Chapter 112: A 'Serene' Morning...

In the kingdom of Thundralln, the sun had risen high and the day was as bright. Daylight passed through the tall windows with its curtains drawn open.

Laid on the soft covers of the bed, the youth was sleeping soundly. Breaths calm and soothing. His wavy hair spreads out on the large dark pillows. White strands looked dazzling layered by the filtered crimson light beaming through the red curtains of the bed. Shut eyes looked undisturbed. Long lashes cast shadows on the white milky skin. A tint of rosiness spreads on his cheeks making the youth looked youthfully beautiful.

Moulin knitted his eyebrows when he felt a wet tongue licking his nose. Moulin knew such actions could only be done by one little brat. A throaty moan sounded from Moulin after the youth faintly smiled. His lashes fluttered open like elegant butterfly wings, revealing the silver pupils beneath the heavy lids.

Vision adjusting, Moulin saw a small snout sniffing his face and a pink tongue licking the tip of his nose. Identical silver eyes stared back at Moulin with mirth as the little fox tilted his head happily. Seeing his awakened master, Snow yipped happily and hopped up and down on Moulin's chest. Moulin's chest vibrated as he released a chuckle. Snow's weight was really getting heavier.

"Well, good morning to you too" Moulin smiled faintly and he blinked away the weariness in his eyes.

"Ao!" Snow jumped once making his master grunt from his weight. He then playfully licked Moulin's nose.

Furrowing his brows, Moulin sighed as he lifted a hand to stroke the little brat's head. "Fine, I'm awake so get off me you little brat..."

Not paying attention to his master's teasing, Snow blinked his eyes and hopped down from his master's chest. However, Moulin still took his time to stare at the ceiling.

"Ao!"

Moulin shifted his gaze.

Snow's large expectant eyes struck an arrow in Moulin's heart. The youth covered his eyes and exhaled. "I'm getting up..."

Satisfied, Snow hurriedly jumped off the bed with a hop and scurried off to nowhere.

"Ugh..." Moulin groaned as he forced his sluggish body to rise. The comfortable red blankets bunched around his waist as he sat on the bed. Remembering the events that had transpired here on the bed last, Moulin furrowed his eyebrows as he looked down on his body. He was wearing a loose tunic with no pants. Sure enough, he had been 'thoroughly' cleaned. Moulin noticed the unusual softness and lavender scent of his skin as if he had been doused in milk and flowers.

'That man.... really... How unpredictable....'

Moulin unhurriedly removed himself from the bed. His bare toes curling delicately as it touched the floor. His wavy hair fell messily past his shoulders, slightly swaying as he stood and stretched his arms. There definitely was no 'ache down there'. How unusual was a maeruthan's body...

"Ao!"

Moulin lifted his head and his eyes slightly widened. The previously vacant space beside the tall open windows was an extravagant long table filled with luscious food for the morn. It looked mouth-watering. The youth could still see the hot steam rising. There were two chairs at each opposite end of the table. A smirk adorned Moulin's face, impressed. As he shifted his gaze he noticed the dark red couch situated at the other side of the room where his guild uniform was neatly folded.

"Ao!" Snow became more desperate to grab his master's attention from the sinister doings of the evil man. The little brat was sitting on one of the seats at the table. He was impatiently waiting for his master with round eyes.

Moulin turned his head and helplessly walked towards his little friend. Before he sat, he placed Snow on his lap and served a plate for the little brat. On the white table cloth, Moulin saw a note and a blue ribbon beneath barely inserted beneath the plate.

Curiously, Moulin picked both up and read the few words elegantly written on the note.

'Breakfast and a ribbon for your hair. Eat and wait for me...'

The words were straightforward and simple. Moulin narrowed his eyes with a smile. Without a second thought, he froze the paper into solid ice and threw it on the ground letting it shatter into bits. He then picked up the ribbon and tired his hair as elegantly as he could.

Under the brightness of daylight, both master and pet began to feast their breakfast. After filling their bellies, with elegance, Moulin poured himself and Snow a cup of milk. Sitting with crossed legs and enjoying his milk like how he enjoys his tea, the youth amusingly watched Snow lap on the milk with enthusiasm.

Moulin lifted his gaze and watched the breathtaking view of the city through the windows. His eyes slightly narrowed with ease and relaxation.

'What a beautiful kingdom...'

While his expression looked calm and his figure looked solemn, in his mind he was critically thinking of how to face the oracle. The events that happened yesterday was deeply imprinted in his mind. It wasn't something he should ignore. He should immediately go to see the oracle's wellbeing and question him about what he saw from the soul inspection.

Creak!

Moulin ignored the opening of the doors and a certain man's entrance. He continued to drink his milk and stroke the little fox on his lap. His rosy fingertips were gently running through the soft white fur.

Heavy footsteps sounded on the clear floor as the Hercullian lord walked towards his lover who paid not even a bit of attention to him.

Crack!

Hadrian stopped when he stepped on something. Lifting his foot, he saw the note he had written. Mercilessly frozen solid and shattered. With a tug of a corner of his lips, his eyes narrowed. It seems that his beloved was being angry so early in the day. He continued forward and stopped beside his lover.

Moulin placed down the half-empty cup on the saucer and spoke emotionlessly, "Where have you been?"

Hadrian smiled, "Are you angry because you did not see me beside you when you awoke?"

Moulin cocked an eyebrow and did not respond to the question. Instead, he asked again, "Did you bring Snow here?"

"I reckoned he would've made a scene when he realizes you were nowhere to be seen when he wakes up so I brought the little beast here." Golden eyes shifted to glower at the fox who was intentionally ignoring his presence and proudly sitting on Moulin's soft thighs. How bothersome...

"What took you so long?" Moulin tipped the edge of the cup to his mouth. Savoring the thick creamy flavor of the milk on his tongue.

"A little assembly with the sentinels. I came as soon as it was finished..." Hadrian dipped his head and planted a kiss on Moulin's hair before he turned to take off the cape clasped on his shoulders. "Are you feeling well?..."

"Much better..." Moulin tossed a berry to his mouth and chewed as he fed one to Snow. His silver eyes narrowed as he gazed at the lord's back. He spoke after ten seconds.

"You're strangely calm..."

Hadrian stopped shortly before he threw the cape and his sword belt on the bed with a loud thud. With a tilt of his head and an amused smile on his mouth, he strode towards his seat on the table as he unbuttoned his collars. Golden eyes never left Moulin's peaceful figure. Once on his seat, "... Why should I not be calm?"

"..." Is he really going to make me say it? Moulin raised his brows as he leaned back. He questioned, "How do know I'm still infertile?"

With a chuckle, Hadrian responds, "Were you concerned about how much I came inside you yesterday?"

Cough!

Moulin almost sprayed the milk out of his mouth. Instantly, he grabbed a table napkin and wiped his mouth as his eyes glared at the man at the other end of the table. Snow had an equally menacing glare.

Snow: Let's maul him, master! 

Hadrian helplessly smiles at his beloved's adorable reaction. "I knew through Estan. Estan knew as he inspected your body as well. I know your family altered your body when you were just a babe. Like one of the traditions of every Aphrodite born in a noble household, they are brought to the temples three days after birth and had a priest to seal their wombs until they turn twenty-one. It is an act of protection from your family as well as a restriction... " Hadrian then knitted his brows. His eyes turned deep. "Why? Are you feeling uncomfortable?..."

"No..." Moulin smiled faintly. His eyes looked slightly troubled as he gazed down his cup. "...I'm thinking how long will our secrecy last..."

He did not mean anything as he spoke those words. It was true though. Moulin then smiled as he fed another berry to Snow.

The Hercullian lord narrowed his eyes. Golden swirls in his eyes looked deep and intimidating. His profound gaze, intently staring at the serene form of his beloved as the daylight fell on his delicate skin, littered with marks of passion. Never was he going to let anyone interfere between him and Moulin. Even if it was Moulin's treasured family. If they were to reject their relationship, Hadrian would use force. As his mind was filled with countless means to completely obtain his lover, he brought a cup of bitter caffeine to his lips as he silently watched his beloved.

The morning daylight bathes the pair's elegant frames as both continued to converse and enjoy the morning together. An hour later, Moulin silently watched Hadrian wear his Guild Lord garb. The golden insignia on the broad back, the golden ropes, and chains that were clasped from his left shoulder to his right waist. He looked absolutely majestic. He was dressed like a valiant king going off to the front of the battle.

Meanwhile, Moulin only took his time to relax as he downed all the milk with the little snow-white fox on his lap. As he was about to empty his third cup...

BANG!

One of the double doors was slammed open.

Moulin only lifted his eyes as he serenely tilted his head at the rude guest by the door. Hadrian instantly narrowed his gaze. The room was closed by a barrier to ensure Moulin's secret visit. Murderous intent filled his eyes as he immediately scowled.

The man wore white robes, bandages were wrapped around his eyes as his limbs. He was huffing as he staggered to stride towards Moulin. From the man's physique and height, the youth instantly knew who it was. Strange, the oracle miraculously awakened so soon.

"Your Holiness!" There was hoarse desperation in the elf's voice.

Hadrian shut the doors with a flick of his fingers before anyone who has chased the elf would reach the room's entrance. Reconstructing the barrier, he muttered a sound-insulating enchantment before Hadrian returned his attention to the uninvited guest.

Moulin slightly shifted as he glared at the nearing elf. He acted calm and poise as he spoke. "You... I plan to avoid conversing with you... Leave and tend to your wounds." Moulin could see the pain in the elf's features as the oracle gradually stopped before him.

"Forgive me for my intrusion but I need to talk to you!" Laphora exclaimed.

"That can be arranged later. For now, you must rest-"

"It concerns the horrendous destiny that you can never escape from! Listen to me!" Laphora raised his voice, eyes filled with determination.

Moulin stopped. His brows knitted.

Destiny?