Chapter 18 - 'Bold Moves'

A vein throbbed on the side of Raith's head. Arms crossed and lips sealed, he glared daggers at the man named Rox. Those stormy grey eyes held his amethyst stare without flinching. Only the Gods and Goddesses knew, that the one thing which protected Rox from Raith's wrath was his title as leader. Rox revelled in the obvious annoyance caused by his actions.

What was supposed to be a brief meeting that reported their mission turned into a teasing fest. The small table they sat at felt too small in Raith's opinion. Chin propped on his hand. Rox extended his hand to Qylian, his fingers lightly caressed the other man's hand. Rox chuckled to himself as Qylian's chosen lover practically fumed at the ears.

Having had enough entertainment, Rox said, "You were able to retrieve four out of the six crowns. Not bad but also not perfect. I didn't quite expect that you'd be able to get the King's crown as he is not in the city, but the Crown Prince's... What were you two thinking? If you had gotten caught, what would have been..."

Taking a moment Rox calmed himself and lowered his voice. As much as Qylian angered him, he could never see a life without him there. He would give almost anything to keep Qylian at his side, even if it meant putting up with his marked lover ... for now.

Qylian opened his lips to speak, but Rox silenced him. The room grew to be uncomfortable. The tea pot that sat in the center of the table rose to a steady boil.

"If I didn't trust you to this extent, I would not be saying this..." Rox removed his hand from atop Qylians. In deep thought he murmured, "The time is right." His skin showed the beginnings of a change.

Qylian stared with keen interest in Rox's image. He had never seen the man's haala before nor did he know what creature Rox was. His eyes widened at the revelation. The haala inserted a finger nail, beneath a scale.

The brown scales appeared to move in the light turning into a molten red, before reverting back. Rox stared at the parts of himself he had to hide out of fear. He took Qylian's hand and pressed the scale within. It warmed the palm of the one who now held it.

"I need you to get someone from the Royal prisons. They will help you retrieve the remaining symbols of power," said Rox. He paused looking at Raith. A sinister smile graced his lips.

Leaning forward he placed his weight on Qylian's arm and shoulder. Stroking the seated man's inner thigh, he smiled rather coquettishly. Enjoying the look served by Raith each time his hand ventured a little higher, Rox chuckled.

Qylian sat still and did not instigate anything. He knew what Rox was playing at, but he also knew Rox was already bonded. Raith's woes were non-existent, as Rox had never gone beyond light play and quite likely never will, given the mission.

"Give us a moment will you," said Rox. His index finger drew circles on the lap where they were situated. Raith took his leave, boring holes in Rox's head as he walked out.

Raith closed the door behind himself. He aimlessly wandered down the corridor. Not straying too far he walked back. The floor that Rox lived on was very quiet within good reason.

The leader's short fuse stopped any trouble makers in their tracks. Even though it's been almost a week since he was brought here. He had personally witnessed several persons murdered without Rox so much as batting an eyelash.

Yet Raith stood in the den of an evil man because of him. What would his parents say if they knew the true extent of what he surrounded himself in? His father would surely lose it! Passing his hand on the arm bracelet Raith mused over his family. They didn't have time to stay with them before departure.

Although he doubted that was the real reason behind Qylian's hustled actions. It might have had something to do with his father, but Raith decided to leave it alone. He was too distracted by the tiny feathers that adorned the chains on his arm.

Connected on each side by thin silver links, Raith gazed at the physical representation of their invisible link. He exhaled heavily.

That Rox better not do anything to his Qilin!

Inside the room, two cups of Jasmine tea were being poured. Sitting comfortably the two men waited for the air to settle from the words just spoken. Nimble brown hands stirred in two spoons of sweetner into a teacup. He watched as the magic dissolved into the drink.

The raging hot cup was placed to his full lips. Not even blowing once, the scalding drink went down his throat. Qylian fanned the cup that sat before him not even daring to lift it. He was sure the dishware was ridiculously hot. Rox licked his lips fuly aware of the inconvenience the other man faced.

"What do you think?" said Rox. Qylian stayed in contemplative silence. He knew that the job requested of him could be done, but the risks were high.

Taking a deep breath, Qylian said, "I think that I will need a small team to work with me. Getting in isn't the problem. It's the getting out with one extra body to carry. Luckily, I know who I need for the mission. We will leave at the break of dawn. If that time frame pleases you, ofcourse."

Rox knew something of this magnitude could not be rushed. Despite how he personally felt, he nodded in agreement. The Order could not afford to make rushed decisions which would lead to devastating consequences.

"Take care of my essence Qylian. What you possess is beyond rare, its value can't even be measured in physical currency. Ensure it reaches her. I'm sure after being trapped in there for so long this will be the equivalent to a drink from Fiha's rays," said Rox. Qylian nodded.

He had met Rox's mate when he first entered the order. It was by complete chance they stumbled across each other. It was she who introduced the bumbling new recruit to the leader. Qylian remembered her with clear precision. A full body woman, short in stature with radiant ebony skin, and mischievous brown eyes.

His leader's chosen one played an active role in his life for many years. Without the shadow of a doubt it was her kindness and ability to open one's mind that made him swear his life to the Order. She was the true leader that guided them, though he would never say that to Rox.

"I will bring her back," said Qylian. Rox waved his hand in a shooing motion, and picked up Qylian's untouched cup of tea sending it down his throat in one go.

Qylian smiled and rose from his seat. It would be amazing if she were to return. Her husband was truly getting more difficult to deal with in her absence! Qylian knew that Rox's behaviours were tied to the loss of his chosen one, and so he rarely brought up the topic.

Today however he could see a natural shift in the man. His grey eyes seemed brighter, his brown skin glowed from his inner heat, the corners of his lips seemed to turn up a tad higher. Hope. That was what incited these changes and Qylian knew he felt the same way too.

He closed the door of the room. Raith attacked him as soon as he crossed the threshold. Raith's amethyst eyes anxiously searched his person for any incriminating evidence. Qylian smiled tucking a single white strand behind Raith's ear. His flower bud was too sweet.

Wrapping his arms around the older man, he stole a short kiss. Placing his hand on the small of Raith's back he walked in the direction of the stairs. There was much to discuss.

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