reflection

THE ROYAL GENERALS FA MULAN AND LI SHANG OF AURADON ARE PROUD TO PRESENT THEIR CHILD, THE HONOURABLE LI YUE, FOR THE UPCOMING SOCIAL SEASON. WE HEAR THEY’RE ADVENTUROUS AND RESOURCEFUL, BUT CAN ALSO BE DOGMATIC AND STEELY. AND IT’S SAID THEY BARE A REMARKABLE RESEMBLANCE TO LEAH LEWIS, BUT THAT’S MERELY A COINCIDENCE. WE’RE SURE THEY’LL CAUSE QUITE A STIR IN THE TON THIS YEAR, BUT ONLY TIME WILL TELL.

Name: Li Yue

Age: 20

Parents: Mulan and Shang

Homeland: Auradon

Gender: Genderfluid (She/They)

Sexuality: Pansexual

when: may 26, first day of coronan lantern festival who: huang jianyu and li yue @li-x-yue​

travel from the imperial city, had been long. a tiredness seemed to have seeped into Jianyu’s bones. it lingered. like a ghost in his limbs. but, he knew he needed a good rest. something more akin to solitude in nature for a short time. given that it was the first day of the festivities to honor the head family of Corona, he did not think it would be polite to not participate.  instead, he found himself walking through the area. his mind wandering quietly as he looked over various stalls and pieces of art. 

while lovely, he was certain, it was not of his taste. in their defense of course, there wasn’t much that appealed to him in the cities of most places. he preferred the quiet of nature over most else. still, Jianyu was willing to look out for anything that spoke to him. one couldn’t keep themselves from every possible route in life, simply because they didn’t prefer it. 

with that being said, unfortunately, his mind was wandering away from the art. away from the stalls and the walking paths. it lingered on those around him. a certain group of fellow attendees. perhaps that is why he did his best not be among others very often. temptation was a terrible thing. something he experienced, frequently. pushing the thoughts away he forced himself to stop allowing his eyes to linger in places they should not be. 

that was what had him finding a certain person. he had not seen li yue, in some time. not since the season had started. they had been over on this side of the ocean from the very beginning. happiness filled him at the very sight of them. he wasn’t no time. forgetting every manner he had ever learned he smiled brightly at the younger warrior when he made his way up to them. “a-yue,” he greeted easily not willing to put the distance of manners between them. “i missed you xiao mei. you went off and got engaged before i could blink.” 

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So many things were happening for Yue. She had gotten engaged in the blink of an eye, to one of her dearest friends no less. Their entire life they had thought they would do nothing but sit on the sidelines and protect the Princess and others. Never had the thought of marriage crossed her mind. And yet here it was. And with Eadric no less. It was surprising, albeit wonderful.

Most of her extended family still needed to be informed but they still had told a few people. The most important being Jianyu. He was like her older brother, someone she always wanted to spend time with. She had wanted to tell him immediately that there was good news, a cause for celebration.

With a thrilled smile, Yue threw their arms around him and kissed both his cheeks. “I’m sorry. For my part I was not expecting it. It was a surprise to me as much as anyone else. But Eadric... well I admit he is wonderful.”

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at the mention of his own parents, Eadric mentally paused. his eyes moving from Yue to the generals once more. no, no he hadn’t. it had, of course, been his plan to do so. he was going to announce his intentions to his parents before speaking with the generals. but there was something about reading the Chattermore papers that morning. a strike of uneasiness at the thought that what had happened between them could have been something altered in their minds. part of it was sudden. part of it seemed a long time coming. he didn’t wish to take that chance.

“no, i haven’t had the chance to speak with my family yet, but i intend on speaking with them today,” he had the good sense to look mildly ashamed, but he could have walked away from the morning without sitting in front of Yue’s parents. could have acted as if he had nothing to say. Eadric hadn’t of course. he saw an opportunity and took it. it wasn’t as if his mother wasn’t going to show her displeasure at his choice. no matter what he did. but, having already had the conversation with generals meant she was less likely to back away from his proclamation. “if i am being honest,” he had been so for much of the morning, “i didn’t want what was said in the Lady Chattermore papers to be taken out of context.”

his words stopped for a moment as he sighed. “i wanted my intentions known, but properly.” he hoped the explanation was enough. it was the truth. Eadric didn’t like the society papers. usually, paid little attention to them but wasn’t going to risk Yue in that moment. “so, please excuse my rush.” was added as an afterthought before he moved his eyes away from the generals to glance at Yue.

“with any luck, we will have a future of things that could potentially lead to an argument.” it wasn’t a secret that they bickered from time to time. Eadric always had the feeling it was good natured with how they laughed at each other. Something he could look forward to.

————–

The generals both nodded in understanding. They had a few run ins with his parents and, well, it was best to keep things they did not enjoy about others left unsaid. That was the polite and proper thing to do, anyway. Especially when there was courtship involved now. Their families could very well end up as one unit soon and that meant they must send a strong front.

Mulan tried not to act beside herself with excitement. “You have both Shang and I’s blessing for the courtship to continue properly. If there’s anything you need of us, be sure to ask. We could even speak to your parents at some point if you think it might help.”

“Ah the papers. My mother enjoys reading those,” she continued. “We aren’t much for them, but I appreciate your honesty. No matter what was said, I know in my heart that you treated our daughter with respect and care. That’s the kind of man we’ve come to know you as.”

Yue couldn’t help but smile at Eadrics remark. They offered him a wink. “With any luck.”

≿━━━━༺❀༻━━━━≾

As much as Emma and Yue were normally together, it was more rare that they sat together for tea. It was actually… rare that Yue sat at all. As Emma’s unofficial-but-essentially-official bodyguard, it felt like Yue was almost always on guard for some unknown, impeding danger. While Emma was always thankful to have a friend who cared so much, on more than one occasion she had felt badly about the lack of time they truly got to spend together. Unburdened by danger or societal expectations.

That was why Emma was thankful for the opportunity to take tea that day from her private chambers. The invitation had slipped readily from her lips not ten minutes ago, and before she knew it a full tea service was before her, a tea sandwich in one delicate hand as she began to think up all sorts of topics she’d been meaning to bring up to Yue lately.

Luckily before she could give things too much thought, their voice was breaking the silence with news that was surprising but perhaps not the biggest shock. Emma had read Chattermore (unfortunate) and knew of Eadric (positive). It was a pairing that made much sense to the princess and the news, though a bittersweet reminder of her own romantic and marriage issues currently, was more than welcome.

“Yue, I could not be more happy for you both!” Emma grinned, hands coming together reflexively in excitement. “How did it happen? Please do tell me everything. When did you realize you had feelings for him?”

Perhaps she should not have asked the last question, it being more of a selfish one, but once the first question had left her lips her impulse control abandoned ship. At the very least Emma was genuinely curious about each question that had been asked.

_____________________

Yue was not normally one to sit down and discuss private matters openly with others. They were a secretive sort, but Emma was one of her closes confidantes and they needed to share the news with someone. And who better a person to discuss it with than the princess herself? 

It was nice to have such a positive reaction to the news. Yue smiled around her tea cup as she thought of Eadric again. He was a special kind of man: gentle, strong, wickedly smart. Everything about him made her heart thunder with excitement.

But then Emma asked a question she wasn’t sure she could answer.

“It’s hard to explain. Everything just sort of fell into place at the night of the bacchanal. We were just speaking and, well, I suppose there was some fairy magic involved because I could not keep the words off my tongue. I think it’s,” Yue paused, “Well it’s surprising and it makes sense all at once. It a moment of oh of course it’s always been you.”

it was simply saying the whole thing allowed. Like there was a magic curse and if she spoke too loudly the entire thing might be taken away from her. Being with Eadric, they felt so lucky. He was strong, kind, and just. Plus, well, she wasn’t blind. Especially not when they were practicing together. The way his arms looked holding his sword were enough to drive anyone feverish.

They were together at tea for the evening, just a few days after the fairy bacchanal. Her friend had seemed somewhat dower lately so perhaps this news would help to cheer her up.

“Emma, my dear friend, I have something important to tell you, as one of my dearest friends,” she took a deep breath. “Eadric and I are courting each other. Or I suppose he’s courting me. My parents have already agreed to it.”

Yue bit her tongue to try and hide the smile on her lips.

in the silence of the moment, he couldn’t pretend there wasn’t some, claw like dread that crawled up his throat and held on tightly. what if he had assessed the entire thing incorrectly? what if he didn’t have an understanding with Yue’s family? what if he didn’t approve. a calculated risk perhaps, but he never believed he was so terrible at arithmetic.  in his slight daze, Eadric barely acknowledged the sound of happiness that seemed to travel from another room, his focus totally on the generals.

as if he was on the edge of every word that left the other man’s mouth, he found himself leaning forward slightly. he could have fallen over the ledge that moment. they had believed the two of them would eventually realize their feelings? it hadn’t occurred to him that there would be others that thought they should be together. but perhaps it should have. it was only so recent that he seemed to see the light, per say.

his words died on his tongue when Yue exclaimed in what sounded like frustration. he listened to her speak before her words ended abruptly and he found himself curious as to what she was going to see. a little smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he looked at her with a oh no, please, go on sort of look. up until Mulan spoke. took the words right from his mouth.

“be that as it may, Yue and please do not take this as a sign of disrespect but this is something i would like to adhere to.” his words were soft but strong. he did not want to bend to them. there are certain things can ensure that i might not always be able to.” it was practicality of course. not as if he ever planned on dying to closely but, life had its ways.

“you’re worth at least a few riches i think,” he added a little cheekily wondering if perhaps he could push her into a little bit further with the blushing. Eadric may have just realized how lovely it looked on Yue, but he wasn’t going to forget anytime soon.

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

————–

Yue thought that, perhaps, dying might be the best course of action. Yes if she just simply melted away into nothingness she would not have to deal with her parents or Eadric who had both apparently decided to gang up upon her and make her feel like an idiot.

For a moment she contemplated standing up and walking out of the room. But then he was speaking so sweetly again and about their possible impending nuptials. A wedding. That was certainly something she had never seen in her life before. She expected herself to end up a simple spinster. And yet.

And yet, they could not be happier to be more wrong.

She opened her mouth to argue about the dowry again but her father cut her off. “Let the boy have his way on this one Yue. Arguing will get you nowhere.” Shang turned to Eadric with a smile. “Well then I suppose I should give you my official blessing, shouldn’t I? We can discuss the other things in finer detail at another time. Have you spoken to your parents about it?”

That took Yue by surprise. His parents. Yes of course they would have to be involved in this and yet...the very thought of his mother having any opinion of her made her skin crawl. That woman. Oh how Yue loathed her. Loathed the way she dared to speak to Eadric, like he wasn’t a groan man.

And then she realized what his plan must have been. There was certainly no way his mother could deny their courtship if the Lis had already been made aware of it. Oh that genius man, she could kiss him.

That would have to be a thought for later though.

“If you insist upon it I suppose I am in no space to argue.”

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while he knew that he had asked for it, he wasn’t exactly prepared for how delighted her mother seemed to be when he requested that Shang be present for any conversation they may have. gods, one was supposed to have this conversation away from who the object of the want to marry was. there was a process. normal decorum. Eadric was simply jumping over every standard obstacle. as if he didn’t need to care about them.

he looked to Yue for a moment, while her mother disappeared and sighed. this wasn’t what they had planned. in truth, they really hadn’t had anything planned. he simply wanted confirmation that the conversation they had between the two of them had not been, induced somehow. he knew, idly that he had thought of his friend often. in passing. but never truly allowed himself to really imagine it. not the same way he had over the night and into the day.

not how he had walking up to the door of the townhouse and knocking with determination to make sure what he could be imagining would have a chance of being a future. before he had a chance to say any of it. try and soothe both of their nerves over it. let Yue know that he now had a plan. something that would make the fight for his satisfaction to come a little easier. but there was no chance of that, Li Shang walking in the room with what looked like confusion on his face.

yes, he imagined it would be a little confusing. “a pleasure to see you too, General,” he replied in a warm greeting. hoping that his nerves over the entire situation weren’t displayed on his face too openly. having them there, right there in front of him. made it a little more solid. Eadric hoped they didn’t think anything nefarious took place. as to why it would be so sudden, him asking for their permission. gods, it couldn’t be further from the truth.

“i believe urgent may be a, strong, word,” he began as he moved to sit up a little straighter. all of it was so out of sorts but, perhaps that is the way it was meant to be. Yue was unlike anyone else. things should be unlike anything else. “but there was something i hoped to discuss with you at some point. please, forgive me for going up this in a different manner than may be tradition.”

for a moment, he allowed himself to pause. think over his words. his eyes looking to Yue for a moment. it was something quick. despite idle thoughts, but the want to suddenly court them had seemingly come out of nowhere and yet, unless he was bespelled so deeply, there could be nothing but truth to it. Eadric wasn’t someone to back down from a challenge. even if it was self-imposed. he wouldn’t do it now. he looked back to the two parents in the room and offered a small smile. there was no going back.  “i was hoping to request and receive your permission to court, Yue.”

“understandably, there will be much to discuss. dowry and length courtship or betrothal. as well as lands and holdings. perhaps other things, but it seemed pressing that i make my intentions known and hope you would approve of it.” he could have kept speaking. bring up the fact that he had not spoken with his parents yet, but all in due time. he certainly hadn’t said he had any approval from them either. something told Eadric that fact wouldn’t be lost on them. 

————–

From the other room Yue could hear her grandma attempt to hide back a delighted sound. She groaned and rubbed at her temples. What was with everyone in this family? At least they weren’t shouting through the door in excitement.

Shang, for his part, did not look as surprised as she had expected her father to be. There was a quick worry of course, as any father might have when someone had asked for their daughters hand, but he seemed rather calm about the whole thing.

He sat down beside his wife and leveled Eadric with a heavy stare. “I have to admit that this is rather sudden, but would it have been anyone else knocking on my daughter’s door I would have turned them away in an instant. You on the other hand, well it’s been whispered that perhaps you two might realize your feelings for each other sooner rather than later.”

“Father!” Yue cried in frustration. And then to Eadric she turned, her nose scrunched up in a frown. “A dowry won’t be necessary. Marrying you isn’t for money or title or status. It’s because I-”

She paused, swallowing hard. This was not something to be said in front of her parents prying eyes and Grandma’s ears. 

“Because?” Mulan asked her daughter with a soft hum, eyebrow raised as she smiled. “I’m certainly curious to hear what you were going to say.”

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as delighted as a piece of his soul was at that thought that he would get to spar with someone he certainly respected more than many in the world. there as a sinking feeling that followed suit.  the general wasn’t going to let him out of it, was she? it made him want to squirm in his seat, but he refused to do so. Eadric wasn’t going to allow himself to feel bad about what he wished to speak on. even when he had no intention of having the conversation that day. well, he hadn’t planned on it. but it seemed he may not be able to get out of it. “i would certainly hope that i have improved over all this time.”  

still, if he did start the conversation now, it could work in his favor. his parents wouldn’t like to be out of the loop. but he was fully expecting a fight on his hands with his mother. if he were to, say, announce that he wanted to marry Yue to her parents, it would already be expected. a backwards way of making it so his mother couldn’t try to back out of it. there was no way she would put a dark stain on their family simply because she didn’t approve of his choice. he didn’t really care how she would feel about it.

his attention was on Yue when her skin seemed to flare up. a blush that he found himself thinking inappropriately about if only for a moment, before offering a sigh out into the world. Yue’s words were too late to stop his next move. Eadric had already made the decision to simply come clean with it all. “well, in truth general, i did simply come here to check on Yue. but it was for specific reasons and there was something i had hoped to speak to you about. i simply did not think i would be doing it so soon,” his words were light, but they held a gravity to them as he moved to put his cup down on the table in front of him.

if he did this, Eadric had to be prepared for the repercussions. he had to make sure he was ready to fight for it. he didn’t even know if they would be willing to be tied to his family. despite his mother having a good face for the world, the women of her family he was facing were more observant than some. it was likely she couldn’t have hidden her true nature at all times.

“however, if we are going to have this conversation, i believe i should have it with both you and your husband. it would only be proper.” his eyes darted to Yue’s for a moment hoping he wasn’t over stepping. hoping they wouldn’t want him to clam up and say nothing. what they had admitted was fresh and new. barely through a few hours of a night. he wanted to do it all right. “if you two would have the time, of course.”

————–

Mulan looked upon him utterly delighted, smiling brightly. “Oh? Well then let me go get my husband as quickly as I can.” She left without saying anything else.

Yue turned to Eadric, surprised at how quickly this was turning. She had expected things to go a bit slower. In truth, the speed in which this was happening was for the best in her eyes. It was becoming clear to her with each passing moment that she cared for him so deeply that it was almost impossible to fathom. Was the affections she held for him the fabled love that all sought after? 

Perhaps it was.

Only time would truly be able to tell.

“Are you sure about this?” They asked him. “I don’t want you to feel pressured to do this now just because my mother and grandmother are a little too observant for their own good. You should do this at your own pace as well. I would wait forever if it’s what you needed.”

Before he really had the chance to answer her, Mulan was coming in arm and arm with her husband. She had a brilliant grin on her face but Shang looked a bit lost about the entire affair.

“Eadric,” the man greeted warmly. “it’s a pleasure to see you again. What’s brought you to our home? Mulan said you had something rather urgent to speak of.”

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even while he was telling himself that there were no issues with him handling the moment, the entrance of her mother certainly didn’t put his nerves at ease. his mind continued to focus on the that of, it not being how he wanted things to go. the night before he had mentioned calling on her in a week’s time. after it all. but Eadric couldn’t begin to explain the sudden flash of worry he had when he read over that paper. a fear, that Yue did not truly feel the same way he did.  the very thought had him on his feet and out the door before he had even processed the repercussions.

it wouldn’t be the first time someone had described him as brash. an impatience in him that flared so strongly at times it was almost as if he was purely made of it. it was that very brashness, that he had to hold down when Yue seemed to take a drink too quickly? perhaps it was too warm? none the less, she coughed hard, and he shifted in his seat to stop himself from reaching for them. that would be improper, especially of not betrothed or married persons. yes, improper.

with that being said, he couldn’t stop the concern look he sent Yue’s way. nor could he stop a touch of a smirk on his lips when Mulan mentioned that they had been out of sorts since the night before. a part of him, happy to hear that they too had their conversation on the mind. it helped ease that worry that had gotten him out of his seat and out the door of his own home. hearing that she had the feeling of being better than ever, well, that made his heart swell.

Eadric took a silent sip of his tea. careful to not take too big of a drink when her mother brought up the fact that it was an odd thing to say in the company of a man. “i apologize for my presumption but i would hope that our friendship ran a little deeper than simply putting me in the category of all men.”

his smile turned from polite to slightly teasing when his attention shifted from Mulan to Yue. part of him was certain that there was a line lurking in her words. something trying to trap him in whatever they were trying to keep only between them. his mother did things like that. less gently, however.  “not that it saves me from the rough end of your sword, but i hope it might save me when compared to polite company.”

————–

Mulan laughed gently and smiled. “Alright you’ve caught me then. You’re my favorite of all the companions that my daughter has ever had. It’s why we invite you around so often. You know I’d never raise my sword to you, unless in a sparring match. Speaking of, we have to do one of those soon. I want to see how much better you’ve gotten from when you were younger. I’m expecting great things from you.” Her tone was teasing, without any hint of unkindness, but the smirk on her lips was knowing. 

“Now, I have to ask, what truly brings you to my home, Eadric? A simple early morning call?”

Observation. Of course the royal general had it in spades. Yue contemplated for a moment tossing her tea to the ground and pretending she had gone insane just so they could avoid her mother’s pushing. Grandma had already done enough of that and now her mother was deciding to interfere as well.

Yue looked towards Eadric, taking a deep breath. She wasn’t sure what to do in this situation and every fiber in her being craved to speak as openly and honestly as she could. Her and Eadric had every intention of courtship.

And perhaps, maybe, if they would be so lucky, marriage.

The very thought made them turn a brilliant shade of red and Yue leaned down in attempt to hide her blush away from her mother’s prying eyes. Hopefully her possible suitor would not notice as well. How mortifying; they hardly ever looked like this in company. Yue prided themselves in being strong, independent, and yet here they were now looking like a fool.

They took another guzzling drink of tea in a desperate attempt to distract themselves.

“Mother, please.” She didn’t even know what she was asking at this point.

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truly, he didn’t need the hat. as if it would be so strange to see him around town shirking some piece of decorum. he didn’t do it often, but it was something he was willing to do to get out of the situation if need be. of course, that was until fa li winked at him. worry filled Eadric. why did she have that look in her eyes? what did she believe was occurring? he feared she knew exactly what was happening. despite his want to keep his intentions private and in between only Yue and himself, he feared the elder read the Chattermore papers and simply knew to well. a Fa family gift it seemed.

whatever fight he had in him, left him when she grabbed hold of his arm and began to pull him further inside their home. the mere mention of the general and her consort, had another hump of fear rolling through him. he had not come prepared for a conversation. Eadric was not nearly as presentable as he wished to be when asking their approval and permission to court and marry Yue.

shifting the blade, he had on his person, so not to damage himself or the seat he was pushed down into, he offered only a tight smile but was trying his best to remain polite. there was no reason not to. damn it all. he watched Yue mouth apologies from behind their grandmother, causing his smile to shift into something softer with a shake of his head. nothing to apologize for. this was quite alright. he could handle this. if he was trained to fight in battles. he should be able to handle tea. for god’s sake.

“thank you,” he offered as he accepted tea provided and moved to take a drink. in truth, it wasn’t the first time he had tea with the family. when Eadric was younger, he was hardly one to pass up the chance to listen to stories from Mulan and Shang. both generals of renown. decorated warriors. his own father didn’t often speak of the times in the cauldron war. only in the shadow of the night would he hear of it.

“yes, the tea is good,” he took Yue’s segue with more of a larger polite smile. “i have to admit that i always enjoy the tea your family has on hand,” which was the truth. he really did. there was something more satisfying about it. lighter, perhaps? it always slipped his mind from asking his friend the kind he was graced with – whatever fond thoughts he had about the cup of tea in hand were chased away quickly as her grandmother called for Mulan. oh, good.

“no, nothing is amiss,” he offered quickly. keeping his voice even in the face of someone he respected. it was one thing he could do without much dedication to it. “i had read the Chattermore papers this morning and i simply wished to make sure all was well,” lying, wasn’t really an option for him. unlike last night, where it seemed to roll off his tongue like magic. he now knew that perhaps it was. Eadric didn’t enjoy lying to begin with. especially not to those he respected. that being said, he could do his best to not simply say everything on his mind.

“i apologize for interrupting your day without requesting time.”

————–

Yue’s grandmother made it a point to look between Eadric and her, eyes coming to rest on the young woman with a raised brow. They didn’t dare to look closely into her eyes lest her grandma somehow wiggle the truth out of her before Eadric had the chance to say anything. It wouldn’t be fair to out him like that when she could tell he wanted to do this the proper way. So instead, she bit her tongue and took a deep drink of her scalding tea.

They hissed and set the tea aside, trying not to make it so clear that they had just burned their tongue in a moment of stupidity. Guzzling half the cup in pure desperation had not been the best idea. They cleared their throat twice in hopes of cooling off their now burned tongue.

Mulan looked to her daughter and blinked. “You’ve been out of sorts since last night.”

“I’m fine, Mother.” She dared to look up at Eadric, a half smile on her lips that she tried to hide behind her tea cup, “Better than I might even dare to say.”

“Certainly a suspicious thing to say in the company of a man,” her mother replied.

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ l

like a fool, before Yue had even finished what was being said, a smile began to overtake his lips. the tone, that he knew. their way of teasing that once made him bristle when he was young, but with age, it curled the corner of his lips. something warm and fond gripped his heart gently. that was until he heard the sound of feet. 

his body reacting on instinct. never had he been more grateful for all of the times Yue herself had swept him off his feet. his reaction of jumping away so ingrained it worked in his favor when her grandmother came into view. this, this he had not been prepared for. all he had wanted was to discuss it with her. be sure there was no misunderstanding between them. that his intent was true. then he would discuss it with his parents. from there it would be a discussion with Yue’s parents and terms would be met. 

the would make him wait for a bit of time. allowing both families to make sure everything was in place. in truth Eadric would wait as long as it took. if only to give himself plenty of time to make sure Yue wouldn’t decide he wasn’t worth it. that the drama of his family wasn’t. he found himself bowing out of respect, even when he didn’t always have kind words for her grandmother. not when Yue had that look on her face too often. “it was seem so,” he agreed lowly. 

not disagreeing with the offer. “i would love to,” he assented loud enough for the elder woman to hear, but his eyes darted to his intended, if he had anything to say about it, “but i don’t wish to intrude on your family time.” 

“now, that i have done so. i would like to apologize for interrupting your time and take my leave,” the words had left his mouth but he was certain the made wasn’t back with his hat and damned if he wasn’t willing to leave without it. he had this feeling that it was all part of that twinkle in her grandmother’s eye. 

————–

“Nonsense!” Fa Li said, waving her hand around. “Come, join us. You haven’t been around in such a long time. Mulan and Shang would be delighted to see you as well, I’m sure.” She winked at him knowingly, a soft grin on her features.

Yue swallowed hard. Her grandmother was a clever woman and without a doubt in her mind Yue knew she had suspected something. Being observant ran in their family and the woman were in no short supply of it. She tried to look everywhere but at her grandma.

“Come now, I’ve got a new batch just waiting here,” she reached out and grabbed Eadric’s hand. She dragged him inside their home, all but forcing him down on the cushion to be seated as she placed the tea in front of him.

Yue followed dutifully behind her grandmother, whispering to him from across the table, “I am so sorry.”

If there was one thing she knew it was how stubborn Fa Li could be. That was, unfortunately, another family trait that she knew all too well. Both herself and her mother had inherited it.

Immediately she looked around to see if there was a Chattermore paper somewhere that perhaps her family had gotten ahold of. While her parents did read what they called mindless garbage, Grandma certainly enjoyed the gossip that came in those papers.

“The tea is good,” Yue said, because it was really the only thing that she could think of to say without the whole situation getting incredibly awkward. Her and Eadric had just reaffirmed their feelings for each other and now-

“MULAN!” Her grandmother cried, “Eadric is here!”

Prompted by the sound of her mother’s shrill voice, the royal general came into the room. “I could hear him, mother, but thank you. It’s good to see you again Eadric. Usually you don’t come so unannounced. Is something wrong?”

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never in his life had he been so struck. fond, yes. ever fond of Yue. something warm and caring towards the other. of course, always. a competitive streak that was nearly dangerous. a want to learn her tricks and teach her some of the ones he knew. every year. it was the oddest thing but when he stood there, as she spoke to him. it seemed, different. maybe it was the way she smiled so widely? 

did the sun travel through the window like that at all times? had Yue’s hair always, glistened in such a manner? there had been more times in Eadric’s life that the two of them had stood on a training ground. sweating like animals. smiles on their faces. but the smile she had for him now, was different. made his heart stumble in his chest. 

“yes, well,” he paused for another moment, hoping that he could shake off whatever disease he had in his limbs. a crawling discomfort that what he was going to hear some thing he didn’t wish it. the best he could do was be frank. hold the normal sort of candor he would have any other time. “i caught sight of the chattermore papers this morning.” 

he began, running a hand through his hair. shifting the locks out of the somewhat styled positions. he was never one to really care too much about his hair. in favor of running his fingers through it. “i was hoping to have a moment of your time. to -,” Eadric’s eyes darted to verify that the maid had left the room. allowing himself the time to take a step closer to her. close the gap ever so slightly, so, he could keep his words low. “to reaffirm what i said last night.” 

he couldn’t stop the way his eyes traced her face. her nearly a head shorter than he but he could probably have closed his eyes and still seen every detail as clearly as if they were open. the words were vague but he hoped that if Yue still wanted him, then it wouldn’t matter if he said it allowed or not. Eadric did not wish to say it because walls had ears and he had to make sure he got her family approval first. that he fought any frigid ice his mother sent his way. 

“to make sure that you - you would still wish it.” another step and he was just a bit closer. his words even lower. whispered. “that you would still wish to have me, as i wish to have you.” 

————–

Yue’s breathe caught in their throat when Eadric took a step towards her. It took everything they had not to move in sync with him, to put them impossibly close to one another, gazing into each other’s eyes like a couple of love struck idiots, the kind of fools they had made fun of together at the start of the season. How strange it was now that she was the blushing idiot.

She hoped her cheeks were not too obviously red.

Everything about him looked stunning in the morning sun. His hair, his eyes, his radiant determination. They were all things she knew of but only now could appreciate so deeply. Her hands nearly shook with excitement as he began to speak.

They wanted to cut him off, to scream at the top of their lungs that yes of course they had meant what they said. Yes, yes, a thousands times yes they wanted a courtship. It had never crossed her mind before now but the very thought of it being postponed a second longer than necessary made her real with frustration.

“Well, reaffirm away,” Yue teased. “Because I know that, as strange as it may sound coming from me of all people, that I meant everything I said. That I-”

And suddenly there was the familiar sound of feet and her grandma was standing in the doorway with a brilliant smile on her face. “Eadric!” the older woman cried, “Come in, come in. Let me make you some tea.”

Yue wanted to say something. Or maybe she just wanted to scream in frustration. This was not the moment to interrupt and yet, like always, her family had the most impeccable timing. It was like every last one of them could see into the future and knew when to cause trouble.

“It appears you are wanted for tea.”

he had returned at some terrible time of night. his legs keeping him out long beyond the usual urging of the moon. his mind wandering over his decisions of the night. focused on Yue’s face mostly. looking back on it all, hoping to burn it into his brain. Eadric had not intended on proclaiming his want to court his peer. had not even truly known he wished to. not until that moment. not until he stared at dark eyes he knew so well. usually they teased and mocked him. set a fire in his chest. pushing him forward. but, even if he had not known it was what he wished for, in the moment it had been nothing but true. nothing but exactly what he wished.

he wanted her. what an honor it would be to spend his days waking next to Yue? perhaps one of the most honorable things he could hope to live up to. there were still so much to be done. Eadric knew. of course, he had to make his intentions known to his family. before then announcing his attention to the Li Family. all of the thoughts ran rampant in his mind. even as he woke for the day. the sun already well risen due to how long he had walked the streets. not his usual habit. but his heart seemed too full in the moment for him to care. he had no intention of courting a single soul during the season… and yet… he had never been more wrong.

the smile he woke with had shifted slightly. over time. something replacing the feeling. heavier as he read through the papers that had been handed to him. some of them were the pieces of business his family had him taking care of while in the ton. the other, well the other was of course the illustrious Lady Chattermore’s doing.

he waved off any servant that tutted around him. looking to simply read through the goings on while in the silence of the room. his heart his only companion. the night had been scandalous it seemed. it seemed to stretch from outlandish to incredibly truthful. his own name mentioned but he thanked whatever gods that had been listening that it had little to no detail of what had occurred between himself and Yue.

still, still it had doubt creeping into his mind for a moment. if there was truly something amiss during the night. perhaps, perhaps Yue did not feel how he did? perhaps it was the strange magic of the night and she would not wish for him to court her. his breakfast, more like lunch was slowly cooling as he stared at the paper. a darkness hanging in his chest, wrapping itself around him.

it paused his thought process on taking the journey of a few days home to tell his parents of his intentions. he would not wish to embarrass one of his dearest friends in such a way. himself, Eadric could live with embarrassment. but he would never wish to drape it across their shoulders. so, instead of penning one message, he was standing swiftly.

it was why he stood in front of the town home that Yue’s family used while in the city. the sun bearing down on him in the afternoon heat. breathing in deeply, he moved to rap quickly on the door. his heart beating a rude pace when he was greeted. as he wasn’t expected, it took a moment, he only entered when approved and invited. removing his hat, in favor of allowing someone to take it from him. the sword on his hip habit and not something he would remove.

“Yue,” he greeted his friend and couldn’t find it in his heart to be more proper than that. decorum be damned but they rarely saw to it anyway. it wasn’t as if Eadric had followed the normal niceties and penned a missive before coming to her home. “i apologize that i didn’t request your time but, i -,” he found his hand clutching the hilt of his sword out of some wish for comfort. “forgive me.”

his eyes had moved from looking at the familiar face to looking to the ground before moving back upward. “i found myself in need of seeing you.” @li-x-yue​

 ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

--------------

Yue was, well, Yue was sparkling for lack of a better word. And Yue was not the kind of person who sparkled. Sometimes there was a healthy glow after exercising or training but sparkling, glittering, looking  like a fool with a smile so wide on their face that it was impossible to hide? Now that was a new one.

Her parents and grandparents were looking upon her the entire morning like she had grown a second head during the night, though none of them dared to say much. Except for her grandma, who leaned over and whispered to her grandfather something about a possible courtship.

And the strangest thing was? Well she was right. Her grandmother was right. There might be a courtship around the horizons and for the first time in her entire life, Yue was not completely opposed to the idea. She was not sitting there gagging as her mother and father shared a simple and chaste kiss. She was not chasing away boys from her dear friend Emma. Instead they sat there with a cup of tea between their fingers and a smile so wide across their lips that it was starting to hurt their cheeks.

Eadric liked her. He truly did. It was a thought that had never crossed her mind before and yet the truth of it was so heavy, so perfect, that it seemed like nothing else could ever make more sense in their life.

When there was a gentle knock at the door, she stood and was the first to answer it. Seeing Eadric at her door, well, she couldn’t help but grin again.

“You’re here. I hadn’t expected you, but it would be a lie to say you’re unwelcome.” She swallowed hard and bite the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning too wide. Yue felt like a fool acting so giddy. “What brings you to my home?”

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his mind was silently reeling over the ease in which he had let out the previous truth. yes, Eadric didn’t hide the fact that Yue was indeed, his closest confidant. but, it wasn’t often that he would try to make it so plain. how there was very little in the world to bring his attention away from them. most days if ever. it had been that way since she had knocked him to the ground with a swoop of her leg he had not seen coming. him following up with a ‘help me learn that.’ was an obvious way of asking her to teach him everything she knew. it seemed years ago.

“Yue,” he paused to put the goblet in his hand down. the kabob he had been munching on, placed with little care to his side. “dragons aren’t only some fearsome creatures.” his hand moved slowly to rest on her shoulder. hoping it wouldn’t be shrugged off. “if you are indeed a dragon. you are the one that an army would put on their shields to protect them. you’re not one to be conquered. but revered.” Eadric’s tongue was lose and strangely poetic when he moved his eyes to look into his friend’s. 

“if i thought for a moment i was worthy of you.” there was a pause as his mind realized what his tongue was going to let free. “or that you would welcome my courtship. i would.” it wasn’t horror that filled him at the release of the truth but, unease. he knew she was not like the others. gloriously so.

in an effort to shrug off some of the heaviness that came along with his words he offered another sigh and a light chuckle. hoping to ease whatever discomfort he may have placed on her shoulders. laughing softly he took his hand from Yue’s shoulder. allowing space between them when he had so quickly devoured it like it was nothing. “so, be careful what you say for you might end up with a fool like me courting you..” 

------------------------------------------------------- Eadric had never spoken so poetically to them before and for a moment Yue simply stood there in shock. Was what he said the truth? That he would gladly court her? It sent their mind reeling as she stared down at the bottom of the empty goblet and contemplated their next move.

Usually, Yue thought in tactics, but this was not some battle field strategy to be won and before she could even think to stop herself, even think of the repercussions this could have on their friendship, she was speaking, “If you were worthy of me? Eadric you need to find yourself a looking glass. Not only are you by far the most handsome man I have ever had the pleasure beating with a sword, but you are sensible and kind and have a way about you I find distinctly admirable.”

“So,” she began again, taking a deep breath. It all spilled out before she had the chance to stop it, “If this was your way of asking me if a courtship would be possible between us, my answer would be yes, without question.”

❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖

he could barely hold down the shiver at the mention of courting a young lady and producing an heir. it wasn’t as if he didn’t want to find a companion for his future. or didn’t want to have children for that matter. he did, truly he did. but Eadric was never one to like the people that his mother pushed him towards. perhaps they were a little too much like her. “one day,” he muttered softly. he hoped. 

in truth. if he were to say it out loud. he didn’t want to turn out like his father. despite the quiet understanding they seemed to have between the two of them, there was something amiss. his father didn’t carry himself the same way. didn’t have the same fire. Eadric hadn’t seen him on the training field in some months and it bothered him. bother him that his mother had such sway. why would she wish to sway someone like that? 

without missing a beat, he tilted his face so Yue could use a napkin to wipe gently at his chin. he did look a mess. but he wasn’t going to change a thing. “i treat you as you should be.” he murmured through her ministrations. noting how close she was to him. closer than usual when they were off the training grounds. 

“you should know that i prefer the you that is on the training grounds,” he added absently before realizing how that would sound. “what i mean is, i like this you.” his hand gestured in small movements. “but i feel as if you are truly yourself when trying to find a way to make me eat dirt.” 

clearing his throat after a moment, he sighed. a right ass he sounded. “in truth, i am happy to be near you. always. no matter which version.”

——————

Yue had not often thought of her future. Of course every young woman had something fanciful in their mind about marriages and courtship and little children running around. Every young woman except, perhaps, her. Her whole life had been dedicated to being strong, to being a good bodyguard for the princess. She assumed most of her life would simply be that.

But what of her own courtship? If a man had interest, or a woman for that matter, how would she react? 

“Well I am pleased to know that someone finds my company worthwhile. There are none so bold as to even attempt courtship with me,” she said, trying to play it off with a laugh. In truth, sometimes the fact hurt. When she watched the young men swarm over Emma as she stood there in the background, it was difficult.

“Perhaps I am a fearsome dragon to so many.” It was strange how easy the words came out of her. Usually she would not be so honest about her feelings when it came to such feminine things. “Maybe if I was different...but I’m not. I am who I am. And one day I hope someone will love me for that.”

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he found himself pausing at yue’s words. willing to let the princess handle herself for the night? it surely had to be a first. his hand made its way up towards his chest as he put it over his heart. “oh, how you have blessed me this eve,” he teased slightly before going to do exactly as he said he would. in truth, it was a bit of a surprise but while he had said it jokingly, it did feel a blessing. there were very few people he could truly be himself with. there were moments where henry could be included but also times, he looked at eadric as if there was more to his thoughts and he wasn’t very sure he wished to see it.

grabbing another drink, he also paused to snatch two of the kabobs before making his way back to yue. his feet light on the way there. “another drink as promised and now even some food if you are so inclined,” he offered one of the kabobs as an option but made no movement to toss it at them. yue would reach for it when ready.

“to what you were saying before i walked away. your grandparents shouldn’t be so surprised and should find a way to simply welcome you as you are.” without any hints or grumbling. “also, that lady not willing to correct you seems to outrageous to me. it should be a person’s right to be referenced by the correct name.” stopping himself for a moment he breath in before eadric took a bite of the food in his hand and found himself groaning in enjoyment.

“this, this is good.” he smiled to himself out of how rude it had been to speak with food in his mouth. moving to have the goblet cover his mouth slightly he shook his head. “apologies,” was added with a slight laugh as he swallowed. “but that is truly good.”

——————

It wasn’t often that Yue laughed freely and without care. But tonight it was a different story. Whatever was in the wine was making it easier to relax, to take a deep breath and be honest with themselves and others. It was difficult to always be watching the princess and sometimes they wondered if it would just be easier if they let Emma do whatever they wanted.

“Perhaps both of us are blessed. We so rarely get to spend time together outside of training these days. Someone’s mother is too adamant on them courting a young lady and producing an heir,” she replied with a soft hum.

Yue took the food happily. It was delicious, melting on her tongue and mixing in delightful ways with the wine that left her feeling heady. “You always know how to treat me, Eadric.”

She watched him stumble over himself and let out a good natured laugh. “You look ridiculous come here.”