Angels and Devils VI

"You didn't tell me you knew the emperor so well," Lukan said as he and Temerity walked back to their rooms.
"I don't, really," Temerity said. "He's just seen me fight, and he's no fool. He knows talent when he sees it."
Lukan was quiet for a beat before asking, "What was the offer he mentioned?"
Temerity stopped, having reached Lukan's door. "He wants me to come to the palace. He says it doesn't matter if I've been made a full soldier yet."
"And you said no?" Lukan looked incredulous.
"It's not the right way to do things. This is where I belong for now." She smiled. "And where you belong is in bed. It's been a long day, and you need to be in top form tomorrow. Get some sleep, Luke."
Lukan sighed. "Fine. 'Night, Temerity."
Temerity ruffled his hair. "'Night, Luke."
Lukan disappeared into his room. Temerity waited a bit before glancing around, straightening her uniform, and making her way to the top floor.
There was only one room on the top floor. A woman stood outside, a gold dragon insignia on her tabard--the symbol of the Dragon Knight. Temerity smiled as she approached.
"Hey, Stel," she said, stepping around her to reach for the doorknob.
The woman nodded, a slight smile appearing on her face. "Temerity. He's distracted this evening. There was a riot in Melodis."
"I'm sure it'll be okay. I'll make sure he doesn't overwork himself."
The woman offered a short bow. "As you say. I'll be out here if you need anything."
Temerity smiled again before going into the room. It wasn't hard to find Eisna; he was sitting in front of the fire, pen tapping against a stack of papers. Temerity made her way over and sat on the arm of the chair.
"What are you working on?" she asked, looking over his shoulder.
"Paperwork..." Silence for a moment, and then he sighed. "I have to decide what to do with these rioters. Three soldiers were injured. Some are arguing that this is their job, but it shouldn't be expected that they're hurt by their own people."
"No," Temerity agreed. "So what will you do? Executing all of them is more trouble than it's worth."
"Perhaps just those who caused harm," Eisna said. "The others need only serve a short prison sentence."
"It sounds like you've figured it out, then."
Eisna nodded, his pen still tapping the papers.
"So you can step away from it now?"
"I suppose..."
Temerity looked at his face. Her hand combed through his hair. "You haven't looked at me once since I got here."
Another moment passed, then Eisna tore his eyes away from the papers and looked at her. "I'm sorry, Temerity. I am... Distracted."
"Yes, I know how easy that is." Temerity smiled at him. "But perhaps it's time to put the work away for tonight?"
Eisna set the papers on the side table. "I suppose it can wait for morning."
"Good," Temerity said quietly. "I missed you. You never tell me when you're coming."
"Well, it's spur of the moment usually. I come when. I need to see how cadet training is going."
"Any... Specific cadets you come for specifically?"
Eisna laughed. "It certainly doesn't hurt that I see you when I come here." The smile turned to a frown. "But I shouldn't have to."
"We've talked about this," Temerity sighed. "I want to do this the right way. I want to graduate because I've earned it, not because you say I do."
"You have earned it," Eisna argued. "You've been here twice as long as most cadets, and you have ten times the skill! Your graduation officer is intimidated by you, that's the only reason you haven't graduated yet." His arm wrapped around her waist. "You belong in Fortuna, with me. You should be an empress, not a cadet."
Temerity smiled faintly. "I know. I want to be there too. But it's not the right time yet."   Eisna's eyes narrowed. "Is this about that boy?"
"Boy- You mean Lukan?" Temerity stood up. "He's my cadet brother, Eisna. He's a child!"
"You seemed pretty fond of him earlier."
"Don't be ridiculous." Temerity crossed her arms, her own eyes narrowing now. "Yes, I care about him. I care about him because I know what it's like to be plucked from your family and brought somewhere unfamiliar, to have people breathing down your neck every moment of your life. His presence doesn't change my feelings for you." Her expression softened a bit and she knelt in front of him, taking his hands. "We will be together. When the time is right, you and I... We can finally make good on our promise."
Eisna's hands held Temerity's tightly as he studied her. "... I'm sorry. Of all people... You are the one I trust most. I should not have let my suspicions get in the way of that."
Temerity smiled and kissed his hand. "No, you shouldn't have. But I understand." She stood up. "I'm going to bed."
Eisna smiled as well. "I'll be there in a moment."
Temerity nodded and kissed him before heading further into the suite.
Eisna sighed, rubbing his temples a moment, before he stood up and went to the front door, stepping outside to talk to the woman.
"Your grace," she said. "What can I do for you?"
"Send the Hummingbird undercover," Eisna said. "I want to know everything there is to know about Lukan Naroiára."