บท 12: 3.1
The petite figure sitting behind the richly red-colored sheer curtain leaned back against the soft silk bed. He was wearing a revealing light blue hanfu, one end slipping off his porcelain-like shoulder, with a hint of pink around the curve.
The courtesan, Alaric, blew a small cloud of smoke as he inhaled from the long-stemmed pipe, the action making his red lips even more prominent. It was clear he was an omega by his delicate, ethereal looks and petite frame. He wore minimal makeup, just a touch of red eyeshadow around his pale gray eyes, which made them stand out even more. It was like a heavenly being descended upon earth, with ethereal beauty, immeasurable grace and fragility- after all, he was currently the most popular and sought-after courtesan in the Qinzan district and, by extension, the entire empire.
It wasn't just his looks—Qinzan had no shortage of beautiful people. His pheromones, a soft, soothing scent of citrus and candy added to his popularity. Alaric was adored for his calming presence and gentle and understanding nature, and most of all, his versatility. He could be anything his clients wanted- a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to talk to without worrying about privacy.
He had a substantial clientele of regular elite clients from high society: alphas, betas, and even other omegas. He had once been solely a musician, a dizi and zither player- but over time, he could no longer remain untouched by the additional demands of his elite clients, who found it difficult to accept that he didn't provide certain… services. And so, here he was. It was hard to escape destiny, they said.
He'd often been told he had a calming presence, but that didn't change the fact that he was, after all, a courtesan. His angelic voice and exceptional dizi-playing skills contributed to his popularity, though he didn't have the best reputation among certain circles due to his profession and his residence in the red-light district. But they knew of him, nonetheless.
It was late evening, and he was reclining on soft pillows in his chambers when a knock sounded. One of the attendants entered.
"Courtesan Alaric, a guest requests your presence. It's a top-priority guest, and they're asking for your signature dizi performance."
Alaric glanced up, curiosity glinting in his eyes. He had a feeling he knew who the guest was. The other just wasn't understanding, was he? He sighed, "A top-priority guest, you say?"
The attendant nodded, giving Alaric a small smile before leaving the chamber. Alaric sighed again, sitting upright and quickly tucking away the pipe. This certain...guest, would certainly scold him if he caught him smoking. Taking a calming breath, Alaric mentally prepared himself for what he was going to say, or the confrontation which is bound to happen. He already knew who it was—it was that general again, the one who kept visiting him. He was sure the man knew about his occupation, yet still, he kept coming.
As Alaric stood, the sheer curtain of his chamber was drawn aside, and there, in all his glory, stood General Luo Xing. As tired as Alaric was, he still bowed his head politely, "General Luo, how are you today?"
Luo Xing returned the bow as he stepped into the room, a small smile gracing his face. He was a tall alpha with a powerful presence and a regal air about him. Yet, his smile was gentle, his eyes soft. "I'm very well, thank you for asking, Alaric."
Alaric stared quietly as the other bowed back, even if he didn't have to. This man, seriously...he always did this, no matter how much Alaric protested.
Luo Xing's gaze swept over the courtesan, lingering a bit too long on Alaric's form. He didn't want to admit it, but the other looked absolutely stunning. It felt almost unfair.
"I'm glad to hear it." Alaric nodded, though his expression was hidden behind the black paper fan he held before his face.
The general looked at him a moment longer before stepping closer, now standing nearly in front of him. Looking down at Alaric, his alpha instincts urged him to claim, to pull the other close and make him his, but he resisted. No matter how much the omega's scent affected him, he had more important things to discuss.
"Are you free tonight?" he asked, stepping behind the other and slipping his hands to the courtesan's slim waist. The fan… it strangely irritated him, but he said nothing. For now.
"It depends on what you're asking for, General," the courtesan replied, trying to sound dry and exasperated, though his naturally soft voice rendered it gentle instead.
The general chuckled as his thumbs brushed over the omega's hips. He leaned in close, chin by Alaric's ear. He longed to hold him, to pull him close, bury his face in the other's neck, and simply… claim him, cherish him, protect him from anyone or anything that might hurt him.
"You know what I mean," he murmured, his lips grazing the other's ear.
"And you know why I refuse, General. A casual night is all right, but what you're asking for… it's not possible, General. Desire of the flesh, I can satisfy… but beyond that, I cannot."
That made lou xing pause. He took a slow breath, trying to steady himself, his arms tightening around the other's waist as he pulled him a little closer, his chin now resting on Alaric's shoulder. The omega's scent was intoxicating, a blend of calming citrus and candy. He closed his eyes, his voice low as he spoke again, "You know why I keep asking."
"…And you know why I keep refusing, General."
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