The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape
Chapter 20
Two days passed in a flurry of activity. Sennin and Wolfe went through the lists they brought from the island and found that everyone in the village had family seeking information about them. There were eight remaining on their list who were unaccounted for.
“Torak and Oren say they have worked at bringing everyone they heard about to Draeya,” Sennin said. “These eight who are missing, no one has heard from them or about them.”
Azula frowned and lay back on the lounge chair. They were in the guest living room in the main house. Some of the guards had found family in the Sura village: aunts and uncles, and one young woman had found her parents. They were all exchanging days to visit the village, but today, almost three-quarters of the guard had gone because Raithion’s legion officers were scouting the area. General Haedor had offered to go together in one big group.
So, Azula was checking in with the remaining ones and spending time with Sennin and Wolfe.
“Judging Lord Raith’s meticulous care with this matter, these eight would have been found if they were living somewhere open,” Wolfe said.
“Mm,” Azula said, chewing on a thin, hazelnut-filled wafer stick. It was delicious, and Azula had developed a taste for them since they arrived. Sharian and Daron seemed to enjoy supplying him with these sticks en masse. They were always brought to him when he snacked.
Azula lay back on the lounge chair on the terrace, balcony framed by red bougainvillea flowers. His gaze shifted to take in the view of the Maenaer estate. It was stunning, filled with green grass, beautiful flower bushes, and beyond that, well-cultivated land, not an acre wasted. Even the evergreen wild forest, Raithion said, was filled with wildlife and herbs.
Azula loved it here. This place had a different air from the island and the capital city of Genad. There was an easy slowness to life. Everyone who worked in the manor seemed happy and laid-back. The legion officers who came to seek Raithion were usually full of energy. It was as if they were released from the burden of their duties and were happy to take care of their home.
What was it…like working together to protect this place? Azula shook his foot as he watched a boy in the distant field chase sheep along with a black dog.
“Wolfe,” Azula said after a while.
“Yes, my prince,” Wolfe said.
“What do you think of Lord Raith now? Is he tolerable?” Azula asked.
“Mm,” Wolfe said. “I would say he’s worthy of his promises. Even though he still needs to show you the thief you asked for—”
“I’m sure he will,” Azula said. “But we’ve been busy with Torak and Oren and finding a safe way to send messages home. He also has obligations here.”
“Yes,” Wolfe agreed. “We’re not going to fight him, if that’s what you’re asking, my prince. You can try it with him if you want.”
Azula turned to look at Sennin and Wolfe. They were watching him with silly smiles on their faces.
“What?”
“You watch him when you think no one else is looking,” Sennin said with a small smile. “Seeing as how he’s the first one you’ve wanted to give such attention to, I think you should take Wolfe’s advice. Princess Alise agrees, too.”
“Is everyone interested in the one I want to share a bed with?” Azula asked as he turned to stare at the view again. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothing, and no, we’re not really interested,” Wolfe said. “But since you gave Lord Trevan no thought, but can’t seem to look away from the Draeya Prince, I think you are interested in him. The only reason you would hesitate is because of what happened to our clan. He proved his worth after saving so many of us. I don’t think he’s worthy of you as a mate, but you can kiss him if you want to. I won’t object, right, Sennin?”
“Right,” Sennin said.
“Well, thank you very much,” Azula said, shaking his head. “I was just wondering about that right now. Since you’re a grandfather now, I won’t comment on your narrow-mindedness as you judge who can be my mate.”
Sennin chuckled, and Wolfe grumbled under his breath.
“What would you say if I told you I think you and General Tanya should give it a go?” Azula asked. “You keep ignoring her. Do you know she worries about you when you leave the island? What do you think of that?”
“That is none of your business,” Wolfe scowled at him.
“Well, you finally see my point,” Azula said as he reached for a new hazelnut wafer stick. “Granted, I asked your opinion on the man, so I’m at fault too.”
“Then, make it a habit to kiss Lord Raith if you want,” Wolfe said. “See if I care if you two end up making promises to each other. You live in two different places, taking care of two different groups of people. You’re bound to break hearts. It’s not my business at all.”
Azula started to answer, but then choked on the wafer he was eating when he saw Raithion standing at the entry to the terrace balcony.
Raithion was grinning as he watched them.
Sennin handed Azula a goblet of water as Wolfe stood, rubbing the back of his neck with a wince.
“Lord Raith, can you announce yourself when you arrive?” Wolfe said gruffly.
“And miss out on such interesting conversations?” Raithion smiled as he strolled in. He looked too handsome in a black shirt and dark trousers that framed him to perfection. His feet were in the long boots he liked wearing around the manor. His hair was loose around his shoulders, as it always was when he was home.
Azula started to look away, but then a small face peeked out from behind Raithion’s leg.
“Yulin!” Azula said, smiling widely, delighted to see the boy. “I haven’t seen you since I arrived. Where have you been hiding from Uncle Big Fish?”
Yulin grinned and came running to Azula. Azula sat up and pulled him into a tight hug, patting his back. He looked healthier, his cheeks rosy, and his eyes bright.
“Yulin, how are you feeling now?” Azula asked. “I even feel like you’ve grown two inches since I last saw you.”
“My teacher says I will grow up big and strong. He’s teaching me how to read and how to hold a sword,” Yulin said. “It’s really fun.”
“How to hold a sword at four?” Azula glanced at Raithion. “Your clan is tough on children.”
“He’s a Maenaer. Swords are for playing like toys,” Raithion said.
“Prince Azula, we’ll excuse ourselves. We’ll finalize arrangements with Torak and Oren. We still need to decide whether to allow the people who want to come with us to the capital,” Wolfe said.
“Make sure they can fight,” Raithion said. “My legion officers have trained some of the Sura to protect their families. The capital is not peaceful. I can protect you when I’m close, but not always. You need people who can take care of themselves in a fight.”
Wolfe nodded grimly. “I’ll keep that in mind, Lord Raith. Excuse us.”
Sennin and Wolfe left, and Raithion sat on a chair next to Azula’s lounge chair.
“Yulin, do you want a hazelnut wafer stick?” Azula asked as he settled back on the lounge chair with Yulin sitting on his side.
“Mm,” Yulin nodded, and Azula gave him one from the tray on the table.
Azula smiled as Yulin ate the snack.
“How is Skye?” Azula asked.
“She’s okay,” Raithion said. “She’s not as spoiled as she was at your house, but the nanny here is skilled and good to her.”
Azula nodded and touched Yulin’s black hair. The two braids Lasma and Alva had placed in his hair were still present, clipped together with a gold clip with the Maenaer crest.
Azula stroked the soft, dark strands.
“Yulin, can I add a braid to your hair?” Azula asked.
“Yes,” Yulin said, glancing at him with a smile. “Grandma Lasma and Grandma Alvas added some when I was on the island. I like them.”
“Good,” Azula glanced at Raithion, seeking permission, but only got a nod as Raithion reached for a hazelnut wafer stick, too.
“I’ve noticed you like sitting at this terrace,” Raithion said. “Do you prefer the main house?”
“Not really,” Azula said as he got a section of Yulin’s hair behind Yulin’s right ear, where it wouldn’t get in his way. He started making a thin braid with expertise. He’d done this for Ruri often, and he missed that mischievous boy too much.
“Wolfe and Sennin have been matching names on our lists to the families in the village,” Azula said as he worked. “Today, those in the guard were due for a reunion with their families. So, I came here to spend time with Sennin and Wolfe. I ended up sitting here for lunch. I like the view.”
“It’s a good view,” Raithion said, watching him braid Yulin’s hair. “The fields are quite productive this year. We have enough rice and wheat to feed everyone in the estate. There’s also enough to give the legion officers for their homes in Genad city.”
“Do you subsidize grain for your legion officers?” Azula asked.
“My Draeya legion officers have grown to twenty thousand now,” Raithion said. “We started with only three thousand, but when I was in the capital, we started recruiting seriously. These last few years, I’ve built a good, strong force, loyal to the Draeya Duke.”
“Twenty thousand, how do you feed them all?” Azula asked, glancing at him for a second as he finished the braid he was making for Yulin. When he reached the end, he removed one of the red threads tied on his left wrist and tied it around the end of the braid to secure it.
“The grain is disbursed by rank,” Raithion said. “We pay our soldiers with silver denarii and grain rations. Depending on rank, a military home can sustain itself. Loyal legion officers like Haedor and even Kailu have land within our Maenaer estate where they have built homes and their families stay. I’m a military family member too,” Raithion continued. “My spouse will have to worry about legion officers and their pay.”
Azula glanced at Raithion with a small smile. “You’re a military family member. I’m a small prince from an island nation. On a bad day, I have to keep my people alive in case of a war. On a good day, I mediate cases when a chicken is stolen from a yard. It can be very exhausting.” Azula smiled when Raithion bit into his wafer with a snap.
“Does that mean you will always stay on the island?” Raithion asked.
“It’s very nice there,” Yulin said. “There are big fish, and we can grill them.”
Azula laughed. “Yes, Yulin is right. There are many fish, and we can grill them. Well said.”
Yulin grinned with joy at the praise, but Raithion let out a huff and placed his half-eaten wafer on a small plate. He reached for a jug of water and poured himself a goblet.
“Then, if it’s a lake you want to see, I can show you the Draeya Lake. It’s not as grand as your lake, but it does have fish,” Raithion said.
“Oh,” Azula said, adjusting the cushion under his head on the lounge chair. He glanced at Raithion. “Do you fish there, Lord Raith? Are there snakes and lake creatures? You can’t fish in just any lake, you know.”
Raithion stared at him and then reached for his unfinished wafer and sat back.
“Prince Azula, it sounds like you won’t dare to give our Draeya Estate a chance,” Raithion said.
“I don’t dare,” Azula agreed. “I’ve already stayed here for three days and haven’t seen a decent nut in sight. How can I survive here long?”
“There are nuts,” Yulin said then. “We grow peanuts and hazelnuts.”
Azula glanced at the cute son who was helping his big warrior dad without trying. How could he be so cute?
“If you like hazelnuts, I’ll get them for you,” Raithion said, smiling at him.
“Hmm,” Azula shifted his gaze to the view. “I also like grilled fish. Do you think we can have some tonight?”
“Yes,” Raithion answered.
“Can Yulin eat with us?” Azula asked.
Yulin glanced at Raithion with an eager expression.
“Yes,” Raithion said.
Azula laughed at the straightforward yes.
“Can my guard train with Haedor and the troop he works with in the morning?” Azula asked.
“Yes,” Raithion said without hesitation.
“Raith.”
“Yes.”
“Saying all those yeses to me will surely make me grow a big, entitled complex,” Azula said, the playful light in his eyes masking a deeper, fluttering anticipation. “Can you say no to me?”
“I can’t,” Raithion said, his voice dropping into a low, resonant register that made the fine hairs on Azula’s arms stand up.
“Why?”
“Because.” Raithion shifted, his movements fluid and predatory, and placed his palm firmly over Yulin’s eyes. Then, he leaned in. Azula watched the intensity bloom in Raithion’s green gaze, a silent demand that stole the air from his lungs. When their lips met, it wasn’t a hesitant brush, but a firm, searing claim that tasted of promise and unbridled intensity.
Azula’s breath hitched, a soft, involuntary sound that got lost in the contact. His fingers curled into the fabric of his own trousers, his knuckles turning white as he fought the urge to reach out and pull Raithion closer. A sharp and electric jolt lanced straight to his core, leaving him momentarily dazed.
When Raithion pulled back, the air around them felt charged. Azula stared at him, his pulse thrumming a frantic, irregular rhythm against his throat, his mind scrambling to regain its composure. He punched Raithion’s arm, but it was a weak, traitorous gesture, lacking any real bite.
“Taking advantage of unsuspecting guests,” Azula managed to say, though his voice lacked its usual steady cadence. Beneath his skin, he felt a simmering heat; a terrifying, exhilarating hunger he was no longer sure he wanted to fight.
“I’m only helping you fix your curiosity. I’ve been wondering when you’ll take Wolfe’s advice and make it a habit to kiss me,” Raithion said.
“It’s not polite to eavesdrop on people,” Azula said, his cheeks flaming because he had liked feeling Raithion’s lips on his and he wanted more.
“I was not eavesdropping on purpose,” Raithion said as he settled in his chair.
“Papa, why did you cover my eyes?” Yulin asked. “Why did you lean over Uncle Big Fish?”
“He had something in his eyes,” Raithion said. “I was helping him remove it.”
“Did you?” Yulin asked, curiously staring at Azula. “Is that why Uncle Big Fish’s ears are so red?”
“Probably,” Raithion said, gaining a scowl from Azula. He winked at Azula and took another wafer stick from the table.
“Uncle Big Fish, will you stay here with us for a long time?” Yulin asked.
“I don’t know about staying for a long time,” Azula said. “But I can stay until the end of the week. After that, we have to head to the capital.”
Raithion sobered at his words.
“Will Yulin be coming along?” Azula asked, looking at Raithion.
“No,” Raithion said. “The children need to stay here. It’s the best way to keep them safe. I won’t risk their lives again.”
Azula nodded in understanding. Yulin’s poisoning incident filled his thoughts, and he realized Raithion was facing a hard time, too. It could not be easy to choose to leave children behind. After all, Raithion’s wife had been murdered, and his son poisoned.
“But I wanted to see Grandma,” Yulin said, his voice quiet and pleading.
“Oh, Yulin,” Azula sat up then, rubbing Yulin’s back to comfort him.
“Yulin,” Raithion started, then stopped when he glanced at Azula. Azula gave him a subtle nod, and he smiled and met Yulin’s innocent gaze. “This is our home. Dad has to leave for a while, but I will come back to stay with you. So will Grandma. You have Jaguar, who will teach you many things you don’t know yet. I’ll head back to the capital and, before you know it, I’ll be back here with Grandma.”
“But,” Yulin started, and Azula sighed when he felt the boy tremble.
“Yulin,” Azula cleared his throat and looked into his eyes. “Remember how you visited Ruri? You said goodbye and promised you’d see each other soon.”
“Mm. He gave me this to remember him,” Yulin said, pulling back the sleeves of his tunic to show Azula a bronze bracelet given by Ruri.
Azula smiled as he touched it.
“Then, you’ll definitely see each other in time,” Azula said. “The same for your grandmother. Even better with your grandmother, because you don’t live so far from each other. You stay here at home, and then before you know it, your grandmother will come to visit you. Or even better, your father will take you to visit her in the capital when it is safe. Right, Raith?”
Raithion stared at Azula. “Right,” he agreed, holding Azula’s gaze. “You’ve made a braid in Yulin’s hair. Why don’t you offer to put one in mine?”
Azula squeezed Yulin’s shoulders and shook his head.
“I can’t do that for you, Raith.”
Azula touched the braid he’d made for Yulin.
“Your son has lived through hardship. We all hope he will grow strong and be happy. Children should always receive blessings from the adults around them. As for you,” Azula glanced at Raithion, his heart aching with the weight of his attraction.
“I can’t braid your hair yet,” Azula whispered. Pressing a kiss to Yulin’s cheek, he got up. “I’m going to check on Sennin and Wolfe.”
“You’re running away,” Raithion said.
“Running, sprinting, strolling—I’m doing it,” Azula said with a smile, as he walked around the table with the wafers.
“Can I come with you?” Yulin asked, holding on to Azula’s left hand.
“Of course,” Azula reached down and lifted Yulin. “Let’s go find out if they have something good to eat. What does Yulin like?”
“Peaches,” Yulin said, wrapping his arms around Azula as they left the terrace.
****
Raithion watched them leave with a sigh.
“He didn’t ask what I like to eat,” Raithion said as he sat back to stare at the view Azula liked so much. What did Azula mean by he couldn’t braid his hair yet?
Raithion frowned and touched his lips. The kiss he’d brushed on Azula’s lips filled his thoughts.
Azula remained cheerful during dinner, which they had in the main house. The table included Wolfe, Sennin, and five of the guards who had come with Azula. The rest were at the village, spending time with family.
Raithion watched Azula care for Yulin and tease him until he was smiling throughout the meal.
Then, Yulin got sleepy, and Sharian took him to bed after a round of goodnights and a kiss on Yulin’s forehead from Azula. Then, one by one, the guards excused themselves, including Sennin and Wolfe, until it was just the two of them at the long table in the large dining hall. Azula sat to Raithion’s right, drinking wine in silence.
Raithion watched Azula, who picked up his goblet and drank deeply. They were having mild wine this evening. Azula seemed to like it very much and had had more than a few rounds.
“You owe me a thief,” Azula said, his voice slurred as he pointed at Raithion.
“I didn’t think the wine would make you drunk,” Raithion said, reaching for the bottle on the table. He checked to make sure it was the mild variety, and it was.
“I’m terrible with liquor,” Azula said. “One glass and I’m drunk. It’s in the genes. Something is wrong with them. They don’t mix with anything alcoholic. I get drunk instantly, but I like this one. It’s not too bad.”
Raithion returned the wine bottle to its place and leaned his elbows on the table.
“There’s nothing wrong with your genes,” Raithion said. “I do owe you a thief. I’ll take you there in the morning. You’ve been so busy with the village, I couldn’t find a good time to take you.”
“Morning sounds good,” Azula said with a sigh, leaning back in his chair. “You kissed me when we were with Yulin on the terrace. Why?”
“Because I wanted to,” Raithion said. “I would kiss you again if you let me, Azula Doriel. You make my heart shake. You have for a long time, even when you didn’t want to see me. You can be angry with me for doing it, but I’m not regretting it.”
“It wasn’t a big kiss,” Azula said with a chuckle. “You touched my lips with yours. If that’s what you think a kiss is, then you’re mistaken. I’ve heard they’re meant to be longer.”
Raithion grinned. “I was testing your mood.”
Azula sat up, shifting in his chair so that he could look at Raithion.
“Raithion,” Azula said, his voice soft. “I have wanted to kiss you since I saw you at the balcony table at the Teba Inn. What happened after…”
Azula shook his head and reached for the goblet again to drink.
Raithion stood up then and reached for the goblet, but Azula moved his hand away.
“No. I get to drink tonight,” Azula insisted, shaking his head. “I don’t get to drink often. So, don’t take this away.”
Raithion leaned back on the table, his eyes locked on Azula’s flushed face. The scent of wine clung to Azula, dizzying and sweet.
“Azula.”
“I love how you say my name,” Azula whispered. He closed his eyes and sighed, letting his head loll against the back of the chair. “Why do I love it so much?”
Raithion crossed his arms against his chest, his knuckles white, fighting a losing battle against the raw, aching urge to haul Azula out of that chair and hold him against his own body. Every instinct screamed at him to act, to bridge the distance, but the fragility of the moment held him back. Azula was drunk, drifting on the wine, and Raithion refused to take advantage of his vulnerability, no matter how much his own blood pounded in his ears.
Azula finished his drink and placed the goblet on the table. He stood up slowly, swaying a little.
He looked so handsome tonight. He’d taken a long bath and dressed in a white tunic with the collar open to show off the carnelian stone resting on his collarbone. He wore white trousers, and his feet were in sandals. His long, strawberry blonde hair was free, falling over his shoulders like spun silk. Azula had left it to dry.
Azula swayed again, and as he pushed his chair back, he reached out and gripped Raithion’s left elbow.
Raithion stepped in to steady him, and Azula promptly collapsed into him.
Raithion could not help wrapping his arms around him. He took a deep, steadying breath as Azula rested his weight against him, his head coming to rest on Raithion’s right shoulder.
The contact was intoxicating, a manifestation of a dream he’d held captive in his mind for years. Azula smelled of wine and something uniquely, heartbreakingly his. He felt too good, like waking up from a long, barren winter into a sudden, blinding spring.
Azula let out a soft sigh and then wrapped his arms around Raithion’s shoulders, pulling him closer. He lifted his head, his heavy-lidded eyes meeting Raithion’s gaze with a softness that stole the breath from Raithion’s lungs.
“Since you started it, Raithion Maenaer,” Azula whispered. He leaned up on his toes and cupped Raithion’s face, pulling him down to bridge the final, agonizing inch between them. He fit his lips to Raithion’s in a demanding kiss.
Raithion tightened his arms around Azula’s waist, a low, possessive rumble vibrating in his chest as he lifted him flush against him, ending any distance between them. He deepened their kiss, claiming him, losing himself in the breathless, yielding press of Azula’s lips.
The universe narrowed down to the frantic, erratic rhythm of their heartbeats hammering in unison against their ribs. The feel of Azula kissing him back was heady, raw, and thick with a desperate passion. It was everything he’d ever imagined, but sharper, wilder, and infinitely more consuming than he ever could have prepared for.
*****
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