Chapter 162: Folly

Kiss scene in the beginning of the chapter >y<

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Chapter 162:

Folly

Before entering the hall to the battle room, Silas caught his breath, having run from the outside of the palace's forest to where he stood now. His face was flushed, and he panted, sweat dripping down his cheeks as he attempted to hold in his embarrassment as much as he could. He could not face the rest of the group with his face flushed like an innocent maiden. 

Why did I do that? He wanted to smack himself over the head, having acted like such a teenager. Why did I bite him like that? Dammit. Licking his teeth with his tongue, Silas's face only flushed more, and he let out an embarrassed sigh, standing with his hands knotted behind his head. The faint taste of blood still lingered in his mouth, making him sigh with frustration. 

"Silas?" A woman's voice called him from not far away. "What took you so long? I thought you'd get here before me." Adora stated, staring Silas head to toe in an observing manner. "What, did you run here or something?" She quirked her brow, suspicious.

Coughing awkwardly into his hand, Silas replied, hiding the flush on his face, "I got distracted for a moment, so I ran here. Sorry." Adora could not respond, having shrugged her shoulders, not thinking much of where Silas went beforehand. His appearance was rough enough, so she could only assume he was running late on the way over.

However, only moments earlier, Silas and Clarence had yet to enter the palace, but Silas found himself dragged away before he could step foot inside, dragged away by the gentle hold of the prince, who refused to let go of his hand until he followed him off into the woods. What the prince had in mind, however, was clear only to the two of them at that moment.

"Clarence, where are we going? The palace door is over there." Silas said with a frown, having an inkling that the prince was dragging him off for a reason less than pure, but he did not mind it as he let Clarence drag him along by the hand, their fingers intertwined gently. 

Pausing, Clarence finally said, "I want to talk to you for a moment… alone." Staring at the back of his head, Silas could only think one thing. His ears are red. How cute. Silas held back a laugh. 

"Oh, what do you want to talk about? I'm short on time, you know." Silas smiled teasingly. It won't hurt to tease him for a moment, will it? 

Clarence, having stopped under the cover of the trees and bushes in the forest, lifted Silas's hand to his lips, gently kissing the back of his hand as he responded, "Since we've arrived at the palace, we haven't been able to spend any time together. You fall asleep each night before I can kiss you goodnight. It's not fair." He uttered in a sweet, pampered tone, his eyes sparkling as he stared towards Silas with a delicate smile. "Can I at least kiss you now?"

"We can't, there's not much-" The prince silenced Silas with a kiss, pulling the man towards him with an arm wrapped around his back, another hand resting gently behind his head to coax him into a deeper kiss, the sounds of their breaths mingling hidden by the natural sounds of the forest, much to Silas's relief. 

Gently withdrawing, Clarence held Silas in his arms, whose face was flushed red, burning bright on his pale skin. He covered his mouth with the hand Clarence had kissed only moments earlier, bringing a sense of satisfaction to the prince, who had only a moment to enjoy his time with Silas in the privacy of the woods. "I missed holding you in my arms like this."

"I-I did too." Embarrassed, Silas responded, feeling a wash of shyness he had not felt since he was a young teenager himself. 

The prince, resting his forehead against Silas's, lowered his head again, this time pulling Silas into a gentle, long kiss, savoring his lips as he combed his fingers through Silas's long hair, gently moving his hand to stroke his lover's hair. He pulled back only when Silas had run out of breath, wishing he could do more under the cover of the forest. "Are you okay?"

"I am." Silas did not mind a physical relationship with Clarence, but the speed of the relationship felt too fast for him. It made him feel old in a way, with Clarence being so active, but there was only one way for Silas to protest Clarence's proactive pressure before they were both swept away by the strong undercurrent of lust in the forest. The mana around them danced, bringing with it a surge of power, a surge of mana that wanted to meld the mana into one, swaying softly between them like a patch of wildflowers, the scent tempting to those around it. 

If this goes on, we'll both do something we regret. There was only one thing he could think to do to stop the prince's tyrannical desires. I'm sorry, Clarence, but I have to do this. Opening his mouth as he moved his head away from the prince's, Silas finally rested his forehead on the side of Clarence's neck before his teeth made contact with the soft skin directly under the prince's clavicle, just above his heart. 

"Silas, what are you-" Clarence spoke in a teasing tone, about to speak more teasing words to his beloved elf before he felt a sharp pain over his chest, causing his heart to speed up, and his lungs to suck in a sharp breath, his face flushed at the sensation. Silas… h-he bit me? The prince's mood flurried between shock and excitement, wishing he could bite Silas back, nipping at his soft neck like an affectionate hound. 

A large red mark was left where his teeth had printed into Clarence's skin. The teeth marks, threatening to drip blood, looked like the passionate mark of a lover rather than a discontent partner. Withdrawing his teeth, Silas's face grew red, his lips tightly closing as he stepped back, covering his mouth with the back of his left hand, stepping back twice to avoid Clarence's fervent stare. W-why did I think that was a good idea? Silas's thoughts were in a flurry, causing him to nearly trip over his own feet as the prince stepped one step closer, his eyes full of a burning desire, threatening to burn Silas to a crisp. That was a mistake… 

"Silas-" Clarence uttered, sounding closer to a growl, "Come here." The temptation to pull him under him was too strong to bear. 

Staring at the prince, Silas turned on his heel, yelling with a hint of fear, "Absolutely not!" Before Clarence could catch Silas, tempted to teach him a lesson for surprising him, he had already run away, dashing out of the bushes and towards the palace with wind at his feet. 

I should've never brought him out here. Clarence sighed to himself, running his fingers through his hair with one hand as he adjusted his collar with the other, hiding the fresh bite mark with the edge of his clothes, the tinge on his cheeks only growing stronger as he stared to where Silas was standing. The tailor will be furious with me at this point. I'd better hurry back. 

Adjusting the formal uniform back to its original state, Clarence looked down at the garish uniform with a bitter smile, thinking aloud as he spoke quietly to no one. "It would be nice… if I could wear something like this to marry Silas." Smoothing the collar, he added absently, "Maybe, once this is all over, I can make my dream a reality..." 

With the shouts from the soldiers in the distance, calling for Clarence to come back with some impatience, Clarence adjusted his clothes once again to hide the suspicious mark on his chest, his face flushed as he began to walk towards the palace, following in Silas's footsteps, his thoughts lingering on the thought of a wedding between the two of them. 

…

It was nighttime under the cover of the Yursinean starry sky, but under the light of the burning lanterns, the Zavior estate was lit and welcoming guests late into the night, expecting a special group's late arrival. Sitting awake with a large cup of caffeinated tea by her side, Camille sat with her leg crossed over her knee, Angeline asleep on the other side of the couch, her head lightly resting on the cushion next to Camille's thigh.

The warning of the guests had already come from Eva, but a strong, foreboding feeling lingered in the air as the time of arrival grew closer, startling Angeline awake from her fretful sleep. "Mille, what time is it?" She asked in a daze, rubbing the fuzz out of her vision as she sat up, adjusting her wrinkled dress collar. 

"It's nearly ten o'clock now. Our guests should be arriving soon. Are you ready to greet them?" Camille asked, squeezing Angeline's other hand in her own. 

"Of course. Be safe." Angeline replied sleepily, her mana surrounding her like a protective blanket, drifting aimlessly in the air around them. 

"I will." The countess replied, kissing Angeline's cheek gently before she stood up, moving towards the mansion doors, her unease only growing the closer and closer she grew, leaving her darling Angeline safe in the mansion as she approached the oncoming danger herself.

...

"Beau, things are going to get a little sticky when we pass through these gates. Stay by me." Staring at the lit gates, Holland warned Beau, the pair walking on the left side of the carriage, out of view from the guards for only a moment. "Theo, you walk in front. I'm going to keep an eye on our guest here."

Theo stared over his shoulder, rolling his eyes at Holland's caution. "I'm sure he'll be fine." Basch stood next to the window on the right side of the carriage, his eyes falling on the three other men for only a moment before he faced forward, maintaining his eye on the surroundings to keep the occupants of the carriage safe.

As they approached the gate, more guards came into view, and sensing their eyes falling on the carriage, Beau felt a sinking feeling lingering in his gut. The deeping sense of danger began to steadily grow around them as more guards moved towards the gates, their eyes falling on the people around the carriage. The curtain moved slightly, and Charlotte moved to look outside, however Basch did not wait to say, "Stay inside the carriage, and keep the curtain closed. We'll be inside shortly."

Inside the carriage, the commotion outside was clearly audible. Charlotte, Philomena, and Alywin all attempted to congregate around the nearest window, but Basch's large frame was blocking it with his wide shoulders. "Basch won't let us see anything, dammit." Charlotte uttered a surprising curse. 

"It's better that way. Things may get ugly." Alywin responded dryly, his eyes fixed outside, attempting to see anything he could.

Only a moment later, the guards were on high alert. At the very sight of Beau Laurent, the guards were on high alert, lifting their swords to stop him next to the carriage, their eyes full of undisguised hatred as they stood still, waiting for Camille's command to take care of the man. Before Beau could be harassed further, Holland walked in front of him, holding his own sheathed sword as he moved the closest sword tips away, his eyes flashing with a glint of danger.

"All of you, step back. He's with me." Holland commanded, the usual jovial tone in his voice gone as he stepped forward, the men staring at him with some awe as they continued to hold their swords up. "Call out Camille. She's expecting us."

The guards were alerted that a carriage of noble guests would be coming, but they were not told that a traitor would be traveling amongst the group. They were reluctant to allow the group entry, but a guard was swiftly sent to speak to the countess as the rest made them wait just beyond the gates, unsure if the guests inside were truly who they said they were.

Only a short while after, Camille, dressed in her usual, formal suit, came striding out of the palace, a hint of interest hidden on her face as she was escorted to the front of the gate by two of her personal guards. Staring at the simple carriage, Camille began by saying. "Allow the guests outside of the carriage by the gate with their knights. Holland Joey and that traitor will be talking to me before they step foot in my mansion." She clapped her hands, sending the guards to move as Theo and Basch moved by the door of the carriage, their backs to the carriage as they prepared to keep the rest of their group safe if needed.

"Alywin, you come out first." Theo said, opening the door lightly, his back still to the carriage. "They're going to inspect us to make sure we're who we say we are. Keep your hands to your sides, and stay by me." He warned in a gentle tone, moving his left arm out to the side to help Alywin down from the carriage.

Swallowing the dry spit in his mouth, feeling as though the eyes of the entire estate were on him, Alywin maintained his noble bearing as he stepped down from the carriage, holding his head high as he held Theo's hand, unable to let go due to Theo's tight grip, moving him to his side to allow the others out. Basch stood by the door to help the girls out of the carriage, lifting his hand first to Philomena, and then Charlotte as they were moved to the side of the carriage by Basch, their backs covered by the carriage itself. 

"Theo, take the guests inside into the sitting room. Angeline will be waiting for you there." Camille spoke aloud once the carriage was cleared, eyeing over the guests that emerged with a thoughtful nod, surprised to see the batch of nobles in one place. "My soldiers will not trouble you here, so long as you are polite." 

Taking the lead, Theo spoke as he said, "Follow me. There's someone I want you all to meet." He grabbed Alywin's hand, leading him first as the rest followed closely, their forms pierced by the heavy glares of the rebel guards. The air was quiet, full of an unspoken tension that made Philomena stand close to Charlotte, holding her hand in her own as she tried to stop trembling, her fear palpable. Basch could only follow behind soundlessly, his cold stare withdrawing some of the rebels' gazes on the young ladies as they were finally led inside. 

Now that the honored guests were cleared, it was time for the true fun to begin. "What is he doing here, Holland Joey? Answer me." Camille began, her tone sharp, her gaze nearly piercing as Holland stood next to Beau, their figures surrounded by layers of soldiers, ready to strike at a moment's notice. 

Just as I thought. I always knew the Zavior family had a strong connection to the trade routes between Eva's troops, but I could never confirm it. Now that I can, I'm ready to be killed. Staring at the countess's mansion, Beau held some bitterness, but he knew that dissolving the Zavior family would have never worked. Their wealth was too great, and their trade power insurmountable. 

"Eva is already aware I have captured Beau Laurent and I have taken him alive as a resource. Of course I would bring him with me." Standing next to Beau, Holland's voice was firm, unshaken by the surrounding enemies. "Keeping him alive has been far from unhelpful." 

"After all that this bastard has done to the kingdom, to the elves… you allow him to step foot in my sanctuary as if he has done nothing! How dare you, Holland Joey. How fucking dare you disgrace my trust like this!" It was the first time Camille had raised her voice, so much so that the soldiers around them were startled by the strain in her tone. "Why did you bring him here?"

Staring forward with a determined expression, Holland responded, "He's assisting me with some things, including escorting the princesses. I wouldn't have brought him here without a good reason, of course."

"If he so much as steps one foot out of line, I'll cut it off." With her gaze falling on Beau's feet, Camille turned to the nearby soldiers and said, "Until I return from the meeting with our other guests, keep these two in the locked room in the barracks. Get any useful information out of Beau Laurent in the meantime."

"If you try to torture him, I'll kill the guards that touch him. He's my prisoner, Camille." Holland's voice took a sudden turn, nearly a serious shout as he spoke aloud, his voice thundering.

Camille smiled wickedly in response, her patience wearing thin. "Unlike Eva, I don't play kindly to threats, Holland."

Smiling back just as threateningly, Holland uttered, "I mean it, Camille. We made a pact after I captured him. I need to keep him alive in the meantime until it's fulfilled."

A pact? What shit is he saying? Beau's expression was flat, but his gaze on Holland was filled with question marks. Staring out of the corner of his eye, Holland smiled and winked at Beau, his sarcasm heavy.

Whatever pact Holland mentioned was enough to sway the countess and her soldiers. "You must be joking, Holland-" The countess looked to Holland, hoping he was cracking another one of his unsavory jokes, but his expression was as firm as his words. "For fuck's sake." Camille rested her hand on her forehead, looking irritated, but as she lowered her hand, she sighed, relenting. "You know what? Fine. Have it your way. Keep these two alive until I see them. Share any useful information they have with me."

"Yes, my lady!" The guards replied affirmatively. 

As Camille turned to enter the mansion, her personal guards following her into the building, Holland and Beau stood together as the designated soldiers stepped forward and led them towards an area to the side, the soldiers' barracks. "You two can follow me over here. There's some information we've been trying to verify. It seems having a traitor on our side will be helpful after all." One of the leading soldiers said with a nasty tone, sizing up Beau with disgust. "Hurry up. We don't have all day."

Staying in the middle, sandwiched with some distance between the two groups, Holland walked leisurely as Beau sniffed the air, a concentrated scent of mana hitting his nose. It was not a familiar mana smell, unlike the usual scent of the forest elves. The more he smelled, the more difficulty he had placing it. He stopped sniffing the air as the men around him glared at him, whispering dog-related insults under their breath. 

"Don't worry, I'll make sure they keep you alive." Holland smiled, placing his arms behind his head in a casual fashion. "We've kept you alive once before, there's no harm in doing it again, is there?" 

"Don't bring that up." Gritting his teeth at the awful memory, having captured one of the elves before, Beau's face was dark. "I've already made enough mistakes as it is. Don't make me regret staying alive now." Why did I even agree to come here? I'm a bigger fool than Charon. "Speaking of, what was that pact you mentioned?"

"Oh, that?" Hearing the pact mentioned by Beau, Holland let out a laugh, causing Beau to nearly lose his temper on the man with a foolish demeanor as he spoke quietly enough only for the two of them to hear. "In the South Isles, where I'm from, a pact is like a bond between partners. Usually it's reserved for two people to tie the knot-" Beau's face turned black in rage as he listened along, "-but, in our case, it's functioning as a treaty between sides. Besides, now's not a good time for the two of us to tie the knot now, is it?"

"Now I understand Countess Zavior's reaction." Beau's lip twitched, full of irritation. "I have no intention of ever sharing a bed with you, Holland Joey. Even the thought of touching you fills me with disgust."

Holland could only respond directly, "Keep playing along until this is over. Otherwise, Camille will kill you." That was enough to cause Beau to fall silent, and the walk forward remained at a strange, quiet standstill.

Once the time is right, I'll tell Beau about my past too. Walking with the large man by his side, Holland chuckled to himself without much thought. Because, maybe we aren't too different after all. Two killing machines, two different sides, and a long history between the two of us… It'll be interesting. No one could tell what foolish things Holland was thinking, but in reality, Holland could only think of ways to save Beau, who reminded him too much of his younger self.

Only time could tell, however, if the rebels would truly prove Beau's usefulness, ultimately saving his life or not. 

…

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Hi, all. I'm very tired, but still happy I was able to make this deadline and keep some of the usual banter between our boys >y< I feel like Silas is pretty shy, but he definitely has a proactive side of his own ;u; Clare is just... hot under the collar lol I just wrote this part, as I feel like kiss scenes feel the most awkward ;A; And, Beau has his uses. I didn't want to kill him off with no character development. That's so cheap...

My fatigue only worsens with each passing week, but I'm working on adding some fun stuff to my studio, so it's been occupying a lot of my time in a creative way, at least. Though, I've been getting a lot of shit from some jealous old ladies about my studio. Someone take grandma home, please, and tell her to stop bothering cute, young business owners! ;A; I'm too tired to deal with this! 

I'm working on some fun side projects, so I'll be able to share those around late March/ April I'm hoping. I've been keeping too busy to sleep well lately, so I'll see you all hopefully soon, with more sleep. Until next time >u<