Be My Knight
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Category:
+. to F › Code Geass
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
12
Views:
8,109
Reviews:
10
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Code Geass, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Surprise
Be My Knight
A Code Geass fan fiction story
Written by Archangel
Edited by Comixgal
Chapter 4 – Surprise
{Author’s Note: This chapter is dedicated to UtenaTenjou10, who has written two lovely reviews and is quite a talented artist to boot! Further notes and the music suggestions for this chapter at the end. Enjoy, and please provide feedback! RATE and/or REVIEW, please!}
“Another formal ball?” Princess Euphemia Li Britannia asked with a roll of her eyes. “How long has it been since the last one?”
“Not quite a month,” her elder sister Cornelia Li Britannia replied with an equal lack of enthusiasm. “I suppose most of the nobles don’t have anything better to do. I swear, there’s a positive plague of them in each new area.”
“There’s no way to get out of it? I’m not anxious to spend an entire evening fending off inept Romeos.”
“If I have to be there, so do you,” Cornelia replied gently. “It’s just something we have to deal with, Euphie. Learn to grin and bear it.”
“Do we bring our people?” Euphie asked, barely hiding the hope in her voice that Suzaku might be coming too.
“No. It’s here at the palace, so there’s no need for bodyguards. Some of my guard are invited in their own right, but it looks like Kururugi has that night off.”
“Oh.” Euphemia was unable to hide the disappointed look on her face.
“Why does it matter?” Cornelia asked curiously, looking over from the comfort of an easy chair. The sisters were in Cornelia’s sitting room, spending the little mutually free time they had that day.
“I would actually want to dance with him,” Euphie replied with a wistful smile, linking her hands behind her head and leaning back into the soft couch.
“You’d let him court you?” Cornelia asked in some surprise. “But he’s an Eleven!”
“So what?” Euphie shot back, looking her sister straight in the eye. “He’s brave, he’s handsome, and you made him a Knight of Honor the other week. He’s done more for Britannia in the last few months than most of these young ‘noblemen’ have done in their lives!”
The two women locked gazes for a moment then Cornelia nodded. “Yes, you’re right, Euphie. I’m starting to think Kururugi is the exception that proves my rule about Numbers.” She leaned forward and smiled softly. “So you love him, then?”
Euphemia giggled and nodded. “He’s so kind, so noble! He really is a white knight—right out of any girl’s dreams.” Euphie sighed. “And for some reason, he loves me too! Oh Cornelia, I’m so happy!”
Cornelia cocked her head and looked at Euphemia curiously. “You seem to know him awfully well.”
Euphie blushed slightly. She’d never been able to lie to her sister, so she didn’t even try now. “I’ve been sneaking out for the past two months to visit him at the base.”
Cornelia’s eyes narrowed. “What?”
“I wore a disguise! Nobody knows, nobody’s recognized me,” Euphie said defensively. “It’s just… you’re always so busy and he’s my *only* other friend in Area 11.”
“Very well,” Cornelia replied after letting out a long breath. “I hate being able to spend so little time with you. You know that, right?”
“I know, Sister. But all of the problems just go away when I’m with him, you know?”
Cornelia nodded her understanding. “So you two are courting?”
“Not officially. You’re the only person who knows besides us.”
“Well, you’ll have to start publicly, especially since he’s going to be with you all the time. There’s no way you could hide it for long.” Cornelia leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, smiling slyly. “You do have a good eye, Euphie. He is rather handsome, isn’t he? I wonder how he is in bed,” she asked in a musing tone.
“Amazing…” Euphie replied in a dreamy voice, recalling the still-fresh memory of that evening visit two weeks ago.
Cornelia’s eyes snapped open as she sat up very straight. “WHAT?”
Euphemia let out a little ‘meep!’, clapping her hands over her mouth. She felt her face burning crimson as she lowered her gaze to the floor.
“Euphie, you didn’t!” Cornelia seemed shocked rather than upset.
Her little sister just nodded, letting her hands fall from her mouth. “Just once,” she whispered. “The other week.”
Cornelia fixed her sister with one of her commanding looks. “Who started it?”
“I did…” Euphemia whispered, her face still a bright shade of red.
“I see. Very well.” Cornelia relaxed again. “Do try to be discreet if it continues. The last thing we need right now is a scandal, especially if you’re going to take charge here.”
“…What? I mean, thank you!”
“For what, Sister?” Cornelia asked her with a soft smile. “You’re an adult, and you make your own decisions. I was just concerned that Kururugi might have taken advantage of you.”
Euphemia giggled and shook her head. “No, I’m the one always coming around and pestering him. He doesn’t seem to mind at all, though.”
Now that her relationship with Suzaku was out in the open, Euphie gushed about him to her sister, who sat back in her chair and listened with half her brain. The other half had just had a devious little idea and was planning it in detail.
*****
“Oh Suzaku!” Lloyd called. “You have a letter!”
Suzaku Kururugi got up from his work and went over to his rather eccentric boss. “First time for everything,” he commented with a smile, taking the envelope and examining it.
“It came along with mine, so I imagine you’re invited too,” Lloyd said absently, turning back to his terminal.
To ask questions would invite further confusion, Suzaku knew. He pulled a small folding knife from his pocket and carefully slit the envelope. It contained a sheet of stiff white card, lettered in gold.
Sir Suzaku Kururugi
Her Highness Princess Cornelia Li Britannia
Royal Viceroy of Area 11
Cordially Invites You To A Summer Ball
20 June, 1900 hours
Thames Palace
“Wow, I guess you’re on the A-list now,” Cecile commented as she read the invitation over Suzaku’s shoulder. “These balls are very exclusive.”
The rather stunned Suzaku turned to Lloyd. “So you got one too?”
Lloyd made a little sound of affirmation.
“Well, at least there’ll be somebody I know at this thing.”
“Hmm? Oh, I’m not going. Never do. I look terrible in evening wear.”
Cecile smirked at Lloyd. “Oh, you clean up wonderfully. You just don’t want to be taken away from your work for a whole evening and stand around talking to people.”
Lloyd gave one of his strange little laughs. “Alright, you’ve caught me. Regardless, I’m not going. Have fun, though,” he added to Suzaku, who was shaking his head to try and clear it.
“You’ll be just fine,” Cecile told Suzaku with a smile, taking his arm gently and leading him away from the console-absorbed Lloyd. “Just be polite, smile a lot, and don’t discuss politics. We’ll have to get you some things for your dress uniform, too.”
“Right—what is the dress uniform for the Special Corps, anyway?”
“Nothing special. Your regular uniform with an evening wear shirt and bow-tie. I’d also say wear all your medals, but you don’t have any yet.”
“Who is going to be there?” Suzaku asked as they walked past the Lancelot’s massive feet, growing less nervous and more curious about the whole affair.
“The Viceroy and Sub-Viceroy, of course. They’re hosting it. Every important noble in Area 11 is probably invited, and I imagine most of them will come.” Cecile paused, looking thoughtful. “A Knight of Honor doesn’t merit an invite to something like this, you know. It must be because of your appointment as Princess Euphemia’s bodyguard.”
“Euphie’s going to be there!” Suzaku whispered with a smile, all doubts about attending erased.
“Did you even hear the second thing I said?”
“Oh, sorry. What was it?”
“I said that normally a Knight of Honor isn’t senior enough to merit an invitation to an event like this. You might get some flak over it from the nobles. Especially given your birth.” Cecile gave him a kindly smile. “I wouldn’t worry too much. Just don’t let it get to you, okay?”
Suzaku nodded, his mind working even faster than usual. “I won’t. Um, Miss Cecile?”
“Yes, Suzaku?”
“Can you teach me how to dance?”
“What? I—certainly, but why?”
“Because I never learned how,” Suzaku replied with a smile. “And I need to know if I’m going to ask a lady to dance.”
*****
Wow. Talk about being in over my head. Well, nothing for it. Suzaku squared his shoulders and walked up the front steps of the palace, trying to move with grace and dignity. His nervousness and the amount of starch Cecile had ironed into his uniform made such movement a difficult exercise, but Suzaku managed it. Making Euphie happy was worth any amount of discomfort.
I really do look out of place here, he thought, looking over the many finely dressed nobles from the corner of his eye. I can’t blame the perimeter guards for almost throwing me out. Showing up on a military motorcycle and without a single medal on my chest. At least they let me in.
The palace itself didn’t draw Suzaku’s interest; he’d become quite familiar with it over the past month. He headed for the main ballroom, succeeding in looking unhurried. Oddly enough, the familiarity of the surroundings reassured Suzaku in spite of the many curious and sneering looks cast his way. I’m on familiar ground and I have a clear mission: to make the Sub-Viceroy happy. I am a soldier. I will accomplish my mission.
“Invitation please, Milord.” An usher stood with outstretched hand and thoroughly neutral countenance. Suzaku pulled the small sheet of card from his breast pocket and handed it over. The usher gestured him down the stairs into the ballroom and raised a speaker disc to his mouth.
*****
The wine was good, the music was exquisite, and Euphie was miserable. Even worse, she couldn’t let it show in any way. No, one must maintain appearances. Please God, get me out of here!
At the moment, the Sub-Viceroy was holding court amidst half a dozen young noblemen, each vying for her attention and presumably her heart. If even one of them actually cares for me I’m a Chinese peasant, she thought to herself. I don’t think I can take another three hours of this.
“Sir Suzaku Kururugi,” the head usher intoned to the room at large.
*****
Suzaku froze halfway down the steps and went slightly pale. Why were they making such a big deal out of his presence? “Lord and Lady Pemberley,” came the usher’s voice from behind him. Suzaku regained his color. They announce everyone, that must be it.
He used the vantage of the last few steps to scan the room’s layout. As his eyes caught a beaming smile, he froze again.
*****
Euphemia felt a thrill of pure joy as she smiled at Suzaku from halfway across the room. He’s here, he’s here, he’s really here!
Young Lord Whatshisname and his compatriots stopped talking and turned to see what the princess was smiling at.
But how? I thought he wasn’t invited. Oh, who cares? He’s here!
*****
Breathe, Suzaku. Exhale. Inhale. Good God Almighty, she looks more beautiful than ever. The small part of Suzaku’s mind that was working was surprised at the Japanese style of Euphie’s sapphire dress. A magnificently stitched silver dragon coiled its way up her right leg, highlighting her stunning figure. She had even put her long fuchsia hair up with a pair of chopsticks.
Suzaku regained his composure and reached the bottom of the steps. As much as he wanted to make a beeline for Euphie, Cecile had warned him to mingle for a few minutes first for the sake of propriety. Fine. I’ll mingle. He took a glass of water from a side table and drifted through the crowd, planning to make a wide arc out and back around towards Euphie. Hopefully she would remain in more or less the same position; finding someone specific in this large gathering would be a pain.
“Princess Euphemia’s choice of dress is terribly odd, don’t you think?” Suzaku glanced over to see two older noblewomen chatting. They didn’t seem to notice as he stopped to listen.
“Yes, dear. It does look elegant, but it’s so… native. Whatever was she thinking? She has altogether too much sympathy for the Elevens.”
“Actually, I think Her Highness’ outfit is in very much in keeping with the Britannian spirit,” Suzaku broke in with a polite smile. Both ladies turned to regard him with surprise.
“Whatever do you mean, young man?” the first one asked.
“Like Rome centuries ago, Britannia has thrived by conquest and assimilation,” Suzaku replied. “We take the best of the people and ideas of the lands we conquer, and Britannia grows stronger as a result.” Suzaku wasn’t sure if he believed the textbook answer he’d given these noblewomen, but at the moment that didn’t matter. He just wanted them to lay off of Euphie.
“You know, Lady Asworth, this young soldier is perfectly correct,” the second lady commented with a thoughtful expression.
“Yes, he is at that,” the first agreed, smiling pleasantly at Suzaku. “Lady Delaine Asworth.”
“Countess Eleanor Rosethorn,” the second added. “What’s your name?”
“Erm, Sir Suzaku Kururugi.”
“Oh! You’re the Sub-Viceroy’s new bodyguard! I’d heard you were handsome. Do take good care of her, will you?”
Suzaku nodded gravely. “By my life or death. A pleasure to meet you Countess, M’Lady. Have a pleasant evening.”
They smiled at him and went back to their gossip. Suzaku resumed his slow drift through the crowd, heading towards where Euphie should be. A small smile spread across his lips at the memory of his conversation with the two women. Perhaps I can do this society thing after all.
Suzaku noticed the current dance drawing to a close. “Perfect,” he murmured. He increased his pace, eyes scanning for Euphie.
*****
Oh, wherever did he go? Euphemia thought to herself, fighting her impatient desire to just ditch this bunch of noble brats and go look for Suzaku. He’ll be along. He probably knows to wait for a few minutes, that’s all. Still, Euphie was anxious.
A pair of wonderful green eyes connected with hers across the shoulder of her current interlocutor. Euphie’s face lit up as she gazed back. Once again, the group of twits turned to see what she was looking at.
Suzaku stepped around Lord Ingram, ignoring him as politely as possible. He gave Euphie a soft smile. Her heart beat faster. He bowed deeply at the waist. “Lady Highness, may I humbly request the honor of this dance?”
Euphie tried to give a suitable courtly answer and found that she couldn’t speak. Whatever. She stepped forward and laid her hand on Suzaku’s outstretched arm, feeling his familiar warmth and controlled strength. Her high collar didn’t bother her anymore. Her arms didn’t feel exposed in the sleeveless dress. Her knight was here to rescue her.
Suzaku took her hand as his other found her waist. She laid her hand on his shoulder. The orchestra struck up a waltz, and they began to dance. It was a wonderful evening after all.
“Hey you,” Euphie said softly, gazing up at Suzaku.
“Hey,” Suzaku replied just above the music. Looking down at that angelic smile made it hard to think, but he managed anyway. “Sorry I’m a little late.”
Euphie laughed. “I didn’t even know you were coming! Why didn’t you tell me you were invited?”
“I assumed that *you* invited me, so I didn’t bother saying anything,” Suzaku replied with some confusion.
The princess shook her head as they spun around the dance floor with a dozen other couples. “It wasn’t me. So who could have—” She broke off, her mouth curling into a cunning and thoroughly adorable smile. “Oh, I’ll get her for this! She loves to do things like this to me!”
Suzaku grinned down at his lover. “Who? What things?”
Euphie rolled her eyes. “Cornelia! She loves to set me up for disappointment and then spring a wonderful surprise on me. I’m going to give her the biggest hug ever for this one.”
“What’s so special about this surprise?”
“You!” Euphie replied instantly, beaming up at him. “I thought I’d have to stand there all evening and politely let those useless little brats try to impress me. Instead, I get to show all the world how much I love you, Sir Suzaku!”
Suzaku blinked hard. “You mean you want to make love again in front of everyone?” he asked with a mischievous grin.
“No, you—!” Euphie replied with a mock-scowl. “I mean dancing with you like this!”
“This is a demonstration of deep love?” Suzaku was a little confused.
Euphie sighed and shook her head. “Darling, in high society the littlest things are taken as huge signals. That’s why nobles are so good at hiding all their emotions. Think about it. I had seven very eligible young noblemen trying to court me back there. Not only did I immediately ditch them for you without a word when you asked me to dance, but I’ve been smiling like an idiot ever since I laid eyes on you. By now, everyone in the room knows you’re courting me and that I like it.”
The dance came to an end. The couple reluctantly drew apart, but Euphie refused to let go of Suzaku’s hand. “Might as well make it perfectly clear,” she whispered to him. “They’ll be chattering in their drawing rooms about our engagement tomorrow morning.”
Suzaku’s brain took about half a minute to process Euphie’s comment. “What.”
The next dance began, and Euphie tugged the stunned Suzaku back onto the dance floor with a big smile. This dance was rather more complex than the waltz, and it absorbed most of Suzaku’s attention in his befuddled state. Suddenly he found himself gazing down into Euphie’s beautiful violet eyes as the dance pulled them close together. “You do want to marry me, don’t you?” she asked in a matter-of-fact voice.
Little choking sounds issued from Suzaku’s throat until he managed to clear it. “…yes,” he finally managed. “I do want to marry you, Euphie… but not nearly so soon,” Suzaku replied honestly, giving her a loving smile. “Think about it. We barely know each other. I love you, but will we be able to spend the rest of our lives together? I don’t know yet.”
Euphie nodded and gave a wistful little sigh. “You’re right, Suzaku. And for the record,” she added with a wink, “I want to marry you someday, love. With all my heart.”
He very nearly leaned down and kissed her right there, nobles be damned. Thankfully, the ending of the song stopped him. Some things just weren’t done, even by a princess and her white knight.
Suzaku saw little droplets of sweat standing out on Euphie’s forehead. “Let’s get you some water,” he murmured as the two retired from the dance floor hand-in-hand. He quickly spotted and then appropriated two glasses of water from the tray of a passing cocktail waiter. “You look incredible, by the way,” Suzaku told her with a smile as he handed one across.
“You’re not looking too bad yourself,” she replied with a playful grin. “That makes a rather refreshing change from all the gaudy dress uniforms.”
“I guess nobody ever bothered designing one for the Special Corps.”
“We’ll have to keep that elegant simplicity when we design your new uniform.”
“What new uniform?” Suzaku was confused again.
“We’re formally creating my personal guard next month, remember? Each such unit has its own uniform. I’m thinking white and gold, like your combat jumpsuit. The Lancelot’s going to be staying with you, after all.”
“Really? That’s great! With the Lancelot I can protect you from anything!”
Euphie giggled. “After all, what good is a knight without his white horse?” she asked, squeezing his hand softly.
Suzaku couldn’t help but chuckle. “I guess I am your knight in shining armor, aren’t I?”
“Yup! And don’t you forget it, Sir Suzaku!”
*****
The couple laughed and talked happily, staking out a place along the wall as their own. Knights and nobles came and went from their conversation over the course of the evening. A pleasant surprise for Suzaku was the appearance of his friend Milly Ashford, who stayed and talked with him and Euphie for a while.
The evening meandered on pleasantly, and finally came to a close. The guests drifted out in ones, twos, and parties. Soon Suzaku was among the last to remain.
“I think I feel an acute loneliness attack coming on,” Euphie whispered with a seductive smile. “Probably around midnight.”
Suzaku grinned and winked. “I’ll arrange for some expert care, Your Highness. Good evening.” He took Euphie’s small hand and kissed it softly.
Euphie looked surprised at his blithe promise, then beamed at him. “Good evening, Sir Suzaku.”
With a formal bow Suzaku left the ballroom, his back straight and his stride measured in perfect military fashion. In the entrance hall, he swept his eyes left and right. Only two guards, and they were deep in conversation. They hadn’t noticed him. Tsk tsk tsk.
Without breaking step, Sir Suzaku Kururugi slipped into the narrow space behind one of the massive wall hangings. His fingers found the button concealed in the molding. The narrow door opened as it was supposed to. Ah, the old servants’ passages. This palace well predated the Britannian occupation, though few would realize it. All the elements of Japanese architecture had been expunged, but the basic structure of the building had been left untouched. They had been discovered by a junior member of the Viceroy’s guard several months ago, who had immediately realized the usefulness of keeping them confidential. As the Sub-Viceroy’s personal bodyguard, Suzaku had been introduced to this well-kept secret. What all of this ultimately meant was that Sir Suzaku was fully capable of wandering whither he willed within Thames Palace without being seen or heard. Upstairs and downstairs and in his lady’s chamber.
Reaching a tiny nook with an ancient chair crammed into it, Suzaku sat down and turned off his miniature flashlight to save power. He leaned back, checking the glowing numbers on his wristwatch: 2330.
He had an appointment to keep in half an hour.
{More Author’s Note: Okay, firstly, the musical suggestions for this chapter! Euphie and Suzaku have two dances together, so here’s two songs: “Waltz For The Moon” by Nobuo Uematsu (from Final Fantasy VIII) and “Between the Shadows” by Loreena McKennitt. They should be quite easy to find.
Someone asked me last week if Euphie and Suzaku have a ‘theme,’ a song that’s theirs like a lot of couples do. I’ve thought about it long and hard, and it turns out I do know a song that expresses my feel for their relationship. You can find it on the Newgrounds.com Audio Portal. It’s entitled ‘“Chrono Trigger” F-777 remix.’ Submission number 102385. It’s one of F-777’s best songs, and believe me that’s saying something.
If the palace in Area 11 has a name, I haven’t heard it yet. So I named it. ^^ Similarly, I don’t know of any character in the show thus far who actually holds the title of “Knight of Honor,” and thus I don’t know what honorific it carries, if any. I spent two hours reading about the British honors system and came away with no insights and a mild headache. I decided to go with the generic “Sir Suzaku.” If anyone with a full knowledge of the show (read: you damn fansubbers) can clarify this question *without* giving me any plot spoilers, I would appreciate it.
I was going to write the scene of Suzaku’s investiture as a Knight of Honor and appointment as Euphie’s personal guard, but as I tried I realized two things. One, I have no idea how such ceremonies work. Two, it was a very boring scene no matter what I did with it. So I decided to establish that it happened through references instead. I should also mention that I don’t know how to dance (I’ll learn someday), which is why I didn’t write Suzaku’s lessons from Cecile or go into much detail when our cute couple dances.
Thank you to my alpha readers, JG and blubutterfly!
See you next week! Same Angel time, same Angel channel!}
A Code Geass fan fiction story
Written by Archangel
Edited by Comixgal
Chapter 4 – Surprise
{Author’s Note: This chapter is dedicated to UtenaTenjou10, who has written two lovely reviews and is quite a talented artist to boot! Further notes and the music suggestions for this chapter at the end. Enjoy, and please provide feedback! RATE and/or REVIEW, please!}
“Another formal ball?” Princess Euphemia Li Britannia asked with a roll of her eyes. “How long has it been since the last one?”
“Not quite a month,” her elder sister Cornelia Li Britannia replied with an equal lack of enthusiasm. “I suppose most of the nobles don’t have anything better to do. I swear, there’s a positive plague of them in each new area.”
“There’s no way to get out of it? I’m not anxious to spend an entire evening fending off inept Romeos.”
“If I have to be there, so do you,” Cornelia replied gently. “It’s just something we have to deal with, Euphie. Learn to grin and bear it.”
“Do we bring our people?” Euphie asked, barely hiding the hope in her voice that Suzaku might be coming too.
“No. It’s here at the palace, so there’s no need for bodyguards. Some of my guard are invited in their own right, but it looks like Kururugi has that night off.”
“Oh.” Euphemia was unable to hide the disappointed look on her face.
“Why does it matter?” Cornelia asked curiously, looking over from the comfort of an easy chair. The sisters were in Cornelia’s sitting room, spending the little mutually free time they had that day.
“I would actually want to dance with him,” Euphie replied with a wistful smile, linking her hands behind her head and leaning back into the soft couch.
“You’d let him court you?” Cornelia asked in some surprise. “But he’s an Eleven!”
“So what?” Euphie shot back, looking her sister straight in the eye. “He’s brave, he’s handsome, and you made him a Knight of Honor the other week. He’s done more for Britannia in the last few months than most of these young ‘noblemen’ have done in their lives!”
The two women locked gazes for a moment then Cornelia nodded. “Yes, you’re right, Euphie. I’m starting to think Kururugi is the exception that proves my rule about Numbers.” She leaned forward and smiled softly. “So you love him, then?”
Euphemia giggled and nodded. “He’s so kind, so noble! He really is a white knight—right out of any girl’s dreams.” Euphie sighed. “And for some reason, he loves me too! Oh Cornelia, I’m so happy!”
Cornelia cocked her head and looked at Euphemia curiously. “You seem to know him awfully well.”
Euphie blushed slightly. She’d never been able to lie to her sister, so she didn’t even try now. “I’ve been sneaking out for the past two months to visit him at the base.”
Cornelia’s eyes narrowed. “What?”
“I wore a disguise! Nobody knows, nobody’s recognized me,” Euphie said defensively. “It’s just… you’re always so busy and he’s my *only* other friend in Area 11.”
“Very well,” Cornelia replied after letting out a long breath. “I hate being able to spend so little time with you. You know that, right?”
“I know, Sister. But all of the problems just go away when I’m with him, you know?”
Cornelia nodded her understanding. “So you two are courting?”
“Not officially. You’re the only person who knows besides us.”
“Well, you’ll have to start publicly, especially since he’s going to be with you all the time. There’s no way you could hide it for long.” Cornelia leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, smiling slyly. “You do have a good eye, Euphie. He is rather handsome, isn’t he? I wonder how he is in bed,” she asked in a musing tone.
“Amazing…” Euphie replied in a dreamy voice, recalling the still-fresh memory of that evening visit two weeks ago.
Cornelia’s eyes snapped open as she sat up very straight. “WHAT?”
Euphemia let out a little ‘meep!’, clapping her hands over her mouth. She felt her face burning crimson as she lowered her gaze to the floor.
“Euphie, you didn’t!” Cornelia seemed shocked rather than upset.
Her little sister just nodded, letting her hands fall from her mouth. “Just once,” she whispered. “The other week.”
Cornelia fixed her sister with one of her commanding looks. “Who started it?”
“I did…” Euphemia whispered, her face still a bright shade of red.
“I see. Very well.” Cornelia relaxed again. “Do try to be discreet if it continues. The last thing we need right now is a scandal, especially if you’re going to take charge here.”
“…What? I mean, thank you!”
“For what, Sister?” Cornelia asked her with a soft smile. “You’re an adult, and you make your own decisions. I was just concerned that Kururugi might have taken advantage of you.”
Euphemia giggled and shook her head. “No, I’m the one always coming around and pestering him. He doesn’t seem to mind at all, though.”
Now that her relationship with Suzaku was out in the open, Euphie gushed about him to her sister, who sat back in her chair and listened with half her brain. The other half had just had a devious little idea and was planning it in detail.
*****
“Oh Suzaku!” Lloyd called. “You have a letter!”
Suzaku Kururugi got up from his work and went over to his rather eccentric boss. “First time for everything,” he commented with a smile, taking the envelope and examining it.
“It came along with mine, so I imagine you’re invited too,” Lloyd said absently, turning back to his terminal.
To ask questions would invite further confusion, Suzaku knew. He pulled a small folding knife from his pocket and carefully slit the envelope. It contained a sheet of stiff white card, lettered in gold.
Sir Suzaku Kururugi
Her Highness Princess Cornelia Li Britannia
Royal Viceroy of Area 11
Cordially Invites You To A Summer Ball
20 June, 1900 hours
Thames Palace
“Wow, I guess you’re on the A-list now,” Cecile commented as she read the invitation over Suzaku’s shoulder. “These balls are very exclusive.”
The rather stunned Suzaku turned to Lloyd. “So you got one too?”
Lloyd made a little sound of affirmation.
“Well, at least there’ll be somebody I know at this thing.”
“Hmm? Oh, I’m not going. Never do. I look terrible in evening wear.”
Cecile smirked at Lloyd. “Oh, you clean up wonderfully. You just don’t want to be taken away from your work for a whole evening and stand around talking to people.”
Lloyd gave one of his strange little laughs. “Alright, you’ve caught me. Regardless, I’m not going. Have fun, though,” he added to Suzaku, who was shaking his head to try and clear it.
“You’ll be just fine,” Cecile told Suzaku with a smile, taking his arm gently and leading him away from the console-absorbed Lloyd. “Just be polite, smile a lot, and don’t discuss politics. We’ll have to get you some things for your dress uniform, too.”
“Right—what is the dress uniform for the Special Corps, anyway?”
“Nothing special. Your regular uniform with an evening wear shirt and bow-tie. I’d also say wear all your medals, but you don’t have any yet.”
“Who is going to be there?” Suzaku asked as they walked past the Lancelot’s massive feet, growing less nervous and more curious about the whole affair.
“The Viceroy and Sub-Viceroy, of course. They’re hosting it. Every important noble in Area 11 is probably invited, and I imagine most of them will come.” Cecile paused, looking thoughtful. “A Knight of Honor doesn’t merit an invite to something like this, you know. It must be because of your appointment as Princess Euphemia’s bodyguard.”
“Euphie’s going to be there!” Suzaku whispered with a smile, all doubts about attending erased.
“Did you even hear the second thing I said?”
“Oh, sorry. What was it?”
“I said that normally a Knight of Honor isn’t senior enough to merit an invitation to an event like this. You might get some flak over it from the nobles. Especially given your birth.” Cecile gave him a kindly smile. “I wouldn’t worry too much. Just don’t let it get to you, okay?”
Suzaku nodded, his mind working even faster than usual. “I won’t. Um, Miss Cecile?”
“Yes, Suzaku?”
“Can you teach me how to dance?”
“What? I—certainly, but why?”
“Because I never learned how,” Suzaku replied with a smile. “And I need to know if I’m going to ask a lady to dance.”
*****
Wow. Talk about being in over my head. Well, nothing for it. Suzaku squared his shoulders and walked up the front steps of the palace, trying to move with grace and dignity. His nervousness and the amount of starch Cecile had ironed into his uniform made such movement a difficult exercise, but Suzaku managed it. Making Euphie happy was worth any amount of discomfort.
I really do look out of place here, he thought, looking over the many finely dressed nobles from the corner of his eye. I can’t blame the perimeter guards for almost throwing me out. Showing up on a military motorcycle and without a single medal on my chest. At least they let me in.
The palace itself didn’t draw Suzaku’s interest; he’d become quite familiar with it over the past month. He headed for the main ballroom, succeeding in looking unhurried. Oddly enough, the familiarity of the surroundings reassured Suzaku in spite of the many curious and sneering looks cast his way. I’m on familiar ground and I have a clear mission: to make the Sub-Viceroy happy. I am a soldier. I will accomplish my mission.
“Invitation please, Milord.” An usher stood with outstretched hand and thoroughly neutral countenance. Suzaku pulled the small sheet of card from his breast pocket and handed it over. The usher gestured him down the stairs into the ballroom and raised a speaker disc to his mouth.
*****
The wine was good, the music was exquisite, and Euphie was miserable. Even worse, she couldn’t let it show in any way. No, one must maintain appearances. Please God, get me out of here!
At the moment, the Sub-Viceroy was holding court amidst half a dozen young noblemen, each vying for her attention and presumably her heart. If even one of them actually cares for me I’m a Chinese peasant, she thought to herself. I don’t think I can take another three hours of this.
“Sir Suzaku Kururugi,” the head usher intoned to the room at large.
*****
Suzaku froze halfway down the steps and went slightly pale. Why were they making such a big deal out of his presence? “Lord and Lady Pemberley,” came the usher’s voice from behind him. Suzaku regained his color. They announce everyone, that must be it.
He used the vantage of the last few steps to scan the room’s layout. As his eyes caught a beaming smile, he froze again.
*****
Euphemia felt a thrill of pure joy as she smiled at Suzaku from halfway across the room. He’s here, he’s here, he’s really here!
Young Lord Whatshisname and his compatriots stopped talking and turned to see what the princess was smiling at.
But how? I thought he wasn’t invited. Oh, who cares? He’s here!
*****
Breathe, Suzaku. Exhale. Inhale. Good God Almighty, she looks more beautiful than ever. The small part of Suzaku’s mind that was working was surprised at the Japanese style of Euphie’s sapphire dress. A magnificently stitched silver dragon coiled its way up her right leg, highlighting her stunning figure. She had even put her long fuchsia hair up with a pair of chopsticks.
Suzaku regained his composure and reached the bottom of the steps. As much as he wanted to make a beeline for Euphie, Cecile had warned him to mingle for a few minutes first for the sake of propriety. Fine. I’ll mingle. He took a glass of water from a side table and drifted through the crowd, planning to make a wide arc out and back around towards Euphie. Hopefully she would remain in more or less the same position; finding someone specific in this large gathering would be a pain.
“Princess Euphemia’s choice of dress is terribly odd, don’t you think?” Suzaku glanced over to see two older noblewomen chatting. They didn’t seem to notice as he stopped to listen.
“Yes, dear. It does look elegant, but it’s so… native. Whatever was she thinking? She has altogether too much sympathy for the Elevens.”
“Actually, I think Her Highness’ outfit is in very much in keeping with the Britannian spirit,” Suzaku broke in with a polite smile. Both ladies turned to regard him with surprise.
“Whatever do you mean, young man?” the first one asked.
“Like Rome centuries ago, Britannia has thrived by conquest and assimilation,” Suzaku replied. “We take the best of the people and ideas of the lands we conquer, and Britannia grows stronger as a result.” Suzaku wasn’t sure if he believed the textbook answer he’d given these noblewomen, but at the moment that didn’t matter. He just wanted them to lay off of Euphie.
“You know, Lady Asworth, this young soldier is perfectly correct,” the second lady commented with a thoughtful expression.
“Yes, he is at that,” the first agreed, smiling pleasantly at Suzaku. “Lady Delaine Asworth.”
“Countess Eleanor Rosethorn,” the second added. “What’s your name?”
“Erm, Sir Suzaku Kururugi.”
“Oh! You’re the Sub-Viceroy’s new bodyguard! I’d heard you were handsome. Do take good care of her, will you?”
Suzaku nodded gravely. “By my life or death. A pleasure to meet you Countess, M’Lady. Have a pleasant evening.”
They smiled at him and went back to their gossip. Suzaku resumed his slow drift through the crowd, heading towards where Euphie should be. A small smile spread across his lips at the memory of his conversation with the two women. Perhaps I can do this society thing after all.
Suzaku noticed the current dance drawing to a close. “Perfect,” he murmured. He increased his pace, eyes scanning for Euphie.
*****
Oh, wherever did he go? Euphemia thought to herself, fighting her impatient desire to just ditch this bunch of noble brats and go look for Suzaku. He’ll be along. He probably knows to wait for a few minutes, that’s all. Still, Euphie was anxious.
A pair of wonderful green eyes connected with hers across the shoulder of her current interlocutor. Euphie’s face lit up as she gazed back. Once again, the group of twits turned to see what she was looking at.
Suzaku stepped around Lord Ingram, ignoring him as politely as possible. He gave Euphie a soft smile. Her heart beat faster. He bowed deeply at the waist. “Lady Highness, may I humbly request the honor of this dance?”
Euphie tried to give a suitable courtly answer and found that she couldn’t speak. Whatever. She stepped forward and laid her hand on Suzaku’s outstretched arm, feeling his familiar warmth and controlled strength. Her high collar didn’t bother her anymore. Her arms didn’t feel exposed in the sleeveless dress. Her knight was here to rescue her.
Suzaku took her hand as his other found her waist. She laid her hand on his shoulder. The orchestra struck up a waltz, and they began to dance. It was a wonderful evening after all.
“Hey you,” Euphie said softly, gazing up at Suzaku.
“Hey,” Suzaku replied just above the music. Looking down at that angelic smile made it hard to think, but he managed anyway. “Sorry I’m a little late.”
Euphie laughed. “I didn’t even know you were coming! Why didn’t you tell me you were invited?”
“I assumed that *you* invited me, so I didn’t bother saying anything,” Suzaku replied with some confusion.
The princess shook her head as they spun around the dance floor with a dozen other couples. “It wasn’t me. So who could have—” She broke off, her mouth curling into a cunning and thoroughly adorable smile. “Oh, I’ll get her for this! She loves to do things like this to me!”
Suzaku grinned down at his lover. “Who? What things?”
Euphie rolled her eyes. “Cornelia! She loves to set me up for disappointment and then spring a wonderful surprise on me. I’m going to give her the biggest hug ever for this one.”
“What’s so special about this surprise?”
“You!” Euphie replied instantly, beaming up at him. “I thought I’d have to stand there all evening and politely let those useless little brats try to impress me. Instead, I get to show all the world how much I love you, Sir Suzaku!”
Suzaku blinked hard. “You mean you want to make love again in front of everyone?” he asked with a mischievous grin.
“No, you—!” Euphie replied with a mock-scowl. “I mean dancing with you like this!”
“This is a demonstration of deep love?” Suzaku was a little confused.
Euphie sighed and shook her head. “Darling, in high society the littlest things are taken as huge signals. That’s why nobles are so good at hiding all their emotions. Think about it. I had seven very eligible young noblemen trying to court me back there. Not only did I immediately ditch them for you without a word when you asked me to dance, but I’ve been smiling like an idiot ever since I laid eyes on you. By now, everyone in the room knows you’re courting me and that I like it.”
The dance came to an end. The couple reluctantly drew apart, but Euphie refused to let go of Suzaku’s hand. “Might as well make it perfectly clear,” she whispered to him. “They’ll be chattering in their drawing rooms about our engagement tomorrow morning.”
Suzaku’s brain took about half a minute to process Euphie’s comment. “What.”
The next dance began, and Euphie tugged the stunned Suzaku back onto the dance floor with a big smile. This dance was rather more complex than the waltz, and it absorbed most of Suzaku’s attention in his befuddled state. Suddenly he found himself gazing down into Euphie’s beautiful violet eyes as the dance pulled them close together. “You do want to marry me, don’t you?” she asked in a matter-of-fact voice.
Little choking sounds issued from Suzaku’s throat until he managed to clear it. “…yes,” he finally managed. “I do want to marry you, Euphie… but not nearly so soon,” Suzaku replied honestly, giving her a loving smile. “Think about it. We barely know each other. I love you, but will we be able to spend the rest of our lives together? I don’t know yet.”
Euphie nodded and gave a wistful little sigh. “You’re right, Suzaku. And for the record,” she added with a wink, “I want to marry you someday, love. With all my heart.”
He very nearly leaned down and kissed her right there, nobles be damned. Thankfully, the ending of the song stopped him. Some things just weren’t done, even by a princess and her white knight.
Suzaku saw little droplets of sweat standing out on Euphie’s forehead. “Let’s get you some water,” he murmured as the two retired from the dance floor hand-in-hand. He quickly spotted and then appropriated two glasses of water from the tray of a passing cocktail waiter. “You look incredible, by the way,” Suzaku told her with a smile as he handed one across.
“You’re not looking too bad yourself,” she replied with a playful grin. “That makes a rather refreshing change from all the gaudy dress uniforms.”
“I guess nobody ever bothered designing one for the Special Corps.”
“We’ll have to keep that elegant simplicity when we design your new uniform.”
“What new uniform?” Suzaku was confused again.
“We’re formally creating my personal guard next month, remember? Each such unit has its own uniform. I’m thinking white and gold, like your combat jumpsuit. The Lancelot’s going to be staying with you, after all.”
“Really? That’s great! With the Lancelot I can protect you from anything!”
Euphie giggled. “After all, what good is a knight without his white horse?” she asked, squeezing his hand softly.
Suzaku couldn’t help but chuckle. “I guess I am your knight in shining armor, aren’t I?”
“Yup! And don’t you forget it, Sir Suzaku!”
*****
The couple laughed and talked happily, staking out a place along the wall as their own. Knights and nobles came and went from their conversation over the course of the evening. A pleasant surprise for Suzaku was the appearance of his friend Milly Ashford, who stayed and talked with him and Euphie for a while.
The evening meandered on pleasantly, and finally came to a close. The guests drifted out in ones, twos, and parties. Soon Suzaku was among the last to remain.
“I think I feel an acute loneliness attack coming on,” Euphie whispered with a seductive smile. “Probably around midnight.”
Suzaku grinned and winked. “I’ll arrange for some expert care, Your Highness. Good evening.” He took Euphie’s small hand and kissed it softly.
Euphie looked surprised at his blithe promise, then beamed at him. “Good evening, Sir Suzaku.”
With a formal bow Suzaku left the ballroom, his back straight and his stride measured in perfect military fashion. In the entrance hall, he swept his eyes left and right. Only two guards, and they were deep in conversation. They hadn’t noticed him. Tsk tsk tsk.
Without breaking step, Sir Suzaku Kururugi slipped into the narrow space behind one of the massive wall hangings. His fingers found the button concealed in the molding. The narrow door opened as it was supposed to. Ah, the old servants’ passages. This palace well predated the Britannian occupation, though few would realize it. All the elements of Japanese architecture had been expunged, but the basic structure of the building had been left untouched. They had been discovered by a junior member of the Viceroy’s guard several months ago, who had immediately realized the usefulness of keeping them confidential. As the Sub-Viceroy’s personal bodyguard, Suzaku had been introduced to this well-kept secret. What all of this ultimately meant was that Sir Suzaku was fully capable of wandering whither he willed within Thames Palace without being seen or heard. Upstairs and downstairs and in his lady’s chamber.
Reaching a tiny nook with an ancient chair crammed into it, Suzaku sat down and turned off his miniature flashlight to save power. He leaned back, checking the glowing numbers on his wristwatch: 2330.
He had an appointment to keep in half an hour.
{More Author’s Note: Okay, firstly, the musical suggestions for this chapter! Euphie and Suzaku have two dances together, so here’s two songs: “Waltz For The Moon” by Nobuo Uematsu (from Final Fantasy VIII) and “Between the Shadows” by Loreena McKennitt. They should be quite easy to find.
Someone asked me last week if Euphie and Suzaku have a ‘theme,’ a song that’s theirs like a lot of couples do. I’ve thought about it long and hard, and it turns out I do know a song that expresses my feel for their relationship. You can find it on the Newgrounds.com Audio Portal. It’s entitled ‘“Chrono Trigger” F-777 remix.’ Submission number 102385. It’s one of F-777’s best songs, and believe me that’s saying something.
If the palace in Area 11 has a name, I haven’t heard it yet. So I named it. ^^ Similarly, I don’t know of any character in the show thus far who actually holds the title of “Knight of Honor,” and thus I don’t know what honorific it carries, if any. I spent two hours reading about the British honors system and came away with no insights and a mild headache. I decided to go with the generic “Sir Suzaku.” If anyone with a full knowledge of the show (read: you damn fansubbers) can clarify this question *without* giving me any plot spoilers, I would appreciate it.
I was going to write the scene of Suzaku’s investiture as a Knight of Honor and appointment as Euphie’s personal guard, but as I tried I realized two things. One, I have no idea how such ceremonies work. Two, it was a very boring scene no matter what I did with it. So I decided to establish that it happened through references instead. I should also mention that I don’t know how to dance (I’ll learn someday), which is why I didn’t write Suzaku’s lessons from Cecile or go into much detail when our cute couple dances.
Thank you to my alpha readers, JG and blubutterfly!
See you next week! Same Angel time, same Angel channel!}