Wolf King And His Fox Consort [BL]

Ru Long had no reaction as the guards spilled into the room, and had him surrounded in a matter of seconds.

In turn, the guards had no reaction to seeing the supposedly dead Chu Hean sitting up in bed.

"Lock him in the windowless room at the end of the hall. Two of you should stay at the door at all times," Chu Yun said as soon as Ru Long was secured.

Even as the guards dragged him out of the room, Ru Long's gaze never left Chu Hean's.

It was only when the last of the guards closed the door behind them that Chu Hean fell back into the bed with a sigh, looking up at the wooden bedframe dazedly.

Chu Yun sat down on the bed next to his brother. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough," Chu Hean said, still looking up at the canopy.

Chu Yun didn't want to say 'I told you so' to his brother. Especially because that wouldn't change anything. Instead, he rested his open palm over Chu Hean's shoulder and rubbed gently, silently thanking him for taking action when Chu Yun had frozen up.

"I swear he didn't sound that insufferable when we were together," he said, finally meeting Chu Yun's eyes. He tried to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.

The worst part was that Chu Yun didn't think Ru Long's accusations were that unfounded. He and Xiao Zai really hadn't done anything of substance to clear Xiao Yao's name.

He had been completely innocent of any wrongdoing, and yet paid a terrible price.

"Well, you can talk with him if you want," Chu Yun said, patting the top of Chu Hean's head. "If there's anything you want to throw in his face, now's the time."

Chu Hean snorted. "What does it matter anyway? Would he even care?"

Chu Yun didn't have an answer for him.

Who knew if among all of his second intentions Ru Long ever had genuine feelings for Chu Hean?

Who was to say if the two were even separate in his mind?

"It's up to you," was what he ended up saying in the end. He sighed deeply and stretched his arms above his head. "Well, I have to go find Xiao Zai, and tell everyone of the good news of your miraculous recovery."

What was one more miracle to add to Chu Yun's already extensive rapport?

---

In the end it was even easier than he expected.

The official report was that Chu Hean had been struck by a mysterious diseases that dangerously slowed down his heart rate and pulse only for Chu Yun to notice light condensation when holding a bell to his face as part of 'obscure' Xin funerary rites. After that, physicians had been called in and informed of the issue, at which point they managed to develop a working medicine.

In the end, he got the impression most people were relieved that Zui wouldn't be stuck in the uncomfortable position of having the son of a Xin Prince die in their land.

Chu Yun tried not to feel offended on his brother's behalf -- reminding himself that he hadn't actually been at death's door.

Surprisingly, it was the Su Queen Consort, and the Third Princess who seemed the most relieved when Chu Yun and Xiao Zai shared the good news with them in person over a shared meal.

The reason for their good humour became apparent soon after.

"So we can proceed with the engagement," the Queen Consort said, while the Third Princess nodded along.

Considering Ru Long was currently under arrest in one of the palace's rooms Chu Yun didn't think that was likely.

He tried not to grimace as he took a sip of his tea. "Yes, we are very relieved that the news of his death turned out to be greatly exaggerated."

Both women laughed at his silly joke, while Xiao Zai tried not to choke on a slice of roasted lamb. He gave Chu Yun a pointed look from the corner of his eyes while trying to swallow around the knot in his throat.

In all honesty, Chu Yun did feel bad for the Third Princess, who probably considered this marriage an opportunity for her to leave a cold family situation, and as far as suitors went, she must be aware that she could do a lot worse than Xiao Ziyi.

Who, was still determined in avoiding her like a plague, while pursuing Hua Nanyi who in turn was avoiding her (and Chu Yun) with matching dedication.

They were returning to their rooms after lunch when Xiao Zai suggested visiting Ru Long.

"I just feel like I need to talk to him." A pained grimace twisted his lips. "We're cousins after all."

Chu Yun wasn't sure what Xiao Zai thought he'd get from it, but Ru Long's taunt that it was 'too late' to stop whatever he had set in motion continued turning around in his mind.

---

Ru Long chuckled the moment he saw Xiao Zai.

"I'd heard that things had changed in Zui since his Majesty became King, but it heartens the soul to see that its legendary hospitality remains unchanged," he said, spreading his arms to encompass the small room he'd been confined to.

"I suppose you believe it would be even better under your rule," Xiao Zai said.

Chu Yun remained by the door, watching as Xiao Zai and Ru Long circled each other like stalking wolves -- something only one of them was.

"Are you afraid I'm going to steal your throne from under your nose?" Ru Long asked, darkly amused by Xiao Zai's glare.

"You're welcome to try."

Ru Long eyed Xiao Zai up and down, as if trying to take his measure. "Maybe you think there's only one way to rule, or maybe you think it's all up to me." He smirked, smug and self-satisfied. "Unlike you, I understand the advantages of cultivating close relationships."

Chu Yun stepped away from the wall, interrupting Xiao Zai's and Ru Long's aggressive dance. "Xiao An was also a master at cultivating close relationships," he smirked at Ru Long's glare. "Usually with taels. I wonder how the Su national coffers would look like, if I'd recommend that the Queen Consort check."

He didn't let Ru Long retort before pulling Xiao Zai out of the room.

Ru Long hadn't exactly revealed his plans, but Chu Yun was a master at reading between the lines.

Chu Yun finally understood why the summer solstice was relevant -- now he just had to hurry to have everything ready for the show.