[BL] The Ice Prince and his Fairy

A Plan comes Together

AN: This chapter took a lot longer than anticipated cause I couldn't decide how to end the chapter. It just... kept going when I was writing this and I thought I'd never see the end~

*****

The crowd around the two went silent, watching the interaction with great interest. How could they not? Many nobles had grown curious to see what kind of man the 8th prince grew up to be.

The rumors surely couldn't be true.

The cold and ruthless commander that had defended their nation's border so effectively that few of their enemies, even the most brazen, had dared face him. It was said that he was utterly inhuman on the battlefield, cutting down all who stood between him.

It fits with his impression but made those in more polite society shudder in distaste.

Many in attendance had narrow views on the Luze people, as they were scarce and tended to be found among bandits. To have a prince, a pair of them, sharing the blood of the royal family with a filthy savage was mortifying.

But no one was brave enough to speak such words aloud.

Despite their thoughts on the princes being openly spoken about in general, none dared do so when in the presence of his men. The cold looks a few arrogant nobles had tossed their way had warned them that these soldiers cared little for what blood ran through their comrades' veins.

When one bleeds on the battlefield, all are equal.

Xander's men were also left stunned, having noticed their leader's sudden departure from their group. First, it was Prince Nik, and now their boss?

Where the heck did they go?

Yet minutes later, they were left baffled as they watched their leader, who had remained pure throughout their entire campaign, sweep an alluringly charming woman into his arms like he was some kind of fantasy hero women fawned over.

Who was this guy and where had their boss gone?

Xander paid no mind to any of this, enjoying the sweet bliss of holding his beloved in his arms once more. Even through the layers of fabric, he could feel every muscle under Qin Rong's skin, a testament to his dedication to being strong.

Xander never thought he'd like muscles but on his fae, it was very tempting.

Qin Rong, after chastising his heart for daring to race just because he was swept off his feet, recovered and wrestled his way out of Xander's arms. His scowl would have felled a lesser man.

Xander was not a lesser man.

"Is Rong mad at me for saving him?" The prince shot back, his smile slow and simple. "I thought you'd be a bit more appreciative."

"Do I look like some damsel in need of help?

Xander said nothing, his eyes running up and down Qin Rong's form. His dress clung to him in ways that tempted Xander to draw him back into his arms once more. To make sure no one else saw how beautiful he looked just then.

Qin Rong, misreading the heated look, scowled and placed his hands on his hips. "Oi, don't you dare say anything, kid."

Xander, ever obedient, looked up and couldn't help but chuckle at Qin Rong's expression. He might have looked a bit more fierce if his cheeks weren't flushed with embarrassment.

Still, his fae looked too cute for words~

Meanwhile, the few soldiers who drew close enough to see the scene were rendered speechless. Who was this man, so easily smiling and laughing with some woman they'd never seen before?