1.21 A Dangerous Man

Nero woke up to a relatively placid disposition of the estate. He asked around and found out that his parents had already journeyed to the imperial palace while Simone had to attend the academy. Calix also went out for some errands, or so he said. With no one to accompany him, the young lord idled around after his morning meal.

He decided to laze at the front porch, looking over the large expanse of their front yard. Nero was light on his feet when he lifted his lithe body to sit on the baluster. He leaned his back on the column and prepped his legs on the surface. The excess of his robe dangled and danced with the grass below.

The refreshing breeze was a tempting invitation to take a nap but Nero was not fond of waking up with stiff muscles. And so, he took his time watching as dead leaves flutter down the lawn. Fall it was, nearing winter season. Nero overheard the servants chatter preparation for the cold season.

A certain tree caught his eye. One that was so large it casted a hectare. Vine-like leaves dangled from it and Nero wondered what it would feel like to stand underneath it. He stared at it for a moment.

Well, might as well. He slid down from where he was at, dusting off the nonexistent dirt on his robe. As he moved towards the tree, it registered to him that this would be the first time that he was fully out of the Lanchaster building. Ever since he woke up as Nero Lanchaster, he had never set foot outside of his home. The only 'outdoors' he had been was on terraces and balconies, and the main garden which was located inside the building.

Nero went off path and walked on the lawn instead on cobblestones. He kept staring at and watched as sun rays had flare through gaps of the tree's canopy, unfazed by its narrow openings.

Once he was under a portion of the large tree, he was mesmerized with the chaos of shadow and light on his skin. Nero halted then lifted his right arm. He watched how his fingers disappeared into the light.

His movement ceased when a blur of a small figure passed by his view. He squinted his eyes and followed its trail. It was a beautiful blue bird flapping its wings with grace as it swiftly maneuvered it self away, out the large gate which leads to the front of the estate.

Nero stared. The distance was somewhat long but he can see the bustle of a crowd from his place. If he remembered correctly, their land was in the middle of the dukedom. This would mean that the central plaza was just in front of their home.

Nero contemplated about what he was thinking of doing. In the end, he gave in to his curiosity and once again walked. This time, towards the gates. He just wanted to take a peek of what this word looked like.

Looking directly through the gates would be too much because it was out in the open. There were also guards patrolling the area. He also did not want unnecessary attention by exposing his self to the public. He was the cursed child after all. The people in the estate have been accommodating but that was because of his mother's influence and its risky to know if such extended outside the estate.

Hmm. But then again, with the notice from the King, it seemed like rumors about his. . . condition have already spread.

Nero was furtive with his movements as he went to a dense section of the front yard. He had been noticing for a while now but Nero realized that stealth was something he did with ease. If he analyzed it deeper, he would also realize that this is because the original Nero wasn't exactly isolated as everyone thought he was. After all, how would he have connections outside? Well, either that or the claimed 'loyal servant' came to him willingly.

Nero walked through the tall bushes until he was greeted with a section of the border wall. It was quite high but luckily there was a crack on the brick wall. He crouched down and leaned. The opening was big so he had a tolerable view of the outside.

A wagon passed by then everything came to view. The town people were very jolly even if it was still quite early. Vendors have already set up their stalls and early buyers have already lined up for fresh stocks. Restaurants and shops were already open and Nero could hear bells ring as customers come and go. Along the general chatter of the townspeople were the laughter of the children as they played catch, their voices mixed with the shuffle of vehicles, the sound of livestock, and the rush of the water fountain. Nero also noticed the deep green silk flags placed everywhere which marked the land as a territory of the second dukedom.

"Well, this is insulting." Hot breath fanned behind his ear. Nero went stiff at the sudden intrusion of someone in his personal space. "What do these common people, whom possess nothing you could gain from, have that can hold your precious attention?"

His brows furrowed. Who the f-? Nero abruptly turned but found no one. He trailed his gaze all over the place, eyes then locked to the figure casually perched on a thick branch.

It was a muscular man with broad shoulders. He donned a short sleeve shirt so Nero could see the way his biceps flexed as the stranger enjoyed an apple. His hair was dark and his eyes were as if a still shot of an mesmerizing sunset. One look at the clash of red and yellow in his eyes was enough for one to be hypnotized.

Nero snapped out of it at the sound of a crunch as the other bit on the fruit. The man had a sharp tooth like fangs and that added to the dangerous allure he was already exhibiting.

Who are you, Nero wanted to ask but he kept mum. He just silently watched as the other savor the fruit until it was reduced to its core. The other man eye's also did not leave him.

When he was done eating, he carelessly threw the apply remain and leaped down in front of Nero. He then leaned in, their eyes locked on one another. Blood on sunset. Sunset on blood. Nero could smell the minty fragrance from the other and could feel how cold his lungs went as he inhaled the other's scent.

The other averted his gaze at the sound of horses galloping. Behind the man, the gates creaked as the guards opened the gates for the carriage of the duke and the duchess. Nero's attention went back to the man when the other fixed his posture and started to walk away.

"'Til next time," he spoke, voice low and very attractive. Nero squinted his eyes at the sudden harsh wind and the onslaught of dried leaves. It circled around the other's figure like a hurricane. "Master."

When Nero widened his eyes, the other was gone.