Chapter 56: The Aerial conspiracy
Adjusting his clothes once more, Acacius made sure he looked presentable.
A mess, sure but all things considered he still looked mighty, graceful and unbothered by all that was around him and on him
Hickey was still sharply visible on his pale skin to wandering eyes, something that was the least of his worries.
The scurry of feet around him made it quite obvious that he was suspected to have been in a fight, the patch of blood a stark difference on the silver that was his suit. At Least the red lines matched.
It would only work in his favour, no doubt as spies the first thing one would think of when coming across a bloodied member is the worst case scenario.
Either he was found out and someone was after his life because of the betrayal.
It was remarkable the way even the small tea shards wounds were incredibly visible.
Giving him yet another once over in the dirty window, he covered his head and approached the store.
Loudly chirping birds and other kinds of aerial animals vied for his attention.
One so loudly that it reminded him of Cyra, who would have to wait as he was clearly going to be late.
Why did no one even have suspicions of this shop? It was still open, even when midnight was rapidly approaching.
Gathering himself with a roll of his tense muscles, Acacius opened the door. A wrinkle of the bell let the one inside know of his presence as light flickered in an ominous sign.
Outside there had been birds and other flying animals but inside there were even more. All kinds of different animals,in different shapes and coloured cages.
Remarkably well cared for too, not that he knew anything about it.
Still standing in the entrance he weighed his options, quarded eyes flickering between the rows and rows of cages. He was after all a spy, even at home he wouldn't, shouldn't be at ease.
Food was stacked upon each other just behind the corner and there seemed to be dozens of papers ready on the counter to send out. It was only when he approached that he could see it was for the transaction of animals.
It looked legitimate, they made it believable and he would never have known had he not been keeping his eyes on June. Well the system's eyes that is.
"Sorry, sorry I took too long didn't I?
What can I do for you?"
Friendly, enthusiastic and young. Frowning he took a good look and a second, up and down, left and right.
No one would expect it, cutting his observations short he drew out.
"A majestic dove please.''
Even with his limited vision, head low and covered with the hood, he could still see the way blood drained from the other. Youthful expression suddenly ten years older.
''E-excuse me?"
"Majestic dove.''
With a final tone he spoke, a shift that was picked up rapidly.
'Which rank?'
"Division DSO Zero.''
''Ze-''
"DS Alicanto.''
Movement slowed considerably from the other, low oh leaving his mouth.
Browsing through some more stuff, Acacius carefully searched for the hidden entrance that should be present somewhere.
"Are you hurt?"
It was a question that was also stated and asked to June, by someone else. So there was a questionnaire.
"I can handle it, do you have it?''His voice was gruff, strained as he fished for more information through it.
''Well if you can't, you should stop. We can't offer much but you know you can come here when things get serious...even more serious.
Glaring at the one over he received, eyes going over the red splotches and different wounds.
''Give it!''
Immediately grabbing the small red bottle that appeared with a shaking hand, he saw the other frown in worry.
''You know, just because you're part of the zero and Alicanto division doesn't mean we don't value your life."
"Paper and pen."
Rolling his eyes at the non answer, he let go and rapidly shove both requested items at him.
Hesitant for just a second, he finally reached out with his left hand. As emperor he was right handed so this wouldn't be traced back to him yet.
Scribbling something down, he dropped the pen and watched the other grab it and read it.
Gears were visible turning, deciphering the message that Acacius had written on the paper.
It had taken him long, too long to decipher the code he had seen June write and even now it's a risk he is taking. But it would speed the process up if it worked, if he waited on his servant he would have to wait another 100 years.
How could one be so slow ?
Then again, he hadn't even figured out the whole rank of this spy. Gaining it had proven to be difficult, information of the ranks were limited.
Division Zero, and a particular division Alicanto was a death sentence for most.
Spies sent didn't stand much chance to fulfill their assigned missions.
Which was why they mostly used the unknowns, a useful fact for him.
"Is this true.''
''Think of it what you want, tell no one I was here.'' Hiding the flask in his pocket, Acacius began walking out.
"When do I use it.''
"When you feel it's time.''
The bell marked the end of their conversation yet he didn't get far before he was called out.
He wondered if she had seen him leave the building and then threw the whole thought away.
Ofcourse she had.
"You're late.''
Owner of the voice was leaning relaxed against a wall, mere seconds away. Eyes burning with sparks of anger, betraying the intensity of it as she gave him a once over.
What was it with people and too bright eyes?
''Maybe you're just early.'' She was in fact not, eleven had long since passed.
"Adrian." Voice tilted in anger, a fact he ignored as the distance grew between them.
He didn't know what he had expected, that she would leave or maybe just stay at her spot watching with suspicions.
It was clear he had read too many stories as she just joined him, tugging down the hood upon his head.
''You should answer when someone calls for you.''
Halting Adrian arched an eyebrow at the disturbance. Seeing that they were getting nowhere, her fingers pointed obscenely close to his skin, the bite mark directly underneath.
"What happened?''
''Are you mad?''
"I am not.''
''Jealous?''
He could almost see the ticking of a time bomb, playing with fire seemed to be his mood today.
"There is no reason to be jealous.''
''Well then you won't mind that they intend for a second meeting?''
She minded, heavily considering her lips flattened. Arm muscles flexing as her breathing turned noisy. ''They?''
''You're making it way bigger then it has to be.''
''Tell me that you're just joking.''
''Why would I?-'' Deciding to add the cherry on top of the cake, he swiftly unclasped the pin of his cloak. Shoving his clothes aside to show the decorations Nigel had left behind. ''-See? They even called me kitten. They are around your age, just as audacious."
Sniffling, she ignored the remark, instead stating. ''I don't smell sex.''
With a blunt voice Adrian pointed out. ''Why do you think there is a second meeting?"
Playfully smiling as her reaction, he winked as fingers traced his collarbone and neck. ''Beside those marks there aren't any others, the blood patch is not yours. Meaning it came from the one who did this.''
''What a smart little bird.''
Suddenly changing directions, back into the street from before, his eyes subconsciously dragged themselves over the tavern. A slight flicker of relief his thoughts got disturbed by Cyra once more.
"What were you doing in that owlery?''
''Looking at owls.''
She didn't believe him, that much was obvious.''
''Will you really go for seconds?''
Snorting he complied, playful nature rising. "She was hot, you would be no match for her.''
Definitely pushing it, especially with that anger simmering in her eyes.
''So what? Am I not good enough for you?''
''I didn't say that.''
Just as fast she snapped back that she heard that, at which he couldn't help but grin, staring victoriously in her eyes. Causing another burst of anger to pass through her.
With a frown Cyra stepped forward, hand flying towards him which he swiftly avoided. Backing up, he continued avoiding, it was only when he hit a wall that her hands fisted in his blood drenched clothes. Signifying the end of their cat and mouse game.
"Did you kiss her?''
''Does it matter?''
''Did you?"
With gleaming eyes, he admitted.
''More like she kissed me, apparently it looked heavenly."
''You asked me if I could be serious.''
''That I did.''
Her anger rose, leaving the air around them electrifying. It had probably something to do with the infuriating smirk that was still present on his face.
''You seem to enjoy this irking me!"
He didn't deny her claim, merely listening as her voice dimmen and head crashed on his chest.
It was....vulnerable, something he hadn't expected after knowing each other for just two days. Straining he tried to pick up on what she was murmuring, it didn't work as her voice seemed surrounded with static.
"What are yo-mmh'' His heart skipped a beat as warm lips met his, flushing as Cyra's tongue slipped in. Hands still gripping his chest tightly as if afraid he would vanish from their intertwined position.
Her eyes had fluttered closed upon impact and he followed closely as his own hand tangled in her hair, mind picking up the small sound she made, skimming over the fact of just how familiar and smooth the action had happened.
He didn't think, didn't plan yet it didn't feel wrong.
It was only when space returned between him that he noted a weird lingering tension in Cyra's eyes before she remarked calmly.
''Master was disappointed you didn't show, I rescued you from his dismissal by saying I would find you.''
''And you did.""
Humming Cyra regarded him with dilated eyes, her emerald eyes no longer clouded with anger but something else. Scarred hand cupped his cheek as he smiled amicably.
''I can tell him I didn't."
"Are you blackmailing me?"
''I want you to be on time and stay with me.''
""What if I decline?''
''You won't.''
It was weird, the kiss, the following words.
''You wouldn't have tried so hard to meet him then.''
Did she save herself with those words or was he just too paranoid?"
"Fine, my hands are tied. Do what you wish."
Dramatically raising his arms in surrender, the answer was immediate. Smaller hands yet more scarred than his intertwined with his and pushed them closer together against the wall.
Mouth once more crashed into his as they aligned perfectly. Breathy sounds lingered longer than he expected before she pulled away,a deep breath later soft kisses fell upon his exposed neck and shoulder.
His own hands softly landed on her shoulders as hers clenched around his hips.
"Aren't you a little rough?''
Snarling Cyra retorted "Didn't you ask for it?!"
"Well I won't deny that."
''You taste like tea."
"So did she."
Snickering, Cyra's lips practically crushed his, the answer arising her fury.
They were sure to bruise later on as the kiss only deepened, teeth scratching his lips.
If you could even call it a kiss. What bird? s
More like a feral wolf or something, it was too hard and way too real. Not that Cyra cared, even with her own lips stinging.
Twisting, Adrian rolled them around and mumbled. ''You shouldn't fall in love.'' against her lips.
Huffing, a hand grabbed his neck. ''Afraid you can't handle it?''
''More like afraid you can't.''
''You better come tomorrow, i'll cover your ass today.''
With a rapid touch of lips, she let go of his neck, vanishing shortly after.
* * *
''Your highness, your back.''
Brushing past June, he moved to his room. Servant close behind, after the telltale sound of the window closing and later on the doro behind him.
He was preoccupied, thoughts racing as he went over his meeting with Cyra. Out of everything that was the weirdest thing of the day, the muttering against his chest was still unclear no matter how many times he went over it.
Taking off his cloak , he disregarded and glanced in the mirror.
June had followed him in, ofcourse, it didn't take long before that bothersome voice sounded.
''I.is that blood?!''
''Don't worry, it isn't mine.''
Groaning in defeat, his servant muttered. "Is that supposed to make it better, sir?''
"Guess not.
To be honest some of it is mine.''
Acacius saw June freaking out behind him, hastily entering the bathroom connected to his room.
Ditching his clothes, he walked around in his pants. The only thing that stayed whole during his trip but not quite silver.
''Your highness...?"
Questions lingered in the air as Acacius turned to June, said servant tracing every cut, mark and bite.
''Not important." Sitting down on his bed, he beckoned him. Making it clear that he should get started on cleaning the cuts as he searched under his pillow, finally gripping what he wanted.
Opening it, not minding the eyes on him, he placed it on his knees and started applying concealer on the bite marks.
With a gentle, dabbing motion he made sure it blended perfectly with the colour of his skin.
Thank goodness for the system, everything he needed he could find in the shop. He only needed to pay after the mission was finished as he didn't have any money yet in his system database.
''Your highness?"
"Mmm?" Dabbing his finger over his Adam apple, head slightly tilting backwards, so everything was definitely covered he humored his servant.
"Have you done that before?''
"What.''
''Hiding...marks with make-up."
Stilling, he checked once more before closing the concealer and hiding it under his pillow again.
''We all do what we have to do.'' It was said with the clear intention that it was the end of the conversation, not that it stopped June.
Though occupied, he grabbed a book, clearly unfocused as he flipped through it.
"When did that happen?''
"Today.''
''The cuts?"
"Just some venting."
June was worried, the first time he left, at least that he was aware of, he returned normal and yet the second time he was covered in blood, cuts and even bite marks.
What was the difference between today and yesterday?
He couldn't help but let a triumphant look pass him as he realised the difference after a small moment of pondering
Today he visited his sister in law, the former empress.
He could be mistaken but the action of removing his knives and afterwards leaving his sword behind was still etched in his mind.
"Are you done?"
"Yes, your highness."
''Leave.''
''Good night, your highness"
Soon he would find what he wanted and the truth would be revealed whether the emperor wanted it or not.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Myst_Rinnontoya
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