil was so opaque I had no idea how she could see clearly enough to begin her descent down the ramp. Everyone fell silent as she moved, her veil and her layered white dress flowing around her like it created its own breeze. Even in the fading light, her dress seemed to glow… that had to be Lunar magic, it had to be.

#SybilMira held out her hand to her Queen and spoke. ‘My Queen, I am so pleased to be in your service once more. Our separation has been unbearable.’

Then she led her mistress to me, and I dipped my chin respectfully, but refused to bow. I wasn’t required to as a Crown Prince and with my coronation day looming, I certainly was not about to bow. I closed my fist and rested it above my heart as was the custom in the Commonwealth. “Your Majesty." My face was a mask of indifference. The Queen held out a gloved hand… really? She wouldn’t even allow her hand to be recorded. But the glove reminded me of Cinder, instantly making me wonder if Cinder would ever wear gloves other than her work gloves. Nothing as tacky as these with the semi-glittering fabric with gold runes embroidered along the seam. “Welcome to The Eastern Commonwealth, may I be the first to welcome you to New Beijing and Earth.”

As I took her hand and brushed an almost kiss to the strange fabric, making it look just good enough for the camera, I was planning them in my mind, a soft silver-blue with peonies embroidered in a matching thread so you could only see them if you were close enough to take her hand. When I looked back at the Queen, I could make out enough of her expression to tell I would pay for the faux kiss.

‘Your Highness…’ Her voice was velvet, perfect. I could almost feel it brushing against my skin, soft and luxurious and it made me want to physically shudder. I knew she addressed me as such, to remind me that she outranked me, but I didn’t let the insult show. Here… she no more than and visiting diplomat… A very dangerous diplomat. ‘It’s an honour to finally meet the famed young Prince of the Eastern Commonwealth. Though the circumstances are unfortunate, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your illustrious father, Emperor Rikan.’

She sounded like a predator… like a spider weaving a masterpiece to lure in unsuspecting victims or a carnivorous flower filled with the sweetest nectar only to trap its unsuspecting prey before they even got a taste. I would not fall into her web.

When I did not offer some artificial gratitude for her sympathies #Sybil reappeared and offered to escort the Queen to the guest wing. #KonnTorin cleared his throat, and I sucked in a breath as quietly as I could. “I would gladly escort you to your quarters Your Majesty.” I felt bile rise in my throat.

‘No need, I am very familiar with the guest wing and would like to converse privately.’ Sybil answered for her Queen. I could tell she had been briefed to the Queen’s wishes to keep this public event short and sweet.

I saw a terse nod from #KonnTorin. “As you wish, I hope that you will join me tomorrow evening for dinner, I am afraid due to the timing of your visit I have many arrangements that require my immediate attention in the wake of my beloved Father’s funeral.”

The Queen’s veil merely shifted as though she had bowed her head in acquiescence. As the Queen walked away with her entourage the world narrowed until nothing and no one existed but her. The glowing dress… she looked like a bride, she was gliding in the air, she was getting further away, and her absence was painful… It made my chest ache. I needed to follow her, to be close to her… I needed her… I loved…

Gloves. Dancing. A darling sister. Sneaking to the kitchen for sweets.

Cinder…

I love Cinder!

Not this demon from the Moon, not this cruel hateful creature that was crawling her way into my mind. I dug my fingernails into my palm. The pain brought the world back into sharp focus and I sucked in a breath. #Levana seemed completely unphased, she didn’t even turn to see if her trick had worked on me. #Torin nodded to the assembled Palace Guards, and they dismissed and dispersed the media.

“Well done, Your Highness.” He said quietly. “You resisted her well.”

I flexed my fingers. “It wasn’t so hard.” I breathed… the violation of my mind was difficult to reconcile.

‘It will become more difficult, Kaito. You must be strong.’ He gripped my shoulder. The last of the Lunar’s disappeared inside. I prayed to the Stars above that Cinder or anyone else I cared about; never crossed paths with one of these creatures.

֍ Cinder ֍

The net screens went dark before moving to the studio commentators; however, I was frozen to the spot. All my wires and connections were feeling fine, and yet I could not, will myself to move from the place my feet stood.

‘Would you move child! Some of us have work to do. These deliveries won’t make it by themselves.’ The Middle-Aged man chastised me.

“Oh... I’m sorry, Jǐngguān (sir).” But I didn’t move.

He cursed his luck underneath his breath before turning the cart his droid pushed out of my path. Muttering something about ‘The youth of today!’

When I gained my senses, my eyes drifting back to the screen where the two men and one lady dissected the arrival of the Queen of Luna. From the size of the ship to the size of her entourage. From the way the cameras were made to pan towards the ground or to the ship, being told never to point it directly at the Queen.

‘She is a monster under that veil.’ An aunty whispered so loud that everyone heard.

‘Oh, our poor Prince, he is unfortunately going to have no choice but to be with the Queen.’ Another aunty added. Unbeknownst to me my hands fisted. (Both my human hand and the artificial.)

‘She is no Queen. She shouldn’t be here when we are in mourning.’ An uncle added to the conversation.’ Unacceptable… this was utterly unacceptable… when Kai needed people who he could trust beside him. He was made to push them away. Of course, I wasn’t adding myself to this situation… however, #Hiro. I couldn’t help but wonder how Kai would be doing if his best friend were by his side.

As more people joined into the conversations taking place in the square, I dropped my head and continued walking aimlessly.

I didn’t want to return to Phoenix Towers where even more questions and maybe even a fight awaited me. Fully aware that I had nowhere else to go now that I couldn’t spend the night with #Peony.

֍ Kaito ֍

֍ Meanwhile in the new Beijing Palace.

I didn’t dare visit #Peony that night, I was craving company… but I had a lot to do. It was shocking how much paperwork and how many meetings were involved in planning a meal with visiting royals. I did have time to visit #TamJasmin and ask her for a favour. I felt bad I knew she adapting to a lot of change, but she was so new in the palace that I knew she wouldn’t be suspected of having any kind of relationship with me. Especially since she hadn’t technically started her employment here.

First, I asked her for the favour of helping Cinder into the palace via the servant's wing; should she want to visit her sister, while avoiding the public areas of the castle. All she needs to do is get her inside. I was sure Cinder would find the medical wing and once she was there… she was safe. The Lunar’s wouldn’t dare visit where droids roamed freely, and every surface was gleaming and reflective.

Then I described the gloves to her, the ones I fixated on to help me resist the Queen's slithering magic. I asked her if she could make them, I knew her baby was still young, and she wasn’t technically working for me just yet but she agreed with a wry smile… like she could tell my feelings ran deeper. Like she was making up a star-crossed lovers story in her mind. She told me she would deliver the gloves personally to the mechanics' stall so she could tell Cinder how to contact her.

As I left… sending her the details for an expense account (she would need one as my tailor anyway, and I didn’t want her to spend any of her maternity payments on supplies or transport.) #Jasmine stopped me. ‘Your Majesty.’ She said in her soft bell-like voice. ‘You… you are free to marry whom you wish, aren’t you? I mean to say… you aren’t bound to marry a Princess or someone of….’ I knew she was trying to find a way around using a phrase like below my station.

“It’s still Your Highness.” I told her with a kind smile. “Until the coronation. But yes… the imperial family are free to marry whomever they wish… if… of course, the other person wishes the same. According to the people; my Mother… as a daughter of a politician was a commoner. Many were unhappy with the match, but then the entire nation fell just as deeply in love with her as my Father did.”

‘This may be a little forward.’ She paused. ‘No, it is most definitely a little forward. But… perhaps after so much loss and sadness… it is time for you to seize yourself some joy and love.’

I paused now… was I really that obvious? ‘Before it’s too late.’ She added. I knew what her fear was. The same as the people’s… That the #LunarQueen could indeed secure the title of Empress of the Commonwealth.

“Perhaps.” I laughed and rubbed the back of my neck. “But now might not be the right time.”

‘We never know how much time we may have left, Your Highness.’ The newly widowed mother’s words struck home. She was right, she was so, so right. But this wasn’t me letting time slip through my fingers… and the moment the last Lunar Monster left this planet. I would make every second count.

“Perhaps I should have hired you as an advisor Tam-Mie.” I smiled at her. At that, the baby began to fuss and I excused myself to allow her to tend to her first priority.

I promptly reported to the kitchen to sample the course for tomorrow’s Royal dinner. It was tedious… but at least I had an official excuse to spend time with Mamma Zhao, and I was planning on eating irritatingly slowly. It was after all… a Prince’s prerogative.

֍ Cinder ֍

֍ Meanwhile in the New Beijing Marketplace.

My feet carried me towards the Market Square, it had been closed since the blue fever outbreak in Chang Sacha’s bakery. Once there I could see how the clean-up work had made the square spotless. I had never seen it this way.

When I finally stood before booth 771, the shutters down on my own get away, something in my chest broke making tears roll freely down my cheeks. The last time I had been here, #Iko had been with me, #Peony hadn’t been sick. And my only problem in life was how to leave this place with my two sisters. But now? everything had come crashing down around us.

Pushing the shutters up, my eyes analysed the work needed to reopen. Water had gotten in and I could see the diagnoses coming across my retina display. Green marks showing me what could be saved. Amber showing what was a maybe, and red showing what needed to be disposed of. So, I began from one side of the booth, outlining the tools and parts so that my work could be completed in an orderly manner.

I allowed myself to drift in my thoughts, so much had taken place, and I knew I should have been working on the old car hiding in the basement of Phoenix Towers. However, I needed this distraction right now.

As I evaluated what the Doctor had told me, I began to consider how? How could I be Luna and not know it? What was it in me that he saw making him question my humanity? Was I evil? Because that was what everyone in the Square had called the Luna delegation. How had my father #LihnGaran adopted me without knowing this?

My eyes fell onto my wrist, making me consider the identity chip that sat there beneath my skin.

Where did it come from? Who had it belonged to if it wasn’t mine? If I weren’t born on this planet, how could I have one?

The doctor had spoken of many black markets, places where people with bad intentions went. Thief’s, dealers, people who wanted to change their identity for the wrong reasons. Because they wanted to hide in plain sight. The sale of stolen chips was a common practice he informed me. Especially in the rural parts of the world where the blue fever has been impacting longer than in the larger cities. People took the identity chips of the dead and sold them illegally, as it was difficult to live without one. Earthen’s needed one for money accounts, licenses, basic benefits, and even to work. Without a chip all these things were impossible.

But why would Luna’s need ID Chips I’d questioned. The doctor made it sound like not all Lunas were the same. Not everyone was evil and wanted to see the destruction of the Earthen people. Some were hiding here on our planet, some like me…. Luna’s who wanted to live here in peace and without conflict, without needing to follow the ways of their Queen.

He had asked me to imagine how these people felt. What it would take for them to run from their home to another planet. Saying escaping from Luna was difficult for them with the rules the Queen had in place. However, getting to earth would be the easy part of it all. Luna’s have the technology to cloak their ships in space, so that they are unseen. The word “Magic” came to mind upon hearing this. He continued saying the hard part came when the ships needed to land. All the ports are well manned and guarded. The Doctor made it clear that these Luna’s saw their own planet as a prison. They came to Earth for a new beginning, to live their life without fear. Fear…. The one feeling that came rushing into all Earthen people’s minds when thinking of the Moon and those who lived there.

And I am one of them?

֍ Kaito ֍

֍ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞

I hardly slept that night… when #Nainsi drew my curtain that morning the light burned my eyes. I looked wretched enough that I allowed my droid to call my stylist to select my clothing for the day and cover the purple smudges that were appearing under my eyes. I hated it… but I was not going to allow any hint of weakness to show in front of the Lunar’s.

I had fallen asleep dreaming of dancing with #Cinder… that dream soon descended into a nightmare of both Cinder and I succumbing to the same disease that stole my parents and was currently plaguing #LadyPeony, while sat on my mother and father’s thrones.

The day was filled with conference calls with the world's leaders. Some that had made the journey for my father’s funeral were present in the large room, seated at the table facing the screen-lined wall. But others were still present in New Beijing and too afraid to come to the Palace now that the Lunar Queen was in residence, they had made arrangements for a secure linkup somewhere else in the city.

I understood the impulse… but I wasn’t sure if my place was traded with one of them that I would let #Levana have the satisfaction of knowing she got under my skin. There were perfunctory condolences… and even though I knew these people had known my Father for many years, especially the usually stoic #QueenCamilla of the United Kingdom. The other leaders were elected and replaced far more frequently than the Monarchs of the Earthen Union.

The discussion then turned immediately to what her motivation was; as if we didn’t all know. The viper had her eye set on a marriage alliance. “Let’s not play games, #Levana is here to try and bully me into a marriage alliance, just like she did with my father. I have no intentions of making her the Empress of the Commonwealth. My father refused her proposal and then refused her my hand when I turned eighteen. He was a far wiser man than I and I do not plan on going against his final decisions.”

The conversation became circular, talk of offering her the hand of #QueenCamilla’s youngest son, who was in his thirties and far closer to #Levana’s age. But that son would likely never be King so it was concluded that #QueenLevana would reject such an offer. They continued to ask about her motives until I sighed rather un-royally and told them all what I had when they first requested this conference; That it was premature. I had only spoken to and seen the #LunarQueen once, upon her arrival and wouldn't meet with her until later today. I had recommended we hold this meeting tomorrow.

I hadn’t ended the meeting very professionally, but my patience was wearing thin. No one else seemed to be aware that I was eighteen, about to be crowned Emperor… and had a proposal about to be lobbied at me that would not only affect the future of the commonwealth but the entire planet.

‘That could have been worse.’ Was #Torin’s observation. ‘It was your first conference as Sovereign.’ he adjusted his jacket… clearly displeased, but also understanding of the fact I had interned my father not even twenty-four hours ago. ‘It could have been worse.’ He repeated.

“I’m sorry, I know I wasn’t very professional. But they asked questions I had no way at all to answer, I told them repeatedly that I had no information. It was a waste of time… and we don’t have time to waste.”

‘That’s politics Kaito, you’ll need to get used to these circular conversations… especially with the democratic governments. They talk and talk, then tell you they can’t make a decision and the people must vote.’ #KonnTorin grumbled.

I just chuckled, the man was an imperialist through and through. But he’d always lived under fair rule… “Now, I just need to make it through a dinner with #Levana.” I sighed heavily and dragged my hand through my hair.

All I wanted to do was comm Cinder and tell her everything that had happened… Ask her if she thought that #Cress could have hacked the conference call and tell her that Tam-Mei would be calling on her soon. Tell her how much I missed my dad. Ask her to the ball… Ask her for that kiss I had kept denying myself. Tell her everything she didn’t hear the last time I saw her.

I took a breath and squared my shoulders. Then I put on my most Princely expression and headed to my next official duty.

֍ Cinder ֍

֍ 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐱 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬.

The night before I hid from #Adri and #Pearl, in the basement, working on the old car we had dragged back from the junk yard. With the Lhin apartment no longer feeling like home for me without #Peony and #Iko. My stepmother ceased to communicate with me when I stopped showing up at the end of the night. Instead chose to stay by the bedside, of my sick little step sister.

Not one of those nights had the two Lhin women attempted to visit, as it was “Too upsetting.” But I knew I was being overly critical of #Adri.

The first few nights I’d heard her sobbing in the bathroom, thinking no one knew. Forgetting I could hear everything if I failed to remember to turn my hearing sensitivity down. When she finally came out, fully dressed, and made up as though she were going to a wedding, she’d not noticed how her puffy eyes were still in full effect. However, I didn’t question her, I didn’t console her, I didn’t tell her it would all be okay. Because I couldn’t lie, not that she would appreciate my presence and attention in such a way.

Instead, I’d chosen to make this basement cage into my bedroom for the night. Sleep hadn’t come with ease for me, I couldn’t stop from thinking about #Peony and Kaito. The dancing, the music, my feelings for him rushing to the surface when my mind replayed the sequence of events over and over on a loop. The only way to stop myself had been to work.

My plan, leaving this apartment block, leaving this city. It had ground to a halt, But I should have stayed on track. One of the tasks sat in this basement covered and hidden from sight. The old car #Peony and #Iko dreamt of travelling in. So, I’d gotten to work.

There were still so many things were required of me, but the car has been within to power last night. In the early hours of the morning, the machine finally got some power, the engine starting and stopping. It was hard to find the fuel, no one had seen a car outside of a museum. But it’s all about who you know. #Iko and I had a small amount of fuel we’d purchased, just enough to test if this thing would become a viable option or if we had to find another way out.

As the sounds of the world outside began to come to life from the silence of the night of me being alone. I now sat in the driver seat, my eyes stinging, hearing the cheering and the excitement in voices who weren’t here with me. The car had now produced a loud noisy rattle, but it was working. The engine, the electrics... I could made this work; this plan could become my way out of this life which I felt had begun to suffocate the part of me who wanted to be free.

Adding to the facts of how my relationship with this family had truly broken down. With the way #Adri had given up on me. I felt a low level of confidence she wouldn’t report me missing. She wouldn’t come looking, or worse send anyone after me.

“The night of the Ball… I am leaving….” Giving life to the words I thought aloud. Then resting my forehead on the string-wheel I closed my eyes letting it all sink in.

֍ Kaito ֍

֍ 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞

The ball loomed closer and closer, and still, I found myself daydreaming of dancing with Cinder and then hoarding food and disappearing somewhere quiet to stuff ourselves and talk. But first… there was this dinner with #QueenLevana. I dressed while I complained to #KonnTorin about the Queen’s most recent and ridiculous request; that the flatware on the table not be reflective. Did she think anyone was going to look that closely at her that they might catch a distorted glimpse of her true face in her soup spoon?

#Torin was dressed formally in a suit, forgoing the formal sash that signified his rank, as did I. It wasn’t deemed appropriate during a period of mourning. I was dressed in black with steel grey details I didn’t have the time to admire right now.

I made my way to the formal dining room where the table was ornately but strangely laid. Normally for occasions like this, there were real candles but because Lunars lived in artificially oxygenated domes; flames were outlawed and exceptionally dangerous. And there were rumours that the Queen was fearful of fire, so instead we had frosted glass orbs that emanated a soft white glow… it was reminiscent of the moon, all were nestled in a bed of fresh white lilies. The glasses and decanters were all frosted glass too and the silverware had a dull brushed chrome finish and bone white chopsticks. I took up my position to greet the Queen. The male Thaumaturge #Levana brought with her came in to announce her, even though there was a Palace Page outside tasked with the role. She entered with her entourage, dressed all in white yet again.

But this time she was unveiled; her glamour was stunning… I wouldn’t say beautiful, her skin was such a pale shade of ivory that it was borderline inhuman. Her hair was a rich auburn, and her lips were blood red. Each feature was, in its way… beautiful, but altogether it was unnatural and… honestly, eerie.

“Welcome, your Majesty,” I said with the slightest dip of my chin and with a regal gesture, I motioned to her seat at the end of the table, pulled out her chair for her and offered the best smile I could muster. She glided into the seat with the unnatural grace and that made me wonder if she was manipulating what I was seeing. The others all stood behind their assigned seats, as protocol dictated. I walked, unhurried but not unnecessarily slow to my seat. It felt wrong... sitting in Father’s place but this was not the time to process those feelings. “Please, be seated,” I said when I finally gathered my thoughts enough to remember no one else could sit until I invited them to do so.

They sat… and now… it all began.

֍ 𝐏𝐎𝐕 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐦 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐧

It felt strange sitting into a hired hover… I had not been in a vehicle like this since my wedding day. Living in the factory district, my husband and I had everything we needed within walking distance.

The droid the young Prince assigned me to aid in my recovery carried my baby in a padded sling around its bulbous body. It hadn’t been easy to get used to it… but it was safest for both of us until my incision was fully healed. I hadn’t left the Palace since I relocated there but after everything his highness had done for me, this was the least I could do for him.

I had wrapped the gift he’d asked me to make in crisp white paper and a pale silver-blue ribbon that matched the gloves he had described to me, to keep me from opening the box to admire them. The prince had been so apologetic asking me to make them… but it had been a joy to sit at my sewing machine once more.

“To the market square please,” I spoke to the screen as the droid secured itself next to me and I peered at my sleeping baby as the door whooshed shut and the hover took off.

֍ Cinder ֍

֍ 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞.

‘Lihn Cinder I have told you a million times before, keep your grease covered tat away from my expensive merchandise.’

The old silk merchant hadn’t been in the best of moods all day today. He had been grappling with his staff and even some of the customers who wished to haggle over his high prices.

“Chen Jun, I haven’t seen a single one of my parts come close to your booth. However.” Jetting my chin out to the many boxes of his silk blocking the space between our booths. “It is not my fault my customers cannot retrieve their goods because of these.”

I felt like a traitor, it wasn’t the fault of his staff for the major mess his over ordering had placed them in.

“Maybe if you kept your stock in line with your needs, your poor staff could manage your customer’s needs, instead of running rampant attempting to keep you happy.” His face looked like the night of the new year. Fireworks going off without the slightest hint of sound from the outrage of my reply.

“Now, if you don’t mind.” Gesturing down to the port screen I was working on. “I need to get this done before the storm hits.”

The sky had been dull all morning and into the late afternoon, warning of the downpour to come. And the last thing I needed or wanted right now was to be stuck in the rain. He muttered insults under his breath, and a few vulgar gestures you would not expect from a man of his age.

“Well, by the stars… I didn’t know he had it in him.” Scoffing to myself as I returned to my work.

‘What a polite man.’ A soft voice startled me. I’d turned my sensors down this morning when I began working. Wanting to block out the world beyond my booth.

Not sleeping well, missing #Iko and #Peony having a turn on my inner abilities to re loop my memories. Years of experiences, conversations, and times of happiness we had stolen away had been my companion.

“I am sorry. I didn’t notice you there.” Turning my gaze to the left and the silk merchant.

“Oh, that’s just how Chen Jun and I show our undying love for each other. He tells me I’m worthless, and I tell him how pretty his scowl is. All is fair in love, or so I’m told.” Waving towards him. “How may I help you, Jiĕ?” (Jiĕ a sign of respect for those who were older than you. An older sister, a young unknown woman.)

It wasn’t until I noticed the palace droid looming behind her, with a padded sling around its bulbous body. The cooing sounds of a baby coming from within. Did I guess who this woman could be.

‘My name is TamJasmine, and I am…’

I knew who she was straight away. “K…. Princes Kaito sent you?’

֍ ֍ ֍ ֍

We spoke a little, she gave me updates on what the palace grounds had been like since my last visit. As she sipped on some tea I had ordered in for her. #TamJasmin couldn’t give me any updates on #Peony, however promised to bring me news the next time she visited.

Finally with a smile, she set a box before me on the table between us. ‘The crown prince, asked me to deliver this gift by hand to you.’

My gaze moved over the crisp white paper, it was wrapped with a pale silver-blue ribbon, too perfect for my grimy hands to touch it.

‘Go ahead. Open the box. I’m sure the prince would like to know your thoughts on the gift. However, if you wish to open it alone…’ She stood from the stool to step away as her soft and kind voice trailed off.

Before she could walk away too far, I lifted my dirty gloved hands. She understood. Smiled and nodded her head. “I…. You… Could you….” Gesturing towards the small box.

‘Oh… of course… yes… yes..’ she took a step closer, with a delicate touch opening the box, and then slowly removing the covering tissue paper.

“Stars above!” The gasp echoed in my mind as I beheld what lay inside. “They… they are…. So beautiful… delicate…. So….”

A talented artist had to have created these matching gloves before me. “You made these…” I hid my hands, sitting on them, to stop from reaching out to them. “They are so perfect.” They were a soft silver-blue in colour, as first sign I missed the design, but then there they were…

“Those are Peonies?” I asked.

They are embroidered in a matching-coloured thread at first anyone would miss then. You could only see them if you were closely.

‘Each element of the gift was designed by him, himself. He knew exactly what he wished you to wear at the ball.’

My eyes stung a little, making me shake my head. “I am not going to the ball.” The news took her by surprise. “Oh… I… I am sorry. I assumed this gift was for the ball.”

Shaking my head once more. “I’m not the girl who stands on the princes arm. I’m the girl who looks in from the outside, knowing my place was never meant to be.”

She didn’t say anything for a while as I took in each aspect of the gloves. And then she started. ‘If I may be so bold as to say… I feel like you are underestimating our Princes’ ability to see beyond. I hope you will reconsider your decision. And if you do. I will be happy to accompany you in safely.’

֍ Kaito ֍

֍ 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞

As soon as everyone was seated, servers swept in; filling water glasses, a middle-aged woman who had worked here for as long as I could remember gave me a sympathetic look. She recognised how it must have felt for me to be sat here in Father’s place. But, I didn’t think anyone could understand how it felt to be sat here for the first time across the table from a monster.

“I hope you are finding your accommodations to your liking, Your Majesty,” I spoke before #Torin could give me the look to spur my politeness into action.

‘They are…’ She gestured… long delicate fingers flexing in front of her, drawing attention to her lips… but I saw it for what it was, dismissive. ‘Adequate.’ When she saw the unimpressed look on my face she added. ‘Better than what I imagined. I was rather shocked at the… age of some of the furnishings. Very… quaint.’

I smiled as though she’d given me the highest of compliments. “Yes. Our craftsmen take a lot of pride in their efforts at preserving small parts of our past. So much as lost to The Last War, we endeavour to remember and preserve our past lest we never forget. Even if that is something as simple as a chair or as priceless as a painting.”

#Levana straightened at that. ‘Yes… well painting, at least, is an artistry I can certainly appreciate.’

I bit back a scoff, covering it by sipping from my frosted water glass. I was certain that was the only art she could appreciate because her foul magic couldn’t fool a camera. Her artificial beauty could only be depicted by an artist that she could wrap her illusions around. ‘Although I do fear that devotion to history can…’ She tipped a freshly filled wine glass, ‘Hinder progress.’

I had to struggle to keep from rolling my eyes as the conversation deteriorated, #Levana trying to bate me all through the appetisers. Although I was a little stunned at the skill with which Levana wielded her chopsticks… but she was raised as Royalty. She likely had extensive etiquette lessons just like me.

But when the entrées were brought in, platters covered with a brushed chrome cloche (to prevent reflection, I assumed) were set in front of each of us. Before the server next to me could lift mine there was a loud crash from the other end of the table. My security team and #Levana’s guards instantly assumed positions around their sovereigns.

It took my mind a few moments to process what had happened. The server had lifted the dome over the #LunarQueen’s plate and then the world went crazy. #LevanaBlackburn leapt backwards with a grace most dancers would kill for and yet her chair crashed to the floor like it was thrown, and she shrieked like someone had tossed boiling water in her face, her hands flying up to protect it. ‘How dare you! She spat. The young server was on her knees trembling, her eyes wildly flickering around the room where #Sybil fussed over her Queen and the second tier Thaumaturge covered the plate just in time for me to spot a gleaming hand mirror nestled on top of the food.

‘#SangHee explain, this instant.’ #KonnTorin demanded in his cool yet indomitable voice. A strangled sound escaped from the girl's throat. Then my stomach churned. And I launched from my seat and into action. I stormed to the other end of the long table, flanked by my guards. “#Levana!” I raised my voice only slightly. “Release her immediately! When you entered this palace, you agreed not to use your gift on anyone within its walls. I will not tolerate you controlling the staff.” I stepped between her and the girl even though I knew she didn’t need eye contact to maintain her grasp on the young woman's mind. #Levana blinked, playing innocent.

‘Not I, Your Highness. However, if you cannot control your staff then mine shall in the name of their Queen.’ She tilted her chin toward #Sybil who was glowering at the girl. Her brow was etched with determination but not the effort of imbuing her will on her victim. ‘We may have agreed not to use our gifts… but you also assured us that the mirrors would be removed. And this girl violated that agreement and Luna’s highest laws.’

I stepped back. ‘#ThaumaturgeMira, you will release this child at once.’ #Torin demanded. As soon as the demand left his lips, a sob flooded from the girl.

‘Speak Earthen.’ #Sybil demanded. ‘Explain your treachery.’

‘I didn’t!’ She squeaked, tears streaming down her face. She turned her head to me and it seemed to be the only movement she was capable of. ‘Please, Your Highness… I would nev…’ Her voice cut off with a stomach-churning gurgle, as though someone had wrapped their hand around her throat, yet no one laid a finger in her.

“Sybil! I will have you removed from this Palace if you do not stop this right now.” I said, not allowing the panic roiling inside me to show.

‘She speaks lies and attacks my Queen! I do not take orders from Earthen Princes.’ She replied. #SangHee snatched a knife from where it had fallen on the floor and turned it back on herself, inches from her eye. She tried to scream but it was stifled. I felt as though I might vomit.

“It was me!” I blurted out before I could think. “I had the mirror placed there. I intended it in jest. I never meant to cause such offence. I can see now that this joke did not cross-cultural lines and I apologise. If you cannot forgive me then please, at least, do not punish this woman for my transgression.”

#Torin sighed audibly. The #Queen nodded to her Head Thaumaturge, and the girl collapsed when the witch's grasp released her. The security guard to the right of me helped her up and ushered her to the older server who fussed and rushed her from the room.

‘Thank you… Your Highness for your honesty. You are forgiven.’ #Levana sighed, almost a sob… after her rage only moments ago. She looked me in the eyes and spoke. ‘I believe we have both learned a valuable lesson this evening.’

Then she excused herself to her quarters to recover from the incident. I finally took a breath when the door shut behind her.

֍ Cinder ֍

֍ 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞

For the whole six-mile journey to the palace, the warning given to me by the doctor echoed in my mind.

‘Cinder, you must believe me! Levana will stop at nothing to hold onto her control. She will remove all obstacles from her way. This means she will terminate any resistance! Killing anyone who could resist her powers. And this means…. People like you! If she were to see you, find you here. She would know who and what you are. You would become enemy number one; setting her targets on you!’

As the palace entrance came into sight, I could see my hopes of sneaking in today wouldn’t be as easy as it had been before. Even with the pass Kai had given me, I knew I would have to answer questions.

At the base of the hill, the street was blocked off at the point where the private drive of the palace began. However, some people were still allowed in. The sounds of the groups walking by faster than me whispered to one another, each with their own concerns. Some spoke of the Queen’s visit. Others…. Well… Talks were still of Levana; however, they were upset over her being hosted here when we were still in mourning.

The growing echo of the people’s voices came to a high when I finally made my way past the blockade. Hundreds of people stood before the palace’s marron-coloured gates, their chanting coming together as one at this point.

‘No Moon Queen… No Moon Queen!”

Signs bobbing over their heads pointed toward the tall palace windows. With slogans saying, ‘War is better than slavery.’ And ‘We need an empress, not a dictator.’ Some also included the vailed image of Queen Levana, with red painted ‘X’ over them.

Looking up to the sky you couldn’t miss the news hovers circling the crowds for footage they were using now or planned to use later in the day for broadcasting.

I moved towards the edge of the crowds where my eyes noted the gates were closed and locked. The palace team were attempting to keep the people orderly, both humans, and androids working to do it safely without causing any harm to the protesters. Gaining the attention of the guards was going to be difficult with people pushing at one another to be seen and heard by their new emperor.

“Maybe coming to thank Kai for the gift wasn’t the best idea.” Truth be known, it could have been done via comms. I had been told by him and the doctor to stay away. But I needed to see him. As his friend. I needed to make sure he was okay! (Or at least that is what I told myself.)

“Excuse me!” I called out to a guard close by, his head turning towards me and then he shook a ‘No’ to me.

“I’m here to….” I couldn’t say to see Kai. “To do some work on the med-droids in the labs. I have a pass see.” Holding it out to him.

He shook his head once again. ‘I’m sorry but today all passes are void, we have Strick orders not to let anyone in.’ All due credit to the young man who must have been four or five years older than me. He looked melancholy as he spoke.

The crowds moved forward like one, pushing me into the guard. His hands reaching out to hold me to his chest as he pushed the people behind me. ‘Give the young lady room. Move back. Please… move back.’ he asked politely, concern filled his face. ‘Are you okay?’ He asked his eyes taking me in for any visible injuries. But before I could reply, the crowds moved back away from the gates.

An eerie silence fell around us, the guard helped me to stand again before we both turned our eyes back to the people. Then he too turned away towards the palace without speaking.

“What’s going on here?” I asked, but no one spoke. The signs were lowered, the chanting stopped, the air felt like it was thick and suffocating. The eyes of the people close to me seemed to have glazed over, all attention on one of the balconies high up in the palace, and there she stood.

Levana stood there, regal, poised to attack, her face stern and I would even say bitter. Unhappy with the attention these people were here to give….

However, how beautiful she looked stood there…

This woman was not scary, I wasn’t going to let her go…

She was elegant...

She had to be our queen…

She was a perfect match for our young emperor…

She was….

My retina display flashed a warning at me. Trying to distract me from my Queen. I wanted my queen to speak to me, to tell me she would protect me, and take away all my problems….

The bright orange light flashed repeatedly in my vision; however, I didn’t want to acknowledge it, even if I knew what it meant. The warning was trying to pull me free, to help me understand what was taking place.

My head jerked back, and the reality of the instant hit me.

This time when I glanced up to where the Queen stood, Stars above! it all fell into place. She was trying to and succeeding to control all these people. She was using her powers on them/ to control me! So many people all at once. If she could do this to them from afar, what was she doing to Kai?

I pushed back, needing to get away from here, from her. Falling into a woman behind me who fell into the man behind her, causing a scene which brought unwanted attention to me. When I glanced back up, it was too late. Queen Levana had spotted me. Her disgust apparent, making me flinch, as more warnings scrolled past my vision telling me to leave. I had to go, but my feet were glued in their spot. I had to disappear! I wanted to cry, to scream, to…

Then Levana spun away, storming back into the open palace doors behind her, freeing me from my spot. Letting out heavy breaths I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. The warnings told me I needed to shut down, or major damage would occur. This is when I noticed the people. They all dropped their signs to the grounds, turning away silently, leaving the gates of the palace.

This was it… The reason the Earthen people were right. Luna’s weren’t to be trusted. And the Queen… She had seen me, and from the look on her face. She had known who or what I am. She had unknowingly confirmed the facts of what the doctor had been telling me. I was Luna… and a Shell! And now I had a target on my back!

֍ Kaito ֍

֍ 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞

After a while to calming her nerves #Levana agreed to meet for tea and finally a serious discussion. We met in a lounge in the guest wing of the palace an entirely different staff served it. I instructed the head of my security team to check every tray before it entered the room and everything was clay and bamboo… cups, teapots, everything, the only thing she could have my staff turn against themselves with her black magic was hot water. But that was unavoidable when serving tea.

The protestors had grown louder outside like they could feel the tension in the Palace. Even though I knew word of the events at the dinner would never leave the small circle that witnessed it, although I was certain #SangHee would be in trauma counselling for the rest of her life, she grew up here… she hadn’t been a server long. Her loyalty was the reason #KonnTorin selected her for the evening.

#Levana decided to display her power by stepping out onto the balcony and dispersing the crowd. My nails dug into the wooden arm of the antique chair. I had set down my tea so the cup wouldn’t betray my shaking hands. This intruder was violating the minds of my people, and I was just supposed to sit here and let it happen for the second time in one evening?

The chanting ceased and my stomach churned.

When #Levana stepped back inside her onyx eyes flashed with rage. ‘It would appear, Young Prince that you are in violation of Article 17 of The Interplanetary Agreement of 54 T.E.’ She said, coldly.

I searched my mind. For the Agreement, my father made me almost memorize. “I’m afraid you must be mistaken, Your Majesty. Article 17:…” I switched to my recitation voice. “No party shall, knowingly, shelter or protect Lunar fugitives.” My voice reverted to, well… the tight uncomfortable one I used in her presence. “That is simply impossible, is it not? Seeing as how no Lunar could choose to flee the perfect society you have built.”

#Torin pressed his foot on my shiny shoe. I cleared my throat. “And all travel in and out of Earth’s atmosphere is highly restricted and monitored. I also know that Luna has… effective security measures.”

#Levana levelled me with a glare that could crack stone. ‘Are you saying I cannot recognise my own people? Because I’ve just seen one in your courtyard.’ She was insanely calm. It was unnerving.

I tried to remain… outwardly, at least… unaffected. “How is that possible? Lunar citizens are not permitted to leave the moon unless it is for diplomatic business or trade purposes. Surely considering your people live in highly regulated domes you would be aware if your citizens are vanishing.”

#Torin stomped on my foot this time and I coughed to cover my gasp. ‘We shall investigate your claim Your Majesty, and endeavour to find this alleged Lunar fugitive. And should we find proof that they are in fact Lunar we will uphold Article 17.’ #KonnTorin spoke evenly and cooly… was he buying this nonsense? Lunars in New Beijing? It couldn’t be possible. Why was he entertaining this nonsense? I would understand if it was a small issue and he was placating her, but this could have serious repercussions if The Lunar Queen believed we were conceding to harbouring Lunar Fugitives.

Levana scoffed. ‘I shall expect regular updates and swift action, or… I shall have my people track down this traitor. You may allow such disobedience among your people, but I certainly shall not abide it.’ She said.

“That will not happen, your Guards are to remain on the Palace grounds at all times, Your Majesty.” I insisted.

‘And so, they shall. Once you get your unruly citizens under control.’ She again kept her black gaze on mine.

“I find that, usually, when citizens are unruly there’s a good reason.” I gave just the slightest of smiles.

‘Is a marriage alliance between our two nations so repellent to your people that they riot in the streets?’ She asked and I couldn’t contain my scoff this time. The Pickett in the courtyard was hardly in the same league as a riot. ‘Well, I was hoping to present you with this gift at a later date. With the loss of your dear father still so fresh; I felt it would be… in poor taste, as it was too late to save him.’ She and inhaled a deep breath as though centring herself. ‘But perhaps it will display how deeply I care for the Earthen plight.’

#Levana motioned to her perpetually silent red-clad Thaumaturge.

He reached into his bell sleeve like a magician about to pull a rabbit or a dove out of it, but instead… He produced a thin clear vial no longer than my pinkie finger and handed it to his Queen.

It vanished into her ivory grasp. ‘It has been just heart-wrenching to watch as the people of your nation and indeed all nations of Earth struggle with this awful disease of Letumosis. I have had my scientist searching for a cure for the last six years. After the death of your dear, dear father I was about to give up hope and put an end to the draining of Lunar resources. I was beginning to believe that the search was in vain. Just as I was about to give the order, they informed me that they had confirmed this as an effective cure mere moments before I summoned the head researcher.’ With a graceful flick of her wrist, the vial reappeared between her thumb and forefinger.

My heart stopped in my chest, breathing halted. Ears hollowing out.

A cure?

The Evil Witch Queen had a cure?

֍ Cinder ֍

֍ 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐬 𝐨𝐟

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞

I came too, with two strong arms holding and rushing me down a corridor.

“What… Where…. How…”

My mouth felt dry, like I’ve been scoring my tongue over a sand like surface.

‘Don’t worry Lihn Mêi, we are nearly there.’ The worried voice of a man said. When I glanced up at him, I noticed his palace guards uniform, his hair pulled back with a black leather tie, his armour cold felt so good against my hot cheek. I knew his face. I knew him.

I closed my eyes trying to recall how I had ended up in this position.

He burst into a room shouting for help, for someone to look me over. His voice strong and loud, just the sound of it told people to pay attention.

‘What is the ruckus here? This is not the guard house soldier.’ This voice I knew. ‘Cinder? What is wrong? What are you doing here?’ His hands were on my face, engaged in the situation.

“Oh you know…. Thought I’d come for a picnic.” I couldn’t help the sarcasm.

‘Good to see your sense of humour is still intact.’ #DrDimitriErlan then turned his attention to the man who carried me in.

Slowly I began to sit up, listening to the conversation for a better indication of the situation.

‘She was fine one moment.’ He said. ‘Asking to be let in, and the next they all… no… me too… we… I don’t know what happened to us all.’ His voice trailed off.

“It was the Luna Queen… she used her powers on everyone out there.” I added.

‘Yes…’ he nodded. ‘She was so beautiful… so…’ he shook his head.

‘Yes… yes..’ #DrDimitriErlan sounding frustrated. ‘But what happened to Lihn Mêi?’

“Cinder… just Cinder.” I piped up.

‘Hush!’ #DrDimitriErlan hit me on the forehead to shut up.

‘She cried out in pain, held her head, then her stomach, and then fainted.’ The guards eyes found me again. ‘She is a friend of our crown prince. So I knew I had to bring her to you. Here. To get her help.’

#DrDimitriErlan thanked and dismissed the guard to return to work. Only when he knew we were now alone did he whirl on me. Shouting and rubbing his eyes with his glasses in his hands.

‘What are you thinking???? You knew the Queen is here…. I told you!!! I told you to stay away from the palace!!!’ It wasn’t just anger in his voice, but concern palpable too.

“I needed to see my sister! I couldn’t just leave her alone here without anyone!” Anger coursed freely in my voice. Because I was lying to him. Not completely, I did want to see #Peony, but I also wanted to see Kai too.

‘You’re being selfish! I told you I would take care of her, I told you it would be safe. You choose not to listen!’

“Selfish? Me? Are you for real?” I shouted right back.

He rolled his eyes at me. Moving to continue his examination to make sure I was okay. I batted his hands away.

“I am fine. Whatever you did to me the last time, it’s making my temperature at times overpower my system. That’s all. I’ll look at making some updates when I can afford them.”

‘Good. Now you have to leave! You can’t Be here… you cannot be where the Queen could find you so easily!’ His worried expression had turned to fear.

“Dr Erlan…. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you care for me.” I couldn’t help but tease.

‘Sure, I care for you like I care for a migraine!’ He shoot right back.

I placed my gloved hands over my chest. “Aww… that’s the kindest thing you ever said to me.” He just rolled his eyes, setting his glasses back on his face.

He asked me to explain what had taken place outside the palace gates and I did.

When I came to the last part I asked him a question rattling in my mind.

“Listen I have a question.” He stood in front of me, waiting for me to proceed. I tapped my human foot against the floor as I spoke in a low voice.

“You told me I am a shell from Luna. That I was brought here because me and others like me aren’t efficient as we aren’t affected by her power. But I was affected. Well at least until my programming kicked into action, and I saw the truth from the lies.”

I watched as the doctor took off his glasses, cleaned them with the sleeve of his lab coat, and placed them back on.

“Doc? That’s should never have happened, right? Because I’m a shell. She shouldn’t have been able to take a hold of me or my mind?” Arching my eyebrow as I asked him again.

‘Hmm.. you are right. It shouldn’t have happened.’ He said without hesitation. ‘I may have miss read your original diagnostics.’

LIES! The orange light flashing in my retina display told me. And frustration made me clench my fists.

“Or is it that you chose not to tell me the truth, once again? Lying comes to you so naturally!”

His body turned away from me, but he didn’t deny what I said.

“So…. I am not really Lunar?” I asked him.

‘No. You are. You are Lunar.’ TRUTH! No light showed when he spoke.

As he continued to speak, I hadn’t expected the turn the conversation would take. He spoke of my adoptive father, his works and what he used to create. All facts I knew.

“I know all of this. He worked with androids and android technology. He was a pioneer in his field. But nothing came of it before he died.”

‘That is where you are wrong. I believe your adopted father, did something no one else did. This…’ He had my scan on the screen now. Pointing to my neck and the small square dark spot.

‘He created this chip. It’s an Bioelectrical Security System. This chip here would stop any Earthens from coming under the power of Lunar manipulation. And stop a Lunar from using their powers. I believe he is the one who placed this inside of you. To stop you from using your power.’

“Wait a minute….” My world came crashing down again. “My adopted father…. He knew…. He knew who I was?” I reached for the back of my neck and rubbed on it. “And you…” Shouting at him again. “You knew! You knew all of this from the moment you saw me in this lab… you knew it all!!!! And you lied to me!”

Standing up now. “What did you do to me? And don’t lie like to you did to Kai! Tell me the truth… what did you do when it hurt so bad, when you touched me neck! What did you do Doctor?”

‘Calm down Cinder. If I have lied it is only so that I can protect you. To keep you safe. It is a good thing that your father placed this lock on your system. It has been beneficial to you.’

This made me laugh. “Oh yeah… of course…. I just loved being used like a ragdoll guinea pig. A test dummy for you all!” snapping back at him.

His hands flew up. ‘Would you please calm down.’ I sat back down to listen. ‘The gift that we are born with is an internal integral part of our make up. If we do not use it, we will become ill. The side-effects are things such as depression, loneliness, we will get to a point where we could even kill ourselves. So you see how your adopted father helped you by placing this lock on your system it stopped you from being seen as a lunar as a child who could use her powers freely anyone and everyone that saw you would know who you are, he allowed you a human life to grow up with.’

This was all so much! So much…. So….

“We?” I finally said after a very long pause.

‘Excuse me?’ He asked.

“You said; The gift that 𝓦𝓮 are born with is an internal integral part of 𝓞𝓾𝓻 make up.?” He looked away from me. Understanding Dawning on me. “You …. Are …. Lunar too!”

֍ Kaito ֍

֍ 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐣𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞

Everything sounded like it was underwater. I held the tiny vial in one hand and my head in the other while #SybilMira rambled on and on and on about the terms for the Lunar antidote. Which, of course, boiled down to me marrying #Levana.

I finally snapped out of my stupor and my eyes shot up to find her. “You would withhold this? When so many are dying?”

‘I think you are underestimating the strain this research has put on the Lunar economy and resources for the last six years. My scientists can have a thousand doses ready at the end of the month… but the cost would require… compensation.’ The queen smiled wickedly. ‘Unless Luna had a vested interest in ridding your country of this disease… I’m afraid the undertaking of such a task wouldn’t be of any benefit to my country without a marriage alliance.’

I stood up swiftly; about to raise my voice but, a hand on my shoulder stopped me. ‘You understand that this will need to be verified and deemed safe by our own medical researchers, Your Majesty?’

She waved a hand in the air dismissively. ‘Of course, run all the tests you want. But the sooner you make your decision…’ She trailed off dramatically. ‘Well… how many of your citizens contract this disease each day? Every moment delayed is a life lost.’

My blood boiled. I wanted to slap her. Never in my life had I felt so inflamed towards violence. ‘Well then… We shall leave that in the hands of our capable young Prince, and perhaps in the meantime Your Majesty would like a tour of the gardens?’ #KonnTorin asked them.

ᏫᏫᏫᏫ

#Nainsi was waiting for me faithfully at the doors of the guest wing. She followed me in my haste. In the elevator down to the medical wing I couldn’t maintain my composure. I yelled the obscenest curse words I could conjure in the old language.

‘May I suggest some deep breathing to soothe His Highness’ nerves?’ #Nainsi’s monotone chimed.

“No Nansi, thank you… But I’m okay. I promise.” I said and told her everything. Bout the cure and its cost. We exited the lift and started up the hallway to the medical labs.

‘I shall begin compiling a list of pros and cons regarding the Queen’s proposal. We can assess the decision from all angles before making a counteroffer.’ Nainsi was already processing, I could tell.

“I don’t thi….” I trailed off… Stopping dead in my tracks. My eyes glued to the marked door to my right:

Private Quarantine Ward

“Peony…” I whispered, holding up the vial I had been too afraid to let go of since it was handed to me. #Torin had been right to suggest I do this, there was no sense giving anyone in this Palace false hope… until the doctor confirmed it was real… or not… “No…” I knew I couldn’t risk it. As badly as I would like to cure Cinder’s sister… the potion in my hands could just as easily hasten her untimely end.

I couldn’t put her in danger like that… not until it was tested.

I stayed the course and continued to the Doctor’s office… hearing muffled, raised voices through his door. I opened it and stepped in… The doctor was generally a kind man… but there were times I had witnessed him being rather inconsiderate to his staff. But when I stepped inside, I froze, so fast that Nainsi’s threads bumped the back of my shoes.

“Cinder…. You… You’re…” I dragged my hand through my hair. “Hi.” The Doctor made a clucking sound with his tongue… and did it just get really hot in here all of a sudden?

֍ Cinder ֍

Before the doctor could reply, we were interrupted by the sounds of his office doors opening. The telltale sign someone was on the other side and when I whirled to look and see who it was, the wind was knocked out of my lungs.

Stars! He was stood there in his princely attire; however, he didn’t look as well put together as he normally would. My eyes flicked to the doctor as he made that sound, the look I gave him shooting dagger telling him; ‘We are not done here.’ With a shrug of his shoulder telling me the old Man understood clearly.

“Kai…. oh… Uhm… Prince Kai, Hi.” I felt so dishevelled from the emotions running wild in me. Could he tell? Did he hear what the doctor and I was shouting about? Did he know what I am?

STARS!

I’d already promised him I would stay away from the palace, and here I stood. Would he be as upset with as the doctor acted to be?

Rubbing my forehead before I remembered the grease. The doctor made the same sound once again before addressing Kai.

‘I didn’t know we had an appointment this evening, Your highness?’ Nothing phased this man. He stood now with confidence.

How did he do that? And a thought occurred to me. Was he manipulating Kai right now? Had he been playing mind games with me? Was he…. He cleared his throat pulling me out of another angry spiral.

֍ Kaito ֍

My mind raced, why was she here? Was she sick? The doctor couldn't call her here for work with the #Queen here, would he? Wait… Peony….

“Is your sister, okay? What happened?” That had to be what brought her back here, right? Had she progressed to stage four?

“Miss Peony’s condition remains the same, Your Highness.’ Dr Erlund said, but I was focused on Cinder and how flustered she seemed to be by my presence… was this because she promised me she’d stay away for her safety? Or was it because she felt all the same things I did around her… excited… terrified… happy and… I wiped my hands on my pants… kinda sweaty. Or was that the rush to get here to the Doctor?

‘Prince Kai.’ #Erlund pressed. ‘Did we have an appointment? I don’t believe I had…’

“Oh… No. No, I apologize.” I looked at the vial in my hand and then at Cinder. Would it be fair to get her hopes up if this was a Lunar trick? But hiding it felt wrong. “The um… I don’t want to get anyone’s hopes up… but #QueenLevana claims to have found a cure for Letumosis.” I held up the vial. “She claims this is enough to cure a full-grown male…” I looked at Cinder. The doctor audibly inhaled. “I was too…” Could I say afraid? No… I was about to be Emperor. I didn’t have that freedom anymore. “I didn’t think it was a good idea to try it... on… anyone. In case it’s dangerous.”

I held the vial out to the doctor who took it in silent awe while guilt flooded me, perhaps I should have taken it to #Peony.

‘No, you were right… we have no idea what this may contain. The #Queen is… Well… this could be a real cure… or something entirely nefarious. Even opening the vial could kill us all.’ He was pressing a call button to bring in a med droid. ‘I will analyse it immediately. You did the right thing, Young Prince.’

֍ Cinder ֍

It felt like the ground had just been pulled out from underneath my feet. All royal protocol and etiquette forgotten; my feet shifted from side to side. Moments ago, I trolled my mind for reasons to give Kai. To ask for forgiveness for breaking my promises to stay away.

To try and make him understand why I needed to be here, even after I had said my goodbyes.

Hiding my feelings from him had been Earth shattering, I myself didn’t know what broke me until it was too late. And let’s face it. I had no right to feel any of these feelings, for my next emperor. What did I think would happen?

When I gave up and had planned to outright apologise and beg for his forgiveness. He held up a small glass vial with something inside.

“Wait… she gave you that?” My eyes were trained the Doctors hands as he moved to look at it in the light. “And you’re not even going to open it?”

Even as I said the words, I knew… I knew they were right. But “peony…” her name was a whisper.

‘Lhin mîe.. I know how you feel.’ He became soft spoken, like he was coaxing a scared animal.

“No… no you don’t doctor. You don’t know how much I’ve lost in the last week. You have no clue.” Once again as soon as the words were free, my gaze moved to Kai.

“I’m sorry… Kai…” it all began to fall in place. “She had this when your father. May he rest in peace, was so unwell?” I was anger again now, and this time it wasn’t the old man casing it. “What did she want?” I asked him. “The Luna queen… she didn’t give this to you for free, did she?”

Now the doctor stopped himself to glance at his prince too.

֍ Kaito ֍

My heart wrenched for Cinder. I knew what she meant what she lost… what she was losing with each passing moment. Every second away from her sister was one she couldn’t ever reclaim… or… could she?

“She was never going to give this to us in time to save Father… He didn’t give in to her demands for over a decade. She wouldn’t save the man standing between her and what she wants.” I explained. I watched as the doctor gave the vial to the droid, and it disappeared inside its chest cavity. “Which is why I think this could be the real deal… or at least a basis for some kind of effective treatment… It would go against her current agenda if it was harmful.”

The doctor had the droid open the vial in one of the isolation rooms and he watched closely on a large screen on the wall. The med droid droned something about no airborne pathogens detected and started to use all sorts of arms I had never known a droid to have; to take a sample of the crystal-clear liquid.

Then Cinder asked the million univ question… I couldn’t lie! I couldn’t tell her the truth… all the air seemed to be sucked out of the room… “I…” I tried the speak. “She…” How could I tell the woman I was falling in love with that the only way to save her sister was to marry a woman who was almost old enough to be my mother…

“This one…” I panted… “This single dose… was a gift. But…” There was a wheezing sound and I found that it was coming from me. I was suddenly light-headed.

‘Your Highness perhaps you should sit down…’ The doctor had abandoned his screen and was filling a cup from a cooler by the door. I looked around… there weren’t many places to sit… I leaned on the edge of a workbench and took the cup, draining it in one go… it didn’t help.

“We um… We’re still negotiating but… Yes, she’s demanding a high price.”

My life.

My future.

My promise to my dying father.

My chance at love.

My humanity…

Because stars above!!! I was hoping this was a fraud. That there was nothing in that vial better than what our doctors already had.

Was I evil? Was I really so selfish that I would rather a cure still be out of reach than have to sacrifice myself to obtain one? Was cowardice going to be my first act as Emperor? I looked at Cinder. I thought of her place traded with Peony’s… I squeezed my eyes shut. Pinching the bridge of my nose, trying to purge the image.

No.

Never.

Not Cinder.

Stars!!!

Not anyone!

Where did all the air go?

‘Come, young Prince, sit.’ Erlund’s voice penetrated the panic, and I was being guided down until I was seated in a chair that must have been brought to me… or was I brought to it?

֍ Cinder ֍

My senses were going wild, message after message, warning after warning scrolling before my retina display. And for once the Doctors voice didn’t shine an orange light of lies. He worried about what we were both seeing.

Standing back, I tugged on my gloves, wanted to step forward, to comfort my… friend…

Seeing as the warnings were telling me how his heart, bloody, and temperature were shooting out of space.

Watching Kai take the glass of water and downing it in one, made me finally move into action. I slipped around the doctor to take the glass. Rushing to refill it and return it to Kai’s side, with a deepening frown on my forehead.

“Nothing you are doing is helping him out of this!” I snapped at the old man.

‘Oh, sure. Everyone’s a critic. Want to give it a try?’ He took a step to the side, earning an eye roll of frustration from me.

“Yeah, because I’m the one with the medical degree here!” But I stepped up. My system already Scrolling information on how to help someone when they are hyperventilating.

“Kai…” I spoke his name as a low, soft, and calm voice. My hands shook as I sat beside him awkwardly facing him. Tugging my pants down when I felt them rise.

“Kai… it’s okay…” Placing my hands over his back I rubbed gentle circles. “Lower your head a little for me. And I need to you breathe with me, okay?” I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t know if he was even listening to me. I just needed him not to feel this way.

“Kai…” a small amount of pleading came free in my voice. “You aren’t in this alone. Whatever this is. Whatever…”

I stopped before saying anything about #Cress in front of the doctor, because I really didn’t trust him again.

“I am here with you.” My human hand moved to take one of his clammy hands in mine. Squeezing it.

“Come on… let’s do this together.” Beginning to take small breaths and holding them for a count before letting them out. I kept going hoping he would listen and follow.

֍ Kaito ֍

I was vaguely aware of #DrErlund speaking but Cinder’s voice? That was clear as a bell. Something cold rested on the back of my neck and it was like a cool breeze on a sweltering city day… It was Cinder's hand… or something she was holding there? Whatever she did… it was working… I managed to take a breath and while I still wasn’t fully caught up… it was a start. I did as she said even if what I really wanted to do was look up and see her.

I couldn’t afford to fall apart like this. What must she think? I have a whole Commonwealth to rule. I didn’t have the luxury of breaking down every time things got hard. Even if the decision I had to make made me feel like I was dying inside. She was right. I wasn’t alone… and I doubt I ever would be again. What life be like as 𝕙𝕖𝕣 betrothed… would be assigned my very thaumaturge guard to keep me in line… would I have another independent thought? How long would she need to keep me around?

I squeezed her hand… probably too hard but somehow, I felt like it would delay the inevitable. If I hold onto her then I wouldn’t have to face the dark future that lay ahead…

“What if this is a cure?” I tilted my head up now and met her worried expression. Her forehead creased with worry and a little oil-smeared. One corner of my mouth tugged up. How could this woman always make me smile… even if it was just a little bit? “And it costs me everything to obtain it?” The words were so soft that only she could hear, the doctor seemed to have returned to his study of the cure. Giving us a moment.

This might not even be a real cure! Right? It could be a trick or a ploy. Then all of this meant nothing.

I reached up and brushed the crease between her brows like I could sweep away her worries with a touch. “I should have…” I was cut off before I told her I should have kissed her when I had a chance.

‘Upon a cursory examination, I believe it is safe to say that there is nothing harmful in the solution.’ The doctor said… but his eye was still pressed to a scope. “A droid has taken a sample to try and determine this for sure and I will assign a team to research if we replicate this on Earth. I'll head the team testing it as a cure simultaneously, running both studies at once will save us time.’ Then he finally turned around and saw us huddled close.

‘My apologies… I appear to have been… indelicate again.’ He adjusted his usual wool hat awkwardly.

֍ Cinder ֍

I didn’t know what to say, how could I of all people have the answer to Kai’s questions. If only I could blink and show him the future, show him what would come if he didn’t take the Luna Queen up on her offer. But more so, I wish I could tell him that he didn’t need to give into her blackmail.

Playing games wasn’t my forte, however this woman and her court had positioned themselves in the best place in this situation. No matter what choice Kai took, the Queen could say; ‘I tried to help, but the prince didn’t want my people to help.’ I kept my cyborg hand on his back and neck, even with the glove on, I knew it would give a cooling feeling with hopes it would may help. I had to say something, I couldn’t let him spiral alone.

“I know…” Whispering the words into his ear. “… You want to give your people a winning chance, that your first thoughts are as to how you can make it happen when everything is against you. But know your people are stood outside these grounds telling you they are with you, and they don’t want her here.”

I didn’t know if this was helping or not. “If it’s a cure, we can work on it here on Earth, we cannot be alone, the other nations will help?” Wouldn’t they?

Before I could say anything more the doctor’s voice turned my attention across the office.

“Indelicate is your middle name.” muttering it under my breath at the old doctor.

Clearing my throat, “Dr Erlund. How long do you think it will take to know for sure?” I asked to cover my abruptness.

The doctor took his glasses off, rubbing them clean with his white lab coat, thinking over my question. His eyes dropped to my hand holding Kai, making me straighten up where I knelt beside the prince. And it occurred to me that the doctor may need some more blood samples from me? Did he?

‘I will need to test it, as I said. To see how it reacts to the cells of someone infected.’ I cut him off.

“Pee…. Peony… You can test her blood? See how it reacts?”

‘The doctor shook his head. ‘What if something went wrong?’ he asked.

I closed my mouth, even if I wanted to shout; ‘Like things are going so right for her now?’ I didn’t want to beg in front of Kai, but this was a onetime chance. And I still couldn’t say; ‘Listen… She is dying…’ Looking down at Kai, I didn’t want all this to add to his tensions.

This shouldn’t happen front of him. But I also didn't have the luxury of time. So, I said in a low tone. “Please… If this works you could save her life. If it doesn’t….”

A lump grew in my throat. I couldn’t say it. I couldn’t face the reality of the situation we were in. I felt inside the way Kai looked.

The Story Continues ....

#TheLunarChronicles #LinhCinder #Cinder #PrinceKaito #Kaito #Kai #StoryTime #AU #Youtube #A Rose from the Ashes

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