Chapter 221: A Tragedy To Come

The translucent white curtains fluttered as the gentle breeze gently dances past it. Within the master's room, two figures sat on the bed quietly. Only the whispers of the wind could be heard along with their steady breathing. 

Waves of soft silver hair fell lightly past the youth's gentle shoulders. The delicate back layered only with a thin white tunic leaned on the warm strong chest belonging to the man who held him. Strong arms circled Moulin's slim waist. The man seemed reluctant to release his hold yet afraid to disappoint the youth at the same time.

Lord Hadrian pressed his nose on the mass of silky silver strands. The tip of his nose, lightly brushing the surface of the youth's nape giving Moulin a tingling sensation. 

Hadrian inhaled his scent, addicted to the presence of the youth's body. 

"Stay still..." Moulin slowly opened his eyes when he felt Hadrian's restlessness. A sigh escaped his lips as he lifted his gaze and stared at the open sky, revealed from the parted doors of the balcony. In an instant, the lord stopped and only rested his forehead on the youth's fragile shoulder.

"Why did you do it?" Moulin suddenly asked as he stared ahead with a blank gaze. His fingers slightly curled on his knees.

"…" Hadrian tightened his hold on Moulin as he sighed. "I… was afraid"

Afraid? Him? Moulin drew his brows together, "Afraid of me leaving you? Afraid that I would escape? Afraid that I would choose another?"

"All of it…" 

Moulin stops. It was strange to think that this man actually feared something. However, Moulin wasn't surprised. Fear always lurks inside every soul. Hidden and overwhelming. It would make even the kindest creatures in the world vile and insidious. Moulin knew Hadrian truly loves him. He could feel it. However, Moulin was afraid if that love would blossom into something... controlling and sinister. But even if Hadrian wronged him a few times, Moulin felt there was always hope. 

With a downcast gaze, Moulin slowly palms his lower abdomen. He drew his brows together. "What do you think you can accomplish from breaking my womb's seal, Hadrian? Did you mean to intimidate me? To force me?"

"No..." The man abruptly lifted his gaze and stared at the Moulin's side profile. His brows furrowed as he answered. "I would never want to terrify you. I would never want to hurt you and will never allow myself to." He hugged the youth's waist tighter. "Driven by emotion. Recklessly making decisions. I only feared the words that would escape your mouth. There are times when I cannot read you. I never wanted to force you but I cannot keep myself from the desire to keep you from the world."

Lord Hadrian leans his forehead on the youth's shoulder. "I feel like I will lose you if I take my eyes off you. Your foretold deaths keep ringing in my ears, and I cannot stop myself from wanting to stray you from the world... If it keeps you by my side. Safe and unharmed."

When Hadrian's words died down, he released a sigh. It was as if he had let go of his distress that was hackling from the inside. 

Silence fell upon Moulin. Such personal honest thoughts were spoken from the lord's mouth.  Restraint and desperation were flowing within them. Moulin would not believe Hadrian was capable of saying such words. Moulin originally thought that words like these were unbelievable and cliched, but Hadrian spoke as if he was truly afraid and desperate. 

Moulin furrowed his brows. However, it didn't mean that he would simply let Hadrian's mistake slide. There was also greed in those words. If he wanted to keep Moulin would Moulin not be able to freely tread the land, meet his friends and family, protect himself, and to be able to fight and explore the questionable world? He was also a free person. However, he would not keep letting another person choose what is right for him.

Moulin pressed his lips together. "What you have done is done. The seal is broken. Because of this, I will no longer lie with you on the same bed. I'm... not ready, Hadrian. I could act pliant if I want to but that was when I was protected." Silver eyes narrowed and he bent his head to glance on his stomach. 

"I sensed your covetous desire. I am not a fool to not realize it. But I was stupid to not believe it sooner. You would kill for me but not for an appropriate reason. You love me but you want to hide me from the world. Is there not greed in it?" Moulin finished with a frustrated sigh. "I have thoughts and a heart too... Confide me with your thoughts and troubles before doing it for me..."

Hadrian paused in silence. Moulin's words were genuine and credible. After what he had done, it was reasonable for Moulin to not forgive him easily.  Hadrian delved within his thoughts for a few minutes before he finally spoke. 

"I have wronged you..." He conceded.

"Yes, you have..." Moulin turned his head and glared at him. "Go and reflect, you fool. You think it is easy to earn my forgiveness just because I have you in my eyes? Think again. This is not over yet.  I wanted to beat you up before I finally let this go." He snapped. 

"..."

Hadrian smiled faintly, "I will willingly let you indulge in your desires."

"You would let me beat you?" Moulin narrowed his eyes. 

"If it is what you want, my love..." Hadrian nodded with a smile. 

Moulin gave him a long analyzing stare. 

"Tsk..." He frowned. This man really knows how to use my affections for him. But it's not like, I don't as well.

Hadrian chuckled as if he could guess what the youth was thinking. This earned him a scowl from the young man in his arms. And for the first time after several lonely days, they could finally indulge within the passion in each other's eyes. 

Hands meet and warmth poured out from their skin. A longing so pure and desirous one would become blind and mute. But no matter how strong it was, they resisted. The need for distance and the slowness of time for Moulin was necessary. He still needed to think.

Was this right?

Although there were some words left unsaid, they knew it was better to cherish the moment for now. Perhaps, even when they hide something in their chests, all will soon be unveiled when dreadful times come.

............

The days were amicable after their reconciliation. Hadrian accepted that Moulin suggests they sleep in different rooms for the time being. He knew the youth was still uncomfortable with sleeping in Hadrian's quarters after that dreadful day. Although, he felt unsatisfied he learned to understand Moulin's choices.

If he should earn the youth's trust again, he must work harder. It was like falling from the top of the mountain and starting to climb up again. Perhaps, be it would difficult, but if he wanted to attain Moulin's faith, he must endure.

Even though Moulin had slowly accepted Hadrian, his troubles were beginning to worsen. 

A few days have passed, yet there was still no word from his mother. Moulin was becoming more and more anxious. The hope in his heart has vanished and what replaced it was fear. He decided that if there was still no response when he goes to the mirror halls then he would immediately return to the estate.

Currently, he was walking towards the third doors of the Treasury halls. Swiftly, the doors opened with his touch and he entered the mirror halls. With an expressionless face, he stood before the massive mirror while deeply anticipating. 

Perhaps, nothing would come today. Like any other day...

Perhaps, he should have gone to request Hadrian to depart than wasting his time here, waiting for nothing. His frown deepened. 

A sigh escaped his lips. 

Reaching out, his fingertips touched the cold mirror and he waited. His eyes were lowered. Hesitation seemed to glove his hand which was spread flat in the cold looking glass. If he does not see or hear anyone today, he will not return and he would go and make plans to depart the Golden fortress

... 

Half a minute has passed.

Sadness crept into his heart. His eyes shaded with disappointment. 

He knew it. 

And as he removed his hand. Fingertips already an inch away from the glass. 

Suddenly, a familiar bright light shined. Glowing with utter brilliance. The mirror was activated. 

Moulin was rooted to the floor. Emotions bursts in his chest and he held his breath as though invisible hands clamped around his neck, depriving him of breath. 

He waited and waited and waited.

And when the light finally drew back his eyes widened. The person he wished to see was not there, instead, the profile of a young freckled lady appeared before his eyes.

"Pola..." He said. Confusion washes his mind. And the first thing he asks was, "Where is my mother?"

Her eyes waters all of a sudden. Tears poured down her cheeks and she sobs. At the sight, a compelling emotion of dread fills Moulin's chest. A foreboding feeling settles in his heart. He didn't want to head but he must know...

Pola lifted her gaze. Her voice was hoarse and broken with sobs. "Y-Young master... s-she... t-the lady-"

"Tell me" He demanded.

The young girl presses her lips together. "The kron has ailed your mother."