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outofthefires · 8 months

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

֍ 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?

To Be Continued.....

#TheLunarChronicles #LinhCinder #Cinder #PrinceKaito #Kaito #Kai #Solo #StoryTime #AU #Youtube

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outofthefires · 10 months

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They Will Take, Until Nothing of You Is Left. SL02 - A tale by Cinder and Kaito - Part 2

֍ Cinder ֍

Shell… I’d heard the young girl say the word; however, I hadn’t placed any weight on it, that is until now. I knew little to nothing about the Luna’s history, then what was spoken in the streets of New Beijing, over the Netscreens, or gossiped about in the market square.

Turning my connection back on, still listening to Kai and Cress while searching:

Shell + Luna History

Collecting Data….

Collecting Data…

Data Displayed….

Centuries prior to World War IV, Luna (then known only as the moon) was colonized by a small group of researchers from many different Earthen countries in order to further space research and exploration. There was little fighting over territory due to the “Moon Treaty” drafted by the United Nations in 1979.

I swiped the data away. This I knew… Scanning all the information before my retina display, I stopped when I saw something I hadn’t known.

Due to a process called hormesis, a genetic mutation began to develop within the Luna society: a mutation that resulted in one’s inability to output or receive electromagnetic stimulation from others.

Lunars born with this mutation are called “shells,” a derogative term referring to how they are “empty” of the gift. As shells cannot be brainwashed or controlled with the Lunar glamours, they are generally distrusted by other Luna’s, and a target of abuse and hatred.

The abhorrence of shells began in the 108th year of the third era, when a shell managed to infiltrate the royal palace and murder both king Marrok Blackburn, and queen Jannali Blackburn —leaving their two daughters, Princess Channary and Princess Levana alive. The two sisters were the only recognized descendants of the royal bloodline.

Following her official coronation, Queen Channary enacted the shell infanticide laws stating that any Lunars born as shells were to be promptly disposed of in order to protect the sanctity of their society.

This information sickened me to my core. The Luna’s who thought of themselves as better than the earthen humans, were known to be unkind towards our people, and still there were bigots towards their own kind too?

“Some things aren’t so different.” I muttered under my breath. This was how the cyborgs were treated here, and with the draft... The Earthen laws found a better way to kill my kind.

When I re-joined the conversation taking place my brows pulled together and my eyes began to sting. (Another side effect from my time with the doctor in the palace labs.)

Biting my tongue for now, I fought to compose my features. However, I glanced at Kai out of the side of my vision. A boy who had gone so far to protect his best friend, wouldn’t help this girl? Someone who was trying to warn him to the dangers of her people. She had taken a risk by answering our call in the first place. And to leave her in the hopes that Thaumaturge would not punish Cress in some way? How could he allow it? Instead, he was asking for proof.

֍ Kaito ֍

I could feel Cinder’s eyes on me, but I couldn’t bring myself to look at her. Not while I was sitting in a position as privileged as mine; looking this poor girl in the face telling her she would remain trapped and enslaved. Telling her I couldn’t save her without starting a war that Earth would undoubtedly lose.

‘I’m trying to find proof. But the Queen doesn’t leave much of a paper trail. But I have been asked to monitor Earthern ships coming within visual distance of Luna and track their habits and behaviour. I think the Queen is preparing for a visit to Earth.’ #Cress’s voice had a musical quality to it. Even when she was clearly anxious.

“If we wanted to contact you again is this chip we used, okay? Or does it put you in danger?” I asked.

‘It’s a secure connection, I programmed it myself. It is unbreakable.’ Cress said proudly. ‘The only danger would be if my Mistress was here when you tried to initiate the link.”

I pulled my chair closer to the screen, my eyes flitting to Cinder again. What must she think of me right now? “Okay… so if you removed the chip from the screen the link cannot be made, can it?” I asked and she nodded. “So, remove the chip and in two weeks, at this exact time I will try to contact you again. If The link fails, I will try again… two weeks later, at the same time. Would that be okay with you?”

‘Yes, Your Highness. But… I’m not sure I’ll be able to gather any data at all…. Never mind in two weeks.’ She looked fearful again.

“That’s okay, do what you can. But keep yourself safe. A lot of lives could depend on what you find out. You’ve already provided information that may become useful to the Commonwealth in the future.”

I thanked the girl… even though I was still telling myself I needed to be cautious… while my instinct told me she was being truthful; I had to maintain the logic that this could still be a Lunar ploy. When the screen went dark, I slumped back into the chair and dragged my hands through my hair, letting out a heavy sigh.

֍ Cinder ֍

Let’s out an audible exhale as the screen went dark, we sat there with our eyer straight ahead for a while. So much had been uncovered, so much information shared, I’d learnt things I’d never considered in my life. And Kai… I’d seen another side of him, one I knew not to judge him for.

Early I’d questioned his reasoning when Hiro was taken by the Luna’s in the palace, and he had resolved the situation somewhat, every if it meant that his best friend had been sent away. Consoling the girl would have given her false hope, telling her to wait and see, would have done the same. But telling the truth, the facts. Ones #Cress knew to be true too. (She had been spying on Kai for a while.) It now felt like the only outcome here.

“What now?” Finally asking the question to cut the tension palpating in the lab.

‘Prince Kaito, would you like me to monitor the Luna Head Thaumaturge Sybil Mira closely?’ #Nainsi questioned.

“Wait. Aren’t all the Luna delegation being monitors closely while they are here?” They were no way they were allowed to come and go as they pleased, right?

‘Of course, they are Linh Cinder, however if the prince is to connect with Cress again, it would be better for us to have our own data on her goings about while on Earth.’ It felt like I was being disciplined by her for asking the wrong questions. But really, who knew the right questions?

Turning my attention away from the droid I frowned. “You’ve been very quiet, Kai. Are you okay?” I knew the question was ridiculous as soon as I asked. How could he be anything but okay right now?

֍ Kaito ֍

What now Cinder asked… she asked like she was plotting with me. Like she was my ally in this deception. The thought of it terrified me. The thought of it thrilled me. I was a selfish fool. I was glad when #Nainsi answered Cinder’s questions. My mind was reeling with everything I had learned.

Then my head jerked up at the mention of my name. “I… They..” I dragged my hand through my messy hair. “Sixteen years… If they kept her alive as a slave for Sixteen years… how many ungifted children have they…” I shook my head. This was the wrong thing to worry about right now. There was nothing any leader on Earth could do let alone a Prince that hasn’t yet come into his crown.

“It’s even more important now to find the Lost Princess… things on Luna are far worse than we knew…” I took a deep breath.

“Cinder…” I met her strange, intriguing brown eyes. “I fear I’ve put you in danger involving you as much as I already have. I have been reckless with your safety and I apologise sincerely.”

֍ Cinder ֍

“Sixteen years….” The feel of the word sat heavily on my chest. Here I thought my life had been different and difficult. It had been nothing like #Cress’s.

A frown deepening in my forehead should have been answer enough. Kai was at a breaking point? Or trying to make sense just like I was of everything we had just heard. Or… or…. Who was I kidding. Anyone’s mind would blow right now.

Pushing the stool I sat on back and turning it, while I pushed my pants leg down to face him. “Kai. You have absolutely nothing to apologise for. I am the one who came to you…” Stopping, I held a finger up.

“Okay… that may not be the full truth. I mean you did come in search of me, Beijing’s most infamous mechanic. And you found her.”

Trying to lighten the mood a little. It was a hard crowd with him and his android. Hearing #Nainsi made a scoffing like sound.

“Okay. This is a tough crowd.” Shaking my head. “But the point I am making here. We are friends, right? And friends help one another. If Hiro were here. You know he would have your back. So, I will too.”

I knew my friendship with the crown Prince didn’t go back years like #Hiro’s, but he needed someone on his side.

“Is there anyone in this palace… Who can be trusted with the information we both just learnt?”

֍ Kaito ֍

I wanted to let myself feel relieved when Cinder said I had no need to apologise. But #KonnTorin’s voice echoed in my mind; telling me I was endangering a citizen. That I was chasing ghosts and conspiracy theories.

I wanted to believe that I had a friend left… that I wasn’t alone in this possibly misguided possibly suicidal, mission of my own making.

I chuckled at #Nainsi’s disapproving sound. “Are you sure that you didn’t tweak her programming?” I teased.

“I never told #Hiro about my secret project.” I admitted. “I never thought that having Nainsi fixed would reveal this information to anyone. I wouldn’t have knowingly exposed someone to the risk…” I smiled at Cinder. “And I never would have thought that anyone learning of my research would think I am anything other than a conspiracy nut chasing ghosts.”

I shook my head and dragged my hand through my hair and sighed. “No… I can’t tell anyone, its too dangerous and even if it wasn’t… they would think it was a suicide mission.”

֍ Cinder ֍

“If I had tweaked her coding, it’s clear I didn’t do a good job of it.” The curve of my lips moved up. “It’s a good thing her personality is growing on me.” It wasn’t but keeping in mind that #Iko was my best friend, and someone who could open a barrage of sarcasm, without a moment’s notice. I like how #Nainsi tried to help and protect Kai.

“Kai…” Okay, this was not the reply I was hoping for. While I thought things over, my fingers played with the hem of my gloves before tugging them up and the sleeves of my jacket down. “How can we do this without any help?” My eyes drifted over to the black screen once again. “Cress didn’t have to do so much; she doesn’t have to work to find all the information she has been. And the risk she is taking. We have to find a way to get ten steps ahead of the Luna’s. because right now it feels like we are playing catch up.”

“What about—” stopping myself before I let his name slip from my lips. The man has giving me no indication that he would be willing to do anything other than lie to his crown prince and find the cure to Letumosis. However, then again, he had kept every promise he made to me so far. My stepsister was in this palace somewhere. I hadn’t been told where, but she was… here… So, could Dr Dimitri Erland help? And if so, how?

“No… that was a bad idea.” I shook my head.

֍ Kaito ֍

I chuckled softly, averting my eyes for a moment to keep from staring too long at the curve of her lips. “Now, you understand why I’m so attached.” I glanced at my childhood tutor. “She’s one of the few people…” I stopped and then decided to let the slip go. “That call me out on my foolishness without sugar coating it.”

The way she said we thrilled and terrified me, to have an ally in this would be… a great burden lifted. But could I truly endanger her so? “We still must tread lightly with Cress… We can’t know her true motivation. It may be a trick… though…” I laughed softly. “I am rather inclined to believe her, I’m not sure why. Perhaps because Lunars are proud, vain creatures and I cannot imagine any of them claiming to be a Shell, even for a roose. But regardless we…” there it was again… we… “must remain vigilant.”

I looked up at Cinder, eager when it seemed as though she might offer an idea. Then I tilted my head and smiled at her. “I may not have known you long, Li…” I stopped myself. “Cinder. But something tells me you have had very few bad idea’s in your lifetime.” I leaned on the table that housed the screens and devices that couldn’t being to name.

“Friends do not censor themselves amongst friends, do they?” I turned to #Nainsi and spoke. “You should return to your duties, Nainsi. People will begin searching for me very soon.” Who was I kidding... they already were. But I wanted a moment alone with Cinder. My android trundled out into the hallway and left us to our… plotting?

֍ Cinder ֍

“I really do understand, more than you can imagine.”

The way the prince spoke about #Nainsi, it reminded me of my relationship with #Iko. Who I know will take my head from not bringing her with me to the palace, and more so to meet with Kai once again. However, with #Adri’s moods these days, it was safest for my friend not to be seen with me. I hoped to the stars that in time when #Peony healed, then life would return to the way it was. (Even with the three of us planning to leave.)

I searched for that little orange light to flicker so often, except when I shared a space with the prince. He was slowly returning my trust in humanity. Being of the royal house you would think he’d have his own ideas and not care to hear those of someone like me. However, here we were.

“We all have our weaknesses, Kai...” I heard the slip in there, but not wanting to point it out I continued. “A friend of mine would say hers is shoes. However, Mine… It’s finding answers where others will say there are none.” See, #Iko may not be here, but she was… in her own way with me.

“I was thinking… with your suspicions of the Luna’s and the Blue Fever, you have someone in this palace who is learning and finding out more about this disease than anyone else. Maybe he could help with identifying what is real and what is a lie with the information shared with us by Cress? Dr Dimitri Erland… The man may have a need to relook at his bedside manner… however, I hate to say it. He knows a lot about the plague.”

֍ Kaito ֍

I remembered Cinder’s android from the market with a fond chuckle. “I have no doubt you do understand.”

I nodded, listening intently to Cinder. She was right of course… But implying the virus had Lunar origins had been out of the question, even a whisper of it reaching the Queen’s ears would be grounds for declaring war. But with this information from #Cress; could I afford not to examine its origins?

“You are right, the doctor should be told what we learn… perhaps there’s some way to tell it apart from other earthen diseases.”

I rubbed my jaw… Thinking... Trying to find any flaw in the plan… “However,… just in case… I don’t think anyone else should know about #Cress… if she is a shell that’s been enslaved since infancy, we cannot risk her safety. Also, when it comes to Lunar's ignorance of information is certainly the best defence. They can make you tell every secret they have without ever lifting a finger.”

I tilted my head at her when she mentioned his bedside manner. “Really? I know #DrErlund is a little… eclectic, but he’s capable of great kindness in my experience. I hadn’t realised you were also a patient. I thought he was solely working on plague research.”

Then I remembered. “Oh.” I laughed. “I almost forgot… he did that thing to your neck…. Pardon me… yes, that was rather abrupt, wasn’t it.”

֍ Cinder ֍

Astonishment coursed its way through me now. He had heard me out, considered the information and now wished to act upon it too? Where was #Iko when I needed her to pinch me? Even if in reality #Peony would be the one to say. ‘Of course, he will listen to you, you are the most intelligent person in this world.’ My eyes stung making me sniffle before shaking off the memory.

“We only share what is a must, one of those… Need to know… things your guards keep telling us all. You know being the prince… I’m sure if you said those words, people would most definitely pay attention.”

Straightening up my mouth became dry. Why had I spoke to Kai about the doctors bedside manner? What was I going to tell him now? I didn’t want to lie to him anymore. However, I also couldn’t be the one to share another person’s secrets too. I found myself between a hard place and a rock.

“Actually—” He cut me off with his own conclusion. “Yeah…” My gloved hand shot up to the back of my neck. “I guess he has a way with some, and not with others.”

Clearing my throat, I got to work finding a way to clone the chip creating a back door into it so that it would be easy for Kai to use. “I’m making a copy of this chip, all the steps are coded in. All you have to do is connect it and the rest will be done for you.

Reaching forward to remove the chip and the reader, to hand over to Kai. “I think you should keep these safe, if anything happens you need a way to reach out to Cress again. And I will keep the old chip” While I spoke to him, I slipped another chip into the pocket of my pants. “This way If I’m not with you… you have a way to speak with Cress.”

֍ Kaito ֍

I noticed a momentary change in her and she seemed to put away whatever emotion it was that head reared up inside her… but once again it was impossible to read her eyes and identify what it was she was feeling.

I chuckled a little… “If only being a Prince was like that, I’ve been trying to influence policy since I was old enough to understand what a policy is.”

I nodded, listening to her talk about the doctor again. “I have known him since I was much younger so, I suppose we have a sort of rapport. But I can imagine that his research weighs very heavily on him. It’s a…” I cleared my throat. As a future sovereign, I couldn’t speak out against The Cyborg Draft. Not until I was in a position to influence policymakers in the Commonwealth and across the globe. “The program he heads is a very difficult one.”

I watched her get to work again. “Wow! You can do that? I never realised that mechanics were such good programmers too.” I chuckled, teasing and leaning on the back of her chair. I peered over her shoulder as if I could understand any of the information on the screen. “Or is this just one more Cinder Superpowers I should add to the growing list?”

I was stunned at how shockingly similar Cinder’s thought process was to mine. Making a copy of the chip was the same idea as the data I had given #Hiro’s new android friend on my search for #PrincessSelena; with the instructions not to show it to him until they as safely settled in a new location outside the Commonwealth. It was just a shame that the timing worked out like it did, and I wasn’t able to give him the information #Nainsi had learnt.

I took the chip from her and smiled. “It seems you have quite a talent for subterfuge, Lihn Cinder. I find the world normally has two types of people. The thinkers and the doers… those that conceive of ideas and those with the ability to make those ideas a reality. It’s uncommon for someone to be capable of both. You are a marvel.”

֍ Cinder ֍

Biting down on ones tongue had to be in the presence of royalty, that was the protocol. Many of which had fallen by the wayside side this boy walked up to my booth and asked me to fix his droid. However, right now I was finding it difficult to keep my opinions to myself. The programme Kai spoke about right now was the Cyborg Draft… A draft that was anything but. They couldn’t in their right minds believe it was a fair policy.

“You Doctor is working on killing innocent people who are seen as property and not a living soul.” Muttering it so low under my breath because I couldn’t not say something. I knew that highlighting their shortfalls would open up a mountain of questions I really couldn’t face right now.

“As long as he finds a solution in time to save your father, that’s all we can hope for.” Stars above! There it was, of course Kai wouldn’t stop the doctor from his work, he was on the precipice of losing the only living parent he had. It was one thing to be a young boy who wanted to influence policy changes, and another to fill the shoes of your father.

Waving my glove covers hand in the air. “I had not superpowers, it’s just that I had not life. I work and when I’m not working, I’m reading about work.” That wasn’t a lie, right? If pulling up how to steps to code was on my net connection, it would still count as reading… Or at least that was my interpretation of it all.

“I am no marvel, Prince Kaito. I am a girl who just loved her job, and who loved to learn. That is all.” Standing up I pulled at my ponytail. “Stay we get out of here, before someone comes looking for you, and finds you in this lab with me? it would open you up to questions you do not want to answer.”

֍ Kaito ֍

Her words were like a punch to my chest… not because she was harsh, or wrong. Because I completely agreed with her. It had been a source of contention between my father and myself, in private of course. And to hear it from a citizen this candidly was… painful, proof that we… I was failing a lot of my own people and in another way, it was affirming, the citizens of the Commonwealth and New Beijing especially (the rates of Letumosis here were the highest for miles around), shared my position. I dropped my gaze… shame flooded me. I should be using my position better. Perhaps if I had dared speak out against my father’s position? I knew he was not proud of the draft, but he did truly believe it was essential.

I heaved a sigh. “I’m afraid that it’s impossible... for my father. I do believe our research will find either a cure or a vaccine, but it won’t be in time to save him. We all need to prepare for it. But that doesn’t mean we should lose hope for the future.”

I smiled, trying to push aside the thoughts of my father for now. “Well… it’s clear that your hard work is paying off. And I can’t lie… I was a lot more studious when it came to the topics that fascinated me. And it's clear that you have a passion for what you do.”

I laughed a little, there was something about her that put me at ease. “Well, we couldn’t very well tell anyone about our secret mission, could we?” I smiled a charming smile. “I suppose I would have to tell them I was enjoying the company of a beautiful young woman… and trying to impress her by showing her all the nerdy things that she loves. Wouldn’t I?”

I headed towards the door, offering her my arm. “But you are right, I’ll check on the status of the protest and would you allow me to arrange for a hover to transport you home? If you say no, I’m afraid Nainsi will be irritated with me for neglecting my manners. I would hate for her to be upset with me when I’ve just gotten her back.”

֍ Cinder ֍

The moment the words were out, regret enveloped me. It wasn’t Kai’s fault the world didn’t think about cyborgs as living souls, this was the state of affairs all over the Earthen nations.

I wanted to apologise for overstepping however then he moved to change the subject. I knew I shouldn’t press him to share more than he was willing to, however what kind of friend would I be? Would #Hiro have pushed for more?

I took a deep sigh before saying one thing. “Never give up hope Kai, not until the last moment. And even then… still hope and fight.” If he began to think of his father not making it, then what impact would it have on him?

As I moved to follow behind the prince, my footsteps halted, and I gazed back over my shoulder. Who was he calling a ‘beautiful young woman’? My processors were never slow, I made sure of it. However, this… what? Beautiful? He was talking about me. No… it can’t be.

“I… Uhm… huh…” Nothing… my mouth dried and the effect he was having on me shouldn’t happen… no… we were friends… and all going well… in a matter of days, I would be gone, and he would never see me again.

“Actually.” Finding my mind and my verbal skills once again. “No thank you. I…” chewing on my lips, I made the decision not to lie to him on this account. “I’m going to go down to the labs. I had a message saying my sister has been moved here to the palace for testing. So… I would like to go and see her.”

My eyes moved from place to place before landing on Kai’s face. “I can walk home after that. I’m used to the streets of New Beijing remember.”

֍ Kaito ֍

This woman was baffling in her duality. So full of hope and optimism and at the same time, logical and realistic in her view of the world. I smiled. “Sounds like you know something I don’t…” I chuckled. She, in fact, knew a whole lot of things that I didn’t. “So, I will do my best to keep my faith and be prepared to protect the people no matter what the outcome.”

I had a sudden memory of signing a blank transfer order. “Oh! Oh, Stars… Cinder… I’m so sorry. Here I am going on and on about my father and you are in the same boat as I am…” I dragged my hand through my hair. “But I know you said Dr. Erlund is a little strange… but he did try to protect your privacy by hiding the name of the patient when we were in the office that day. He is a good man… even if his eccentricities make it rather difficult to see it.” It made sense now; why she’d been here so frequently. Her sister’s results had been flagged by the research team.

“I’ll have one of my guards issue a visitors pass for you just in case you have any trouble at the medical wing, security there will be tighter with the protest. And with non-essential staff sent home, they’ll be extra careful.”

I stepped into the hallway, instructing one of my details to issue a pass and to make it valid for the length of the new patient Lihn’s stay in the palace. This way Cinder could visit her sister anytime she wanted to; in as much privacy as she could. I despise how my visits to my father were such public knowledge… not that the country knew but, all the staff would hear every time I went into that room and then the sympathetic looks and bows became more intense than normal for many hours.

When he returned and I handed the programmed badge to Cinder. “Keep this safe and you should be able to visit your sister anytime you want to, without any hassle. But I’m happy to escort you anytime you’d like… or after… if you need to… talk.” I exhaled heavily; I had lost my sounding board… did Cinder have one? Of course, she must. She had a family and surely even someone that worked as hard as she did, had friends too.

֍ Cinder ֍

This was it, would our friendship come to its close now? Things were slowly becoming clean for him, Kai was put one and one together, and understood that the forms he’d signed were for my step sister. My brows furrowed when he concluded that I myself wouldn’t have bet my life on. Could it be true? Had the doctor lied to his Prince, to keep my secret for me? What other explanation could it be? Then I remembered an old saying. ‘If it looks, and feels too good to be true, it most likely isn’t real.’ How was this situation any different?

“You have nothing to apologise for, you have so much more to deal with. My Sister is…” She is my friend, my all. And I was going to lose her if the Doctor didn’t find a solution and soon. “She will be fine. Because the doctor is going to work this out, and she will be up and out of that bed in no time.” Making myself smile. “And don’t forget... your promised to speak to her and maybe even dance with her. She’s madly in love with you.” She may kill me for telling him so, however I’d take an upset #Penony any day if all her dreams came true.

“Please... Kai… Don’t feel like you—” He was gone before I could complete my sentence. I knew everything he said to be true, I’d witnessed the change in the deminer of the staff in the Palace myself over the last few visits and them today. Stood here, I saw how some of his detail tried to understand what was happening here. Why their prince had been going out his way to help someone like me. If it meant that Kai’s secret project would remain guarded between the three of us, I wouldn’t rock this boat.

Upon Kai’s return I took the badge he held out to me. My gloved hands taking it and holding on as thought it wasn’t a badge to access the labs, but it was a life-giving gift. “Kai…” I started however stopped shaking my head. My eyes had begun to sting again. Really what had that mad doctor done to me?

I tried once again. “Kai... thank you... really you do not know how much this means to me.” I wanted to see #Penony, however I also didn’t want to take advantage of this friendship. “I never accept favours from others, But I cannot say no to this.” Holding the badge up between us. “I’ve taken up more than enough of your time Prince Kaito.” Using his correct title as his detail were listening now. giving him a small bow and taking a few steps back away from him.

“Enjoy the rest of your day.” I added because wasn’t that what we were meant to say? Before Turning to leave I stopped to ask. “If you have time… I know you don’t and that you are very busy… However, if you ever do… Come say hi to my little sister? Seeing you… It would make her day.” And maybe it will help him to see how people outside of these walls really feel about him. Holding the badge close to my chest I mouthed “Thank you.” To him again.

֍ Kaito ֍

I knew I had to be realistic when it came to my father’s plight… but I couldn’t steal this woman’s hope for her little sister away from her. “Yes…” I smiled. “I certainly hope so. And don’t worry. I have already added her to my dance card.” I didn’t actually have a dance card… But I had remembered to keep my eyes open for a girl named Peony at the ball.

I shook my head. “It's nothing Cinder really, I’m sure you would have been issued one by the doctor anyway but having my name on it instead… just grants you access through the West Gate instead of waiting in line at the main gate. It will just speed things along for you, I know how hard you work. If I can save you an extra hour in your day to visit your sister, it’s the very least I can do.” Now that my guards were present, I couldn’t really mention the work we had done together tonight.

I didn’t want to tell her that I had nothing else I should have been doing, because I knew that there was… so instead, I told her the truth. “Sure, I might be pretty busy… but tonight? There was nothing else I would have rather be doing. And I will certainly stop by if you think it will make her happy. I could always use a little more happiness in our day, right?” I smiled. From what she’d told me about her sister, that was exactly what she was. “Go and see your sister, Cinder… And please consider using the hover… I’ll have one waiting. I know that you are well aware of how these city streets work… but with the protest… It’s not a typical night. So just think about it…” I smiled, thinking of a way to convince her without manipulating her. “Ask your sister what she would do.”

We walked to the elevator bank together and I had the android call her one, to take her to the labs and waited for another to take me to the fourteenth floor.

֍ Cinder ֍

“I’m certain Peony will be over joyed to see you whenever you are able to, and she will understand if there isn’t time too.” I really didn’t want to take anything from him. I was sure that everyone who speaks with him, would want something… even if it had to be his time. However, some part of me hoped that if he took a few moments to meet with my sister, she would turn a stressful day around with her personality.

“Thank you so much. This gift will not be forgotten I promise you Kai.” Thanking Kai once again as I stepped into the open doors of the elevator, I turned to smile up at him. “I’ll think about the hover.” Saying it so he could feel better about my return back home tonight.

As the doors closed the droid stood with it’s back to me, I closed my eyes slumping into the cool metal wall. Images of Kai’s hair falling into his eyes came to life. Then came the scent of his breath, followed by the way he looked down at me just before the doors to this elevator closed.

“He has so much to deal with, maybe I shouldn’t have told him about my sister? We all know too well just how kind the prince can be. Do you think it was an abuse of our friendship?” The droid didn’t answer continuing to face forward. “Yeah, you are right, he would have said no if he couldn’t.” Or at least I hoped to the stars he would.

The elevator doors opened with the droid telling me the floor number and the department. The scent of chemicals made something in my stomach turn. Memories of waking up down here flooded my mind with every step I took down the long, clean corridor towards the Doctors office.

End of Chapter

#TheLunarChronicles #LinhCinder #Cinder #PrinceKaito #Kaito #Kai #StoryTime #AU #alternate universe

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