AN: A halloween treat for y'all~

*****

After hearing Xander's words, Qin Rong was left in a daze. He couldn't be sure which part affected him most. Was it his thankful expression that spoke of years of being misunderstood? Or his tone, like he was freed from some kind of heavy burden.

Thank you.

Even remembering that moment sent shivers through him. His face felt hot and he wanted to scream.

How could two simple words sound so impactful?!

Qin Rong wasn't used to such heartfelt thanks. In this life or his previous one, most people weren't honest, and rarely were their words sincere. He'd gotten used to veiled threats and lies of omission.

Yet even after abandoning Xander for so long, that guy could still so easily speak his mind and open up.

He was either an idiot or way too trusting.

Or both.

Either way, Qin Rong could only sit back on the couch as he waited for Xander's return. Their dance had caught a lot of people's eye, as he'd planned. He hoped that when Xander came back, they could sneak upstairs so he could complete his mission.

As he waited, he leisurely sipped his wine, enjoying the taste of the good stuff. While liquor was liquor, there was a clear distinction between the stuff found in bars and those served at royal balls.

The zeros on the price tags clearly weren't for show.

While it didn't get him drunk, the flavor appealed to him greatly, tasting distinctly of fruits. Maybe it was his Fae blood, but fruit-based drinks really appealed to him. For some reason he couldn't really understand, fruits made him feel... good?

It left him feeling buzzy, like a small electrical storm was forming in his head.

It tasted even better when it was offered to him by Xander. Like a tribute of some sort.

It was great~

Qin Rong sat back, enjoying the buzzy feeling as he waited for his new partner in crime to return. He felt excited, wanting to get the mission over with so he could hang out with his friend before the night ended.

Yet he didn't come back.

***

The night went on, with Qin Rong sitting alone. Others observed him, curious about the woman who caught the eye of a prince. A few even dared to draw closer but before they could, a well-dressed soldier would 'coincidently' block their way.

While then men in question smiled and paid the nobles their due respect, none of that courtesy reached their eyes. As such, the noble would quickly retreat.

All of this went unnoticed by Qin Rong, who was tapping his foot impatiently.

Where the hell was Xander?!

The mercenary jumped to his feet, his heels echoing as he stormed through the ballroom. Those around him moved away, still wary of the soldiers who seemed to be keeping watch over the beautiful guest.

Said guest was too focused on finding his partner in crime to pay any mind to all the attention he now had.

Slipping onto the terrace, he checked his surroundings before placing his thumb and forefinger to his lips. A shrill whistle rang through the air.

[Chirp?]

Looking down, he saw his Sodalis, Xiao Dao landing on the railing. The small yellow bird chirped, awaiting orders.

"Find Xiao Xan." He ordered. He'd decided to have Xiao Dao come along in case there were any complications. The bird was common, so no one would think it strange for it to be in the royal gardens.

The guards were very good at their jobs but no one paid attention to common birds.

[Chirp!]

Xiao Dao chirped, opening its wings to fly away. As it ascended, dozens of other birds burst from the nearby treetops, following after their boss. The sight was something to behold, the flock blanketing the night sky in a cascade of colors.

Despite the beauty of the scene, Qin Rong could only look on with a bitter smile.

"Ack, did he have to bring his whole gang?" He grumbled, looking away as he returned to the party. "What happened to laying low?"

Still, if there was anyone he trusted to find someone, it was Xiao Dao. Even with barriers against all kinds of magic, his completely mundane pigeon was more effective against all kinds of defenses.

(AN: Xiao Dao might be a Warbler or a Cardinal. I can't decide.)

A cool wind blew past him, sending shivers through his body. To keep from freezing as he waited for his Sodalis' report, he decided to huddle near the curtains framing the doorway. Immediately, he felt warmed by the thick fabrics that hid him from sight.

"Is it done?"

Qin Rong frowned, not realizing there was anyone nearby. From the hushed tones, they were either gossiping or making plans.

"Yes, I slipped it into his drink just a while ago. It should be taking effect soon."

Nope, it was the latter. Qin Rong sighed, feeling mildly disappointed. Gossip was so much more interesting than political intrigue. He could actually enjoy gossip and sell that to any number of information brokers.

After all, a rumor was only a rumor until it was spread among the populace. After that, it was just another fact.

"I can't believe it was that easy though." The first voice mused. "I heard that His Majesty was cautious. The Prince of Shades surely wouldn't be so easy to drug."

Eh? The Prince of Shades was here!?

Thinking of that guy who kissed him and made him fail his mission, Qin Rong had a hard time coming to terms with how he felt.

On one hand, he humiliated him and tarnished his reputation by making him fail his mission.

On the other hand, the kiss they'd shared had made him feel more aroused than he recalled feeling. Even now, he felt a spark of heat bubble within him.

Don't get hard, don't get hard, Damn it! He mentally chanted, hating himself. I'm not gay!

As his body and mind went to war, a few words drifted by.

"-nce Xander had to know what would occur if he rejected Lady Hegnan. Of course, she wouldn't just let the matter go."

All arousal faded as heard the name of his friend.

"But to go this far? Drugging a noble is one thing but to try and entice a scandal in this way is a bit-"

"Lady Hegnan is determined to get that guy. She isn't ugly and her family is wealthy so it's no great loss to fall into bed with her, right?"

The second voice chuckled. "That's true. He's so lucky!"

Lucky!? Xander was about to be raped and these guys were saying he was lucky? Why? Because the woman is mildly attractive? If not for his aim to lay low, Qin Rong would have decked the two off them.

Later. He promised himself, leaving his warm shelter after the two had left. He had to save Xander from that bitch.

Qin Rong entered the ballroom, his visage once again drew many eyes. This time, however, they were quick to look away.

As the people spoke, they felt a chill run through them. Yet all they saw when they turned to face its source was a cascade of sky blue hair moving away from their corner. Surely such malevolence couldn't be coming from such a tiny thing?

"That fake white lotus turns out to be a tried and true green tea bitch, eh?" He snarled between gritted teeth. He could tell the woman was a fake but he had been willing to let it go as long as she knew where and when to stop.

Turns out she didn't.

Qin Rong clicked his teeth, shutting his eyes and closing himself off to the world. To anyone watching, they might think he was just pondering something yet his senses had expanded to the point where he could sense almost everyone in the room.

Such a skill was useful but always left with a terrible migraine. Still, he had to find Xander and he couldn't afford to waste time wandering about.

***

Qin Rong tried to enter the upper floors, assured that Xander would be up there. Yet his way was barred by the guards.

While he kept his features schooled, he wanted to kick all their asses for standing between him and his friend.

"Oh, it's you." A familiar voice called out. Frowning, he saw a young guard with Lilac hair walking over to him. He gave the faery an impatient look. "I was wondering when you'd look for the captain. What took you so long?"

"Took me so long?" He countered, scowling. Who the hell was this guy to be so familiar with him. "I've been scouring the ballroom for a while now. You think I was just filing my nails all this time?"

The young man flinched, not expecting such a tone from a delicate-looking woman. He was sure his prince had chosen a proper partner but this one seemed a bit more abrasive than she looked.

Also, why was her voice so deep? He opened his mouth to ask about it but was cut off by the blunette once more.

"Where is Xiao Xan?"

Xiao Xan? Who is... Oh! It was the prince!

"He went upstairs a little while ago." He replied, feeling more assured. "He said he wasn't feeling good and went to lie down."

"Did he go up with anyone?"

"O-of course not." He snapped, wanting to defend his prince. While the young man didn't like this impatient woman, she was still the person his prince showed an interest in. If any misunderstandings happened, he would surely be to blame.

"And Lady Hegnan?"

"Lady... Ah, she went to the break room a little while ago as well. I think it was a bit after His Hig-"

"And you decided not to report this to me before, why?" Qin Rong snapped, grabbing the young man by the collar.

Had it been anyone else, this soldier would have fearlessly told them he had no obligation to report anything to anyone but his boss. There was a certain level of joy the soldier felt when he got to tell off arrogant nobles without fear.

This time, however, he didn't dare even breathe as he was given a look so dark, he felt like his life was hanging by a thread.

No more words were exchanged as Qin Rong's impatience pushed past his desire to hide his anger. Xander was in danger because this idiot couldn't be bothered to report to him properly. The fact that the soldier wasn't his subordinate didn't change his mind on the matter.

He stormed past the man, stomping up the stairs unimpeded. While the other soldiers were meant to keep any non-nobles from entering the upper levels, their instincts told them that it would be best to let this person go by.

They had survived this long by obeying the voice in their head that warned of danger and this small creature screamed danger just then.

One of them couldn't help but think of the man that their boss had drunk with days ago. Didn't he also have blue hair?

***

Despite his impatience, Qin Rong knew he couldn't just wander about aimlessly.

Opening a window, he let out a whistle. Within seconds, Xiao Dao landed on the sill.

[Chirp?]

"Did you find Xiao Xan?" While his birds might be limited on what they could find, if there was a window nearby, they should be able to spot their target.

[Chirp!]

Xiao Dao flew into the hall, soaring down the hall. Qin Rong followed closely behind, abandoning his heels halfway through as pain laced through the soles of his feet.

He breathed out a sigh, relieved to be free from those horrendous shoes. Truly, they must have been some kind of primitive torture device!

The fae raced down the hallway, ignoring the looks he got from servants as he maneuvered around them. Had he looked, he might have seen the awe in their eyes as they watched a beautiful creature flit by them with such grace and poise, they thought it must be an illusion.

When he hit a guard, he didn't even bother to weave around him. He pressed onto the man's shoulders using him as a jumping board. The hapless guard watched, mouth agape, as the fae jumped over him and rolled down the hall. With practiced ease, he skids to a stop and ran down the hall.

"..." 

W-what was that?! Had he met a Faery in real life?!

Qin Rong paid this no mind, his heart racing as he worried about his friend. He saw Xiao Dao stop at the top of a staircase, landing on the railing. Qin Rong crept down low, keeping out of sight as he peeked over the top step.

Some distance away, there were four guards standing by the doorway. Qin Rong recognized one of them, as he had been the one to follow Lady Hegnan after Xander was stolen away.

This had to be it.

Yet the men were suitably sparse apart, making a one on one ambush impossible. Even if he could take out two, the remaining two could take him out with magic or melee.

How troublesome.

Xiao Dao landed on Qin Rong's head, seemingly aware of the situation and cooing quietly.

"How many of your guys are inside the castle?" He whispered, making a plan in his head.

[Chir-Chir-Chirp]

"Three?" Qin Rong looked over the guards, considering their odds. It was just enough. "Take them out."

[Chirp!]

The tiny bird jumped excitedly, letting out a soft little tune. The guards, who had been keeping an ear out, heard the tune and frowned in confusion.

Had a bird gotten in?

Just then, three birds descended from the darkened ceiling, their feathers drifting down as they closed in on the men. The guards panicked, not expecting the attack.

If not for his urgency to save Xiao Xan, Qin Rong might have felt amused by the men's panicked reactions. But in this case, he just let his Sodalis' bird mafia attack without a word.

While the men might be strong and capable, no one prepared to be attacked by birds. Especially indoors. This had been Qin Rong's tactic when facing multiple enemies and often worked out.

This time was no exception.

While the other three were distracted, Qin Rong emerged from his hiding spot, attacking the last guard whose back was to the staircase. He looked to be charging up to attack with magic but was disarmed fairly quickly by the mercenary.

Dress or not, there was no way Qin Rong had come to this party without a weapon. As the other men began to take notice of him, Qin Rong dashed over, knocking them out with practiced ease. When the last of them hit the ground, he looked around to check the damage.

Four unconscious bodies and a trio of birds with ruffled feathers. In other words, no loss.

[Chirp~]

Xiao Dao cooed, dismissing the other three larger birds as Qin Rong approached the door. He was glad none of them got hurt. He always felt a bit guilty when they did, as they only did so on his Sodalis' orders.

For the most part, it was an effective strategy since it always took the enemy by surprise. They could never recover quickly enough to counter when the bird continuously swiped at their face. As for magic, it was not a factor. Not because birds were immune to magic or anything. No, they died just like anything else would when hit with a fireball.

No, it was purely just that no one expected to be attacked by a bird so it never occurred to them to use magic. As such, it was always a loss on the magic user's side.

Without delay, Qin Rong snuck into the room the men were guarding. He might have risked bursting in if he wasn't concerned that there might be others within. Luckily, there were no more guards.

He dismissed Xiao Dao, having him scout the area to make sure he wasn't ambushed. He'd hidden the bodies but there were bound to be people curious if they found the hallway empty.

Within the room, was what was to be expected. It was a bedroom, furnished with various furniture. All of which was dwarfed by the bed on the far end. The four posts rocked as the occupants moved about ambiguously.

Qin Rong felt his heart clench, worried he was too late but steadied himself as he heard the person on top speak.

"My lord, must you be so unreasonable?" Lady Hegnan complained, staring down at the struggling man. "Bedding me is not a bad thing yet you fight me so readily."

"You drugged me, you bitch!" He snapped back, his face flushed as he attempted once again to push her off.

"That is no way to speak to your future wife." She argued, somehow staying upright as she straddled his hips. "I don't see why you are so opposed to this. I am quite attractive, right?"

"So am I to assume that Lady Hegnan is willing to be forced by any man that is slightly attractive?"

"You-"

Whatever she might have said was cut off as a swift kick to the face launched her from her sitting position. The distance from the bed to the wall was short but Lady Hegnan felt the force as her body slammed into the wall. Blood coated her face as coughed, flecks of white falling from her lips.

As she struggled to catch her breath, she stared up at the figure who had suddenly appeared before her. Gold eyes glared down at her, stopping her heart with fear as they spoke.

"What was that about being attractive? I can't say I see it, bitch. Broken noses and shattered teeth aren't what most people find appealing."

While the words were light-hearted, anyone listening could hear the pure disdain this beauty felt toward the person before him. The tone brooked no argument even as she fell unconscious.

"Tch." Qin Rong clicked his tongue, disgusted with this woman's behavior. She had even stripped down as if that would make her actions anymore appealing. Still, he couldn't leave things as they were, now could he?

An idea popped into his mind and an evil smile spread across his face.

***

The ball was in full swing.

Most of the guests had had a good time and considered going upstairs for more 'fun'. Many prominent noblemen were walking with their partners, their voices loud and jovial. Their guards had been left downstairs, as the palace was the safest place in the kingdom.

Just as a group was about to round the corner, a maid collided with them. The man she bumped into could only stop and stare, his complaints lost as he stared down at her. The woman was small, with dark green hair and brilliantly golden eyes.

The woman looked greatly embarrassed as she spoke. "M-my lord, apologies I-"

Her eyes darted back to the hall she had run down. Her expression changed to mild surprise before blushing harder.

"I-I didn't see anything!" She cried as she ran away.

The nobles watched her leave, dismissing her quickly as they wondered just what she 'hadn't' seen. Rounding the corner, there was quite a sight to behold.

In the hall, there were scattered clothing strewn about, belonging to a man and woman. In the center of it all, was the couple in question, with the woman lying on the man, both very clearly naked.

It was clear this couple hadn't been able to hold back their passions long enough to get a room.

The nobles sneered and chuckled to themselves derisively. While such displays weren't necessarily frowned upon, to do so in the royal palace was beyond unseemly. Even the most low born had the decency to keep their affairs behind closed doors.

While the men openly mocked the two, one of their escorts took notice of the woman's discarded dress and hair.

"Isn't that Lady Hegnan?"

***

Back in the bedroom, Xander had recovered from the drug given to him by Lady Hegnan. While his immunity was strong against poisons, other types were hard to procure and therefore fell outside his means. The fact he recovered so fast was a testament to his drug tolerance.

Still, he was tired and paradoxically energized as he laid back, awaiting his fae's return. He'd been gone for a while and Xander worried that he might have escaped somehow. He was sure his men wouldn't let that happen but Qin Rong was a slippery man.

If there was anyone who could escape his grasp, it was him.

That's why he was so relieved when he saw the mercenary return, though he frowned as he saw the fae's appearance. He had, at some point, changed his clothes. He now wore a maid uniform and a dark green wig. Where he had gotten either of the items was a mystery.

Xander frowned. "What did you-"

Qin Rong interrupted him, shutting the door harshly.

"I granted Lady Hegnan's wish." He answered with a smirk. "Don't worry, I cleaned her up."

To make sure the woman was easily recognized, Qin Rong had made sure to treat her wounds with an ointment he carried with him that delayed swelling. Her face would be a mess later but for now, she only looked like her face was flushed. Her teeth were still broken but no one was going to bother to look that closely.

Considering the woman's plan for him, Xander could imagine what Qin Rong had done. Still, he couldn't help but worry about Qin Rong's safety. The Hegnan's were a strong family and ruthless when it came to avenging themselves.

"Will you be okay?"

"Oi, are you an idiot?!" Qin Rong snapped, surprising Xander as he stormed over. "That bitch was planning on raping you. Probably wanted to force you to marry her too. Yet you worry about me?"

Qin Rong was really itching to smack this guy. Worrying about stupid stuff like that when he'd nearly been eaten up by some two-faced harlot. He was starting to worry about how this guy had grown up.

It was only the image of Lady Hegnan's mortified expression upon awakening as she realized she would been found with the most unattractive one of her guards that soothed him.

"Besides, if she wants a scandal that badly, how can I deny her the chance?" He finished with a sly smile.

Xander felt his heart stop.

It was at this moment that Xander realized just how vindictive his beautiful faery could be.

There was nothing more attractive to him at that point and he all he wanted to do was to kiss the breath away from this man.

Casting the wig aside, the fae stared down at his bedridden friend with annoyance.

"Look at you! What, are you some kind of female lead or something?" He mocked, sitting on the bed with a huff. "You think some big-dicked CEO was going to show up to rescue you?"

Xander didn't know what a CEO was but could understand he was being scolded. How novel. Him, a prince, being scolded by a man in a dress. If Nik saw this, he'd keel over laughing.

"You rescued me." Xander pointed out with a smile. "Does that mean you are gloating about something?"

"A real man doesn't need to gloat." He proclaimed, his smirk returning. "He shows off his skills by actions alone."

Whether here or in his previous life, he'd had to prove his skills to those who looked down on him. Either it was his age or his stature that made people underestimate his capabilities. As such, he didn't bother announcing his skills, allowing those who had hired him before to act as insurance.

Those skills were tested as Xander tried to pull him down to lie beside him. His arm landed on the bed, keeping him from slamming into Xander's chest. Still, their faces were close and a mere breath away from kissing.

"Are you planning on showing off your skills to me?" Xander's voice was deep and alluring, sending an unconscious shiver down the fae's spine.

Was this what women spoke about when talking about orgasm-inducing voices? If so, he was beginning to understand why they found it so appealing. 

Leaning back, Qin Rong tried to move away but Xander's grip was firm. In fact, his move ended up unbalancing him, making the fae lean up against his friend's prone body.

Eh? Was that hard thing pressing against his waist what he thought it was?

"A-are you still under the influence of that drug?" He asked, feeling a bit nervous.

Xander, seeing his partner's flushed expression, smiled to himself.

He wasn't really. At most, his body was filled with energy but he didn't feel the all-encompassing heat that came with an aphrodisiac. No, his arousal was purely due to the person in front of him right now.

As usual, Qin Rong didn't notice how alluring he looked with the moonlight illuminating his figure. The maid uniform was small on him, making his form very clear through the fabric. Just his breathing strained the fabric, pressing against his muscles in ways that had Xander's mouth watering.

He really wanted to see Qin Rong naked. He'd wanted that since seeing his arrival on that behemoths arm but now he could actually act on his desires.

If he played his cards right.

"It's... uncomfortable." He muttered, rolling onto his back.

Lady Hegnan had stripped him down until he was only wearing his pants. Had the drug not weakened him, he would have easily fought her off. To have gotten such an effective drug on such short notice was a bit concerning.

Xander promised himself he'd investigate the matter later.

Presently, the half-naked prince was lying back on the bed, his pants tented in such a way that made it clear where his discomfort was coming from. Under that golden gaze, it twitched as if the stare was an intimate touch.

Xander loved having his beloved look at him.

Qin Rong was left to ponder his situation. As a man, he could sympathize with his friends' plight. To be so uncomfortable but too weakened to do anything about it was...

Surely that was hell.

He couldn't even sleep through it.

Considering circumstances, he could just invite a prostitute to handle things and go on to complete his mission but he felt wrong for even thinking such a thing. Xander had offered him help and even acted as the reason for him being able to get to the upper floors, to begin with.

How could he toss him aside like that?!

Xander waited for Qin Rong to come to a decision. He knew what his options were but was curious to see which he came to. Even if Qin Rong chose to leave his friend behind, Xander wouldn't be upset.

Mission or not, he wasn't planning on letting his fae escape again.

To further the assumption that he was suffering, his labored breathing echoed in the empty room as his body trembled with want. He really was aroused but the source of it remained completely unaware of his part in his suffering.

He even rubbed his erection against Qin Rong's waist, though this was an unconscious action that wasn't planned. He just really wanted to-

"I-I'll help you." Qin Rong stammered, looking beet red as the erection pressed against his skin.