Chapter 200: Relax...

Moulin turned his head.

Silver eyes slightly narrowed as he looked past the gauze curtains. Lord Hadrian's face remained expressionless. His gaze was soft as he observed his lover's suspicious face. However, his moment of satisfaction was broken when a familiar and annoying sound noised within the room.

"Ao!"

Alarmed, Moulin immediately approached the curtains and parted the drapes. Concern layered his eyes as he spotted the snow-white fox who came scurrying towards him and jumping into his arms. Moulin skillfully caught the little startled beast and stroked its soft white fur to calm him. Snow nestled in Moulin's embrace before he turned his head with a growl. His beady silver eyes were brimming with fury and humiliation.

Keir who was sat by Moulin's feet only wagged his tail as he tilted his head in confusion.

"Forgive me... I did not mean to frighten your... pet"

With a ferocious glare, Moulin lifted his gaze. His eyes glowered at the man who had frightened his tiny companion. The man before him had on a confused expression. Moulin was too upset to acknowledge the man's eyes of aquamarine green and the handsome features of both his body and face. Moulin glared. 

"Who are you?"

The man blinked at his question. Should this young man, the intruder, really be the person to ask that?

A chuckle escaped his mouth and he ran his hand up to his blonde hair as amusement filled his features. How entertaining...

"Forgive me but I believe the invader shouldn't be the person to-"

His words were interrupted when the drapes parted and the powerful form of Lord Hercullio entered the room. His uninterested golden eyes. Hadrian met the man's eyes making the warrior freeze in his place.

As shock overflowed from his eyes, the man spoke. "M-My Lord!"

"Aedion..." Hadrian only spoke his name as he neared his beloved. Moulin raised an eyebrow at him, deeply disturbed and bothered. How could he not sense someone else within the room? To think that this man had sneakily heard their conversations and exchange Moulin hated the thought of it. It was alright if he had sensed the invader but it was too late for that.

Aedion's eyes widened, even more, when he saw the soft look his Lord was wearing when he gazed at the young man beside him. Aedion appeared as if nothing in the world could shock him compared to the scene before his eyes. He had admitted that the young man was quite a beauty himself. The aura of allure and frost dallied around him. Those bewitching eyes and that lovely face were even more alluring than the most charming lady in the fortress. 

Aedion was even captivated as well at first sight. 

He had heard stories of the Lord's escape to the northern mountains of Zenin from Varick's endless chatter. How a young aphrodite had saved their lives and had most likely caught their Lord's eyes. He thought about how much crap that story was. However, he was here currently witnessing the soft exchange the two were performing in front of him.

Moulin felt unsettled as he stared at Aedion's dazed expression. Turning his head, he spoke to Hadrian. "Who is this?"

"Aedion Kleinstine, one of my knight commanders," Hadrian responded.

Moulin blinked. He faced Aedion with a doubtful look. Isn't he too... young to be a knight commander? 'He looks my age.'

"!..." Aedion gaped in shock. The Lord just effortlessly gave his name to him without a second thought! "M-My Lord...

"Aedion." Hadrian coldly gazed at him as he pulled Moulin closer.

Moulin: ...?

"This is my beloved. Moulin Fruances, the third young master of the Fraunces Nobility." There was pride in his eyes as he wrapped his arm around the youth's slender waist. His thick fingers idled on the alluring curve of the young man's body.

A frown appeared on Moulin's face as he discovered the smirk on the lord's face. His eye twitched. Did he think it was funny trying to show off?

L-Lover? Aedion swallowed dryly. What in the goddesses' name was he hearing? 

Lover? This cold devil-like man obtain himself a lover? Although his lord's face was definitely godly-made, no woman was ever brave enough to even speak a word to him. Even stand five meters from him. That proud smile, almost made Aedion want to stab his thigh to wake himself from a nightmare.

Aedion cleared his throat as he bowed his head to the youth before him, "My apologies. It is a pleasure to meet you, madame"

Moulin's expression broke into a scowl. Madame? Madame my foot! I could break your balls and feed them to the eels if you dare call me that again!

Aedion shivered under the youth's gaze. Confusion filled his face. Why did it feel like he was being threatened by this youth's gaze?

"A pleasure, indeed" 

Hadrian furrowed his brows as he sensed the hostility emanating from the youth beside him. The corner of his lips quirked up, finding the situation amusing. He briefly told Moulin to head to the bedroom in the hallway at his right. His beloved deserved a warm bath and a soothing rest after all that has happened today. Moulin stared at Hadrian for a few seconds before he sighed. Beckoning Keir to follow him, he let Hadrian plant a kiss on his head before he ventured to the elaborately lit hallway with Snow in his arms. His steps deafened along with the tiny padding sounds of Keir's little paws. 

When the youth finally left the area, the softness and warmth in Hadrian's eyes vanished in an instant as he turned to stare at his subordinate. "Why are you here?"

Aedion stiffens at Hadrian's icy tone. He straightened himself as he answered, "I was examining the empty rooms of the guest wing, Your excellency. I apologize for the disturbance."

Hadrian only narrowed his eyes as he slightly lifted his gaze. "Under whose orders, Kleinstine."

"Lord Hedrick Hercullio, Your excellence."

The darkness in Hadrian's eyes slightly receded.

"... Grandfather." Hadrian lowered his voice. "When did he arrive?"

"Earlier this morning. Lady Heizea went to receive him in your lordship's stead."

"Hah..." Golden eyes deepened. Lord Hadrian turned to face the fluttering curtains of the balcony. Knight Aedion stared at his master's back with reverence. 

As the salty breeze, swept a few golden strands from his hair, he spoke. "How bold of her."

Aedion nodded as he sneered, "She is known to have no shame, your excellency. Varick and I have been meaning to speak to her about her... actions."

"I will deal with her myself. Go and fetch a few servants to tend to my beloved and spread the word of my return. I will see to myself, the condition of the fortress and... my grandfather." He ordered without sparing the man a glance.

Aedion felt unease sink inside him. "My Lord... The servants will pass the word about the young master."

"Let them do so... My Moulin will not spare even a hint of attention to gossips. He will show them what is real and not before the day is even over." A confident smile was hidden from Aedion's view, however, the lad recognized the pride his lord had placed on those words. 

A small vulnerable creature such as the young master? Aedion could hardly believe it. However, if the Lord is truly confident with the words he said, Aedion was afraid he would be wrong. The ferocity he recalled in those bright silver eyes seemed like a blade ready to cut down flesh. Aedion's lips curled into a faint smile. How... adorable...

As the two exchange a few words during the next five minutes, Hadrian finally dismissed Aedion. 

Turning his body, Hadrian glanced at Aedion. A smirk playing on his lips, "Inform grandfather of my return, Cousin."

Aedion flinched, "As my lord wills it..."

He turned his heels and steadily left the room. The doors shut behind him with a thud. A chilling shiver crept on his skin. He always felt uncomfortable when Hadrian addresses him as his cousin. It felt as though a trap was waiting for him. Calming his nerves, Aedion ventured to the hallways. His heels clicked on the marble floors as he walked away.

Hadrian returned to the bedroom to find a beautiful creature slumbering on the wide canopy bed. His silver hair curved like wild roses beautifully spread out on the red pillows. Moulin was lying on his side. Exhaustion was faintly visibly on his face as he breathed softly. The two little pups were quietly padding on the furred floors of the room. Rolling happily on the ground while making their actions as 'silent' as possible.

Hadrian's eyes softened as he gazed at Moulin.

The tasseled curtains gently moved as he quietly approached the bed. His fingers reached the youth's feet where his boots were still worn. Silently, Hadrian bared Moulin's feet and gently fixed the blankets to make sleep more comfortable for his lover. A faint moan escaped from the youth's inviting lips. It caused the man to stop his movements. 

Hadrian chuckled as he lifted his gaze. 

His beautiful strong lover. So brave and loyal. None would compare to his beauty and strength. Unyielding. Alluring. 

Hadrian's eyes darkened. Slowly, his hands raised one pale and delicate foot. He wished nothing more than to kiss every toe and skin on it. He neared his nose and the faint smell of lavender and milk filled his senses. It was evident that Moulin had taken an earlier bath before the situation in his estate. Golden eyes darkened. The memories flashed within his mind. Moulin's trembling fingers as he faced his family. The unwillingness and despair in his eyes as he made his choice. The disbelief of his father and brother's choices. 

He must've felt so unsettled, Fearing the consequences of his choices. Fearing of losing his family

Yet...

Hadrian kissed the fair instep of the youht's foot. The warmth of his kiss lingered on Moulin's skin making Moulin release a faint mumble. 

'He still chose me...' 

Obsession laced his eyes as he inhaled sharply. The tip of his nose trailed up the youth's leg. His rough fingertips caressing the fair skin, slipping into the dark of the hem of the open fabric of the leg. He carresed his calves. Pressing his fingers as he ventured deeper. 

"Mmh..." Moulin slightly opened his eyes. There was something slithering inside his pant leg. It felt ticklish...

Slowly, Moulin lowered his gaze. "Hadrian?"

"Shh..." The man spoke on his skin. His golden eyes gleamed with want as he met the drowsy eyes of his lover.

"Just relax, My love..."