Tiefling Boyfriend: Mercutio 3 (complete)

Being in the Dragon’s Lair isn’t all bad. Sure, I’m not the wild mustang I used to be, but let’s face the facts - I was never a stallion. Fierna has me working regularly on many projects - fake documents, forged letters, anything and everything that will sow discord. I suppose I should feel bad bringing so much strife into the world, but I’m having a hard time caring these days.

I usually spend my days writing, dealing with courtiers under me, and answering to whatever Fierna tells me to do. I’m lucky that Darling handles most communication with Mommy Dearest for me, because I rarely have to see her unless she really wants to meet. Thankfully, that’s not often.

What do I do for fun around here? Well, I do the blacksmith, whose name I’ve never really learned. Big guy, can easily throw me around. He’s fun to pass the time with and fill in the gaps between jobs. He’s a brute with not much on his mind, but I’m not looking for minds right now. If I brick wall could fuck me, I’d be all over it. But like I said, I’ve been finding it hard to care.

This is all in secret, of course. I do have an image in the Dragon’s Lair I wish to uphold. Being Fierna’s son and some sort of Grand Promise of Chaos - my title, not even joking - does carry some clout, which I kind of enjoy. I like my position in the palace, and I also enjoy my position under the blacksmith, so I keep our relationship secreted away, making the excuse that I have a fondness for wrought iron. I claim that my bed is a four-poster work of art, and it breaks so often that the blacksmith must come to my quarters frequently to repair it. 

One day, after a particularly rough session with the blacksmith, my mood has not improved like it usually does. I was hoping that a rough pounding and some wine would help erase the day I had, but it doesn’t. Instead, it reminds me of my unhappiness all the more.

“You seem pissed,” the blacksmith chuckles. “Need another go?”

I pout and shut my eyes as I lay there, letting him touch me.. “Of course I do. But I don’t think it will help at all.”

“What possible problems could a pretty thing like you have?” the blacksmith says as he kisses my neck and chest. His big hands stroke down my body, taking my leg and bending it back so my knee touches my shoulder.

“Pretty things like me have tons of problems.” I relax, letting his tongue run down my thigh as his fingers caress my groin.

The blacksmith laughs tauntingly as he moves me, making me lay on my stomach. My tail twitches in annoyance, but I enjoy the attention anyway. “Is someone prettier than you?”

“Nothing so simple. It’s work. It has been irritating me lately.” I inch my ass up in the air as the blacksmith dribbles more oil onto my skin. He massages the oil into my thighs and ass, squeezing the plump flesh and kneading his fingers into me.  “This one stupid little courtier keeps getting in my way,” I grunt as his strong grip kneads into my muscle. “He’s friends with the business minister.”

The blacksmith’s fingers slip down between my cheeks and his fingers ease inside me. His seed still lingers within me, and it squirts out a little with his fingers. “What’s that got to do with you?”

I moan, lifting my ass a bit more as I switch my tail back and forth. “He mangled a deal I was working on for House Lavette.” I take in a deep breath as his fingers go deeper inside and stretch me, opening me up as well as arousing me again. “It’s been absolute hell trying to start this trade again. Ah!” I moan into the pillow.

“How horrible for you.” The blacksmith bends over me, kissing my back and biting me. “Working over a desk with that quill must be so laborious. So much more difficult than slaving over flames and an anvil.” He bites the back of my neck, and my tail whips up his chest.

“It is,” I moan, stretching my arms out and opening my thighs. “What’s worse, I have to deal with you bitching.”

He laughs, pulling his hand away from me. “Then why not fuck the courtier? Maybe all he wants is your attention.” He shoves his cock inside me, a little unceremoniously, but I’ve not been fucking him for the romance. 

Those strong and calloused hands dig into my ass. One grabs the base of my tail, which he pulls on. I cry out, unable to restrain myself anymore now that he’s inside me. I bury my face into the pillows, writhing. If it wasn’t for his massive dick and hands, I’d have probably ditched him long ago. He’s a good fuck, but again, it would be the same if he was a brick wall.

I don’t mind that the blacksmith takes his own pleasure, giving little regard to my own. I’m using him, he’s using me, and that’s fine. I love the feeling of someone pawing and slobbering all over me, his big, meaty hands on my body, his cock inside me. The way he ravages me, taking what he wants, drives a much-needed pleasure into me. I don’t want to be a person when I’m with him, I want to be just an object. I don’t want to have to think or feel. I just want to exist for a time without having to actually be anything. 

Once he comes he  pulls himself from me, lays down on the bed and wastes no time in falling asleep, giddy as can be. He’s had his fill, and now he must rest to ravage another day. I lay there, face in the pillows, cock still hard. I’m myself again, and alone.

I rise from the bed and go over to the fireplace, taking a seat and pouring myself some wine. I stroke my cock as I sip, thinking about the courtier who has been mucking up my work. Maybe the blacksmith has a point. Maybe if I got him wrapped around my finger I can finally get some work done. He isn’t much to look at, though. August, I think his name is? He’s rather short, and a little chubby, covered from head to toe in freckles with a mop of ginger hair. He’s not my usual fare at all, but for the sake of work maybe I can seduce him.

When I come, my arousal is over and my afterglow is fleeting. I finish off my wine as I sit naked in front of the fire, idly drifting between thoughts until I go to bed. I know that the blacksmith won’t hold me as I sleep, and he will be gone by the time I wake. That’s fine.

The next morning I wake up to the sound of someone moving around in my room. Surely it is not the blacksmith, He should have been gone hours ago. I sit up, looking over at a figure sweeping around the fireplace. 

“What the hell are you doing?” I grumble.

The stranger turns and looks at me. I don’t recognize them, but they’re wearing a staff uniform. Their face is lovely, but something about their sharp eyes sets me on edge. As I sit up in bed they stare back at me with a cold, unrelenting gaze. This new maid holds up the broom in their hands. “I am cleaning. I was told a pig lives in this room, but I have yet to find it.”

I chuckle, standing from the bed fully nude. “I think they were talking about me.”

“That was my second guess.” They continue to sweep even as I walk towards them. I place my hands on my hips as I watch them. I notice their fingers have seams, as do their elbows. They’re made of machinery. 

“And who are you?” I ask. “Something new to Fierna’s collection?”

“I am simply new to the staff,” the maid responds. “My name is Lena.”

I smirk at them. Their pretty face is a welcome change. “Well, do you know who I am?” 

They look me over, unflinching as they gaze at my nakedness. “I was told to clean the room of the pig. So I can only assume you are that pig.”

I chuckle, enamored by the harsh words. “I am Mercutio, my dear.” I reach for my robe and slip it over my body. “I may be a pig, but I am a high-ranking pig.”

“I serve the palace,” Lena responds. “Rank matters not to me.”

“Well, it should.” I tighten the belt of the robe. “Learn to please the right people, and your job can become remarkably easy.” I look around my room, realizing how sloppy it actually is. I haven’t paid attention to it, I mainly use it to sleep and fuck, but I can see my clothes strewn everywhere in piles. The bed is disheveled, and my desk is hidden by more discarded clothes. 

“Do a good job here, and maybe I’ll remember your name.” I walk past them as I grab some clothes from on top of my desk. “I expect this place spotless when I return.”

As I walk into the office, I see August already hard at work. I suppose I could get him fired. That’s been a passion project of mine lately, seeing that people that annoy me get tossed from the palace. But I think how much easier it would be to have this little guy on my side. After all, his connections with the business minister will be profitable, and if he falls for me, I could have him do as I please.

I walk by him, using my tail to knock some things off his desk. “Oh dear, how clumsy of me.” I bend over in front of him to scoop up the papers I knocked over and wiggle my tail, stroking it over his lap. Then I place the pages back on his desk with a smile. “I’ll try not to do it again.” I give him a wink.

His freckled face grows bright red. “Quite alright, M-Master Mercutio.” He adjusts his thick glasses. 

I smile as I walk away from him. But when I return to my room, my smile instantly vanishes when I see Darling there, holding a letter for me. I snatch it from them. It’s in Fierna’s handwriting. I grumble under my breath as I sit down.

Her orders are as follows: create a female persona and seduce the Duke of Torva. It’s well known that the Duke is in a rather unhappy marriage, arranged to a wife who is unmoved by him. He’s been known to use his maids as his own personal harem, but lately the queen has replaced the entire staff with older men.  Slowly but surely, I am to tempt the Duke, luring him into my clutches before convincing him to elope with me. The Duke would be caught and put on trial, and from there the seeds of discord would blossom.

It would be a long project for certain, but it would at least bring my talents out and give me plenty to think about. I could create a loving and ravishing character, one to lure the Duke to his certain doom. 

After composing the first letter and sending it away with Darling, I feel a bit excited. I decide to pay a quick visit to the blacksmith, but on my way out of the office I notice August carrying a stack  of papers. He’s having a hard time carrying them all, and some of his armload has scattered behind him. He’s too timid to even ask for help, even though he doesn’t seem to have any problem ruining all my trade deals.

I come up beside him, picking up the things he had dropped before taking some of his burden. “You’re not moving away, are you?”

August flinches, taking a step away from me. “No, Master Mercutio,” he replies nervously. “Just putting some new supplies in my desk.”

My tail coils around his leg, and his breath catches. “I, uh-” He swallows hard and glances up at me.

I help him take the items to his desk. “That’s quite a lot,” I remark. “Have you been going without some of these things?”

August sits at his desk, his cheeks bright red. “I like to wait sometimes.”

I notice he has rather big, meaty hands like the blacksmith, only they look softer, more tender. He has thick arms, but they too have a softness to them. His square jaw is nice, and I can see faint ginger curls under the collar of his shirt. “Waiting can be fun,” I purr. “Sometimes that buildup is exciting. You keep a thing you need, you want, just out of reach long enough, and once you have it, it’s almost better than you could ever imagine.”

His cheeks turn a deeper shade of red, and he takes off his glasses. “Yes, well...” He clears his throat as he tries to distract himself by cleaning his glasses. “That’s not exactly why I do it.”

I bite my lip as I watch him, enjoying his flustered expression. “Is there something you like that you haven’t done in a while, August?” I look at his desk. It’s prim and neat, unlike mine. “Do you go out and have drinks with friends? Do you like dancing? Perhaps you save up your coin to share a special night with no one in particular.”

“Oh, goodness, no!” August blurts out as he puts his glasses back on. “I mean, I’m nothing like that, Master Mercutio. I’m not so bold.”

“You should try being bold sometime. I bet it suits you.” I lick the corner of my mouth as he watches, straightening up so he can see the bulge growing in my pants. His eyes linger, and his lips part to let out a soft gasp.

“I’ll be back later,” I chuckle. “Keep up the good work.” I walk away, feeling even more invigorated than before.

I make my way down to the blacksmith, and as I enter the courtyard I see Lena. They’re trying to make their way across with a load of laundry, but the blacksmith and his men are blocking them. The look on their face is frustrated, and their sharp eyes narrowed and their mouth pressed into a tight line. As I get closer, I can hear the blacksmith and his men laughing. One of them knocks the laundry basket from Lena’s hands.

“What’s going on?” I ask loudly as I approach. Not many turn to look in my direction; most of them are still having fun keeping Lena from picking the laundry from the ground. 

“Hey there.” The blacksmith approaches me, looping his arm around my waist. “We’re just showing the new toy how things work around here. Nothing to worry about.”

I furrow my brow. “Toy?” I glance back at Lena, who is trying to pull a piece of clothing from under a man’s foot.

“This little clockwork thing thinks it is above the hierarchy here.” The blacksmith’s palm gropes my ass, an action I don’t particularly enjoy at the moment. “It thinks it’s all high and mighty, you know? Why is it better than us? It’s a thing.”

I scowl, looking back at Lena and their frustrated tears. Their hands are shaking. One of the men yanks on Lena’s clothes, ripping them and tossing Lena to the ground.

I shove the blacksmith off me and go to Lena’s side, picking them up off the ground. “OK, OK,” I scoff. “I think you’ve all had your fun. Just leave them alone.”

“It’s just a toy. What does it matter?” the blacksmith laughs.

I move Lena behind me. “Exactly, what does it matter?” I prod my finger into his chest. “They’re just working, why does it matter? Why bother them?”

“Please, just step aside,” Lena huffs at me. 

“Come on,” the blacksmith laughs. “We’re just having fun, is all.”

“This isn’t fun, this is bullying. You say they don’t matter, so why bother with them at all? Answer me.”

The blacksmith scowls down at me, the amusement in his eyes turning to irritation. “Look at it. It’s a thing, it has no feelings, it’s like a dog. It’s worse than a dog.”

Lena tries to step around me, but I stop them. “If that’s how you talk about dogs, I’d hate to see how you talk about people you don’t like.”

The blacksmith’s eyes narrow on me. “Yeah, I bet YOU would hate to hear that.” He shoves my shoulder. “Now move along before you really piss me off.”

“I don’t care how you feel. In fact, I don’t think I’ll ever care again. I can find someone else to repair my bed from now on.”

The blacksmith spits on the ground and stomps closer towards me. “Be careful what you say, tiefling.” He sneers the last word with enough venom for me to feel it. I slap his hand away, and he swings to try and hit me. I dodge, pushing Lena back as he charges at me, swinging again. By now, the guards are paying attention. They rush forward, surrounding the blacksmith and his men so that Lena and I can get away from them. 

“You OK?” I ask them.

Lena nods, holding their waist where the uniform is ripped. “I’ll be fine. I just have to do that stupid laundry again.”

I chuckle and shake my head. “I’ll write a letter to tell the head of staff what happened. I’ll make sure you don’t get in trouble for this.”

Lena furrows their brow at me. “What the hell for?”

I shrug. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll need a favor one day. Like I said, you need to know who to make friends with here.” I take off my jacket and wrap it around Lena, so their ripped clothes are covered. “I expect that back.”

Now I’m finished with the blacksmith, I guess I’ll have to find someone else to ‘fix my bed’. Not too big a loss I suppose. I guess I was wrong about comparing him to a brick wall. At least the brick wall wouldn’t be an asshole to people. 

Over the next few days, I continue my romance with the Duke of Torva. And my room is cleaner, possibly because of Lena. I see them in passing, and exchange nods with them. They’re strange, not quite like the rest of the people here. Perhaps I should worry about that.

One evening, after finishing a particularly grueling forgery, I come out of my office to see that August is still at his desk. The other few courtiers have gone, leaving August and I alone. I walk up to his desk, lean on his chair so I can gaze over his shoulder. “Burning the candle from both ends?” I purposefully breathe into his ear as I talk, making him shiver.

“Yes, Master Mercutio,” he gasps. “Sorry, I was...” He glances back at me, eyes wide behind his thick glasses

I walk around his chair and inspect his work, which includes papers I know I assigned to other courtiers. I frown at them, then glare down at him. “Don’t tell me you’re the whipping boy around here,” I scoff.

He looks down at his desk, quill in hand. “It’s easier than most things.”

“Not for me, it isn’t.” I sit down on the desk, moving the papers away from him. “I try to run a tight ship. I thought I had good, dutiful workers on my hands, but apparently I don’t. I have one remarkable little worker bee.”

August remains silent, his head hung low.

“Give me the names of the ones pushing you to do their work.”

“Master Mercutio-”

I coil my tail around his leg. “No excuses, August. Give me their names, so I can thank them properly for all their hard work.”

He looks up at me, and his big green eyes peer over the rims of his glasses. It’s kind of cute, like a puppy dog begging for a treat.

“Lindant and Horcroft. B-but please don’t-” He stops as I slide off the desk. I kneel in front of him and spread his knees open. “Master Mercutio, what are you doing?” His knuckles go white on the arms of his chair.

I undo the laces of his pants, tugging them open to be greeted by a soft, warm belly with ginger curls on it. I see his cock, a short chubby thing like him. I giggle to myself, licking my chops as I take him into my hand.

“I’m rewarding you, August,” I purr. “For all your hard work.” I stroke him slowly, watching his face go red and his eyes wide. His lips hang open, a bit of drool glistening on his bottom lip.

I dip down, taking his cock into my mouth and sucking him. He pulses, growing and hardening for me I kiss his belly, his thighs, tugging his pants down until they are around his ankles. He’s a hairy thing, but that’s never offended me - it’s just a surprise considering how clean-shaven he looks.

I coil my tongue around his shaft as he grows, feeling it plump up deliciously for me. He’s quite thick already and only half-hard. I moan against him, kneading my hands into his soft thighs. I glance up at him. He’s breathing deep and shivering. I lift my mouth up with a pop and grin at him. “How am I doing? Are you enjoying your reward?” I kiss his thighs and sack, suckling a ball into my mouth.

“Master Mercutio!” He cries out. “Please, this is...” He moans, throwing his head back over the chair as I drag my lips up his shaft.

I slather my tongue all over him, then sit back to gaze at what’s erect before me. “My gods, August,” I fawn in pleasure. “You’ve been hiding more than just your workload from me.” I stroke him, enjoying the way his pink cock looks against my blue skin. He’s stout and hard, impressive for someone of his stature. I take his glans back into my mouth, swirling my tongue around and around as my hand squeezes the base.

“Master Mercutio...” he quavers. “Oh gods, please...” his voice cracks and his hips buck, pushing him deeper into my mouth. I can feel him trembling. His thighs tense and his ass arches up off the chair. His cries of pleasure echo around the room as his come floods the back of my mouth. It’s such a surprising load, so thick the globs choke me. He comes out of my nose as I pull away. His thick, molten load spurts over my face and into my eye. 

August wheezes and whines, catching his breath he tries to choke out a feeble apology. But I’m very pleased. I gulp him down, knowing this thick come had been saved for a while. I grin as I lick my lips. Now I have two problems solved.

“I’m so sorry, Master Mercutio, I couldn't hold it any longer. You felt so good, and I...” He silences as I stand. 

“No need to apologize.” I wipe my face with a handkerchief. “I understand more than you think.” I hold my hand out to him. “Put your pants on and let me treat you to dinner.”

“I would like to,” he breathes. “But I don’t think I can walk.”

I chuckle gleefully and sit down in his lap. “No need to rush at all.” I kiss his neck and cheek. “We have all night anyway.”

August is very much the opposite of the blacksmith, which I should have expected. He treats our time together like we are on equal ground. If anything he pampers me too much, as eager to please as a puppy. He cuddles me when we sleep together, holding me close, with my back to his chest and his forehead to my shoulder. It feels strange at first, but I soon grow dependent on our intimacy.

I know it’s best to keep my emotions separated, much like with the blacksmith, but with August I’ve been completely taken off guard. Those puppy dog eyes get me each and every time, making me wonder who really has who wrapped around their finger.

In any case, work has become so much easier now that the two of us are intimate. His friendship with the business minister makes things a breeze, and with a new staff I’m able to do twice the amount of work as before. I’m still dealing with the Duke of Torva, of course. He’s an easy catch, but a tougher nut to crack than I initially thought. Though he is eager for any sort of affection, his wife still has a fearsome chokehold on him. 

I’ve taken one of the letters back to my room with me, hoping that August can help drum up some inspiration. Once he’s asleep from well-earned exhaustion, I sit at my desk composing the letter I’m sure will get the Duke to finally agree to elope. It is hot, heavy, and dare I say a romantic tour de force. 

I go back to bed, curling under the sheets as August dozes dreamily. I snuggle up close to him, pulling him in and using his arm as a pillow. I love the way his belly presses against my lower back and how his hand goes to my hip. I have to remind myself to be careful, image and all, but it’s hard to care when I feel this comfortable.

I wake in the morning, stretching out over the cool sheets. August is gone, which isn’t unusual. He sneaks out early most days, just before the staff gets up. I put on my robe and go over to my desk to look over the letter to the Duke of Torva one last time. It’s gone. I look in all the drawers, thinking maybe I tucked it away, but no. I distinctly remember laying the letter and the one from the Duke on the desk, and placing my inkwell over them. I look around the room. My clothes from last night are neatly folded at the end of the bed.

“Lena,” I snarl under my breath. I hurriedly get dressed and rush down the hall. As I come to the stairs, I see Lena just ahead of me. I grab them, pushing them against the wall of the stairwell. 

“OK, you, where is it?” I growl.

Their eyes flick over my face before they tilt their chin up. “Where is what?”

I don’t have time for this, I don’t particularly feel like it either. “You know what I am talking about!”

Lena pushes my hand away and dusts off their shoulder. “Someone has woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.”

“Enough with the cutesy platitudes. I want that letter back.” I jab my finger at them, and Lena just looks at it with a roll of their eyes. “What’s with that look?”

Lena gently pushes my hand down. “It’s the look of an exhausted staff member. Now, if you please, Master Mercutio.”

I click my tongue against the roof of my mouth. “You’re the only one who could have been in my room! I told the head of staff you were the only one I would allow. Fess up! You’re not making things easier on yourself by lying. Tell the truth and maybe - but only very slightly maybe - will I be kind to you.”

Lena tilts their chin up “Just like you are oh-so-kind to the kingdom, Master Mercutio?”

My mouth falls open and I shake my head. “Excuse me?”

“It seems silly to go after the Duke of Torva, don’t you think?” Lena quips. “I mean, what real power does he have? The man isn’t respected by anyone around him. His wife has more power than he does, and she never even had a title before marrying him.” Lena smirks, a soft chuckle escaping their lips. “But still, one less Duke to divide the court against House Lavette, right? Because what was his crime really, aside from opposing Charles at every turn?”

“How did you...” I cut myself off and shake my head. “You’re not just some adorable little maid, are you?”

Lena curtseys. “I just want a job and a roof over my head, Master Mercutio. Life is awfully hard out there for clockwork like me.”

A smirk cuts across my face as I look at Lena. “Exactly. So hand over the letter.” I thrust my hand back out again.

Lena returns the smile and shakes their head. “I really don’t have it, Master Mercutio.” They turn out their pockets before me. “Your new friend August took it this morning while I was cleaning.”

I sigh with relief but tense up all over again. I look Lena in the eye and I can’t help but laugh. “Who is a pretty little work of art like you working for? Awfully smart! You knew exactly what would happen! You got me to confess like a child with their hand in the cookie jar.” I lick my lips as Lena’s smile turns a bit smug.

“Consider that a warning, Master Mercutio.” Lena bows. “I have more than enough evidence to convict you of this plot against the Duke of Torva, but I do owe you a small favor. If you aren’t careful from now on, you really could get caught with your hand in the cookie jar.”

I chuckle and place my hands on my hips. “You know I’m going to do all I can to find out who you are. I’m going to keep you close, which isn’t exactly a good place to be. The closer you are, the harder it will be for you to hide under the cover of innocence.” My tail flicks back and forth excitedly. 

“Confidence is cute for some, Master Mercutio, but it makes you look like an asshole.” Lena glances down the stairwell. “Shouldn’t you be getting on to work?”

I shake my head as I grin. “Enjoy yours while it lasts, Lena. You may be digging out the pigsties sooner than you think.” 

Lena smiles, walking down the stairs as I walk back up. 

Sure enough, I find that August has taken the letters for me and has them laid out on my desk when I arrive at work. I change the letter, making it completely different from what Lena read. I establish a new meeting place with the Duke near the border, and sure enough, a week later I receive word that the Duke has been arrested. It does nothing to assuage my concern over Lena. I still have no clue who they are, outside the fact that they are a beautifully crafted work of art.

Not long after my conversation with Lena, I send Darling and my Imps after them to dig up any information on them I can. I am not surprised that they only come up with the obvious. If I was to send a spy into an enemy’s home, I would make them as connectionless and hollow as a piece of clockwork like Lena. All I know about Lena is how observant they are. Whoever sent Lena knows what they are doing, and that is what worries me the most.

One afternoon while I am working, Lena comes into my office. I glare up at them as they come towards my desk.

“What do you want?” I place a book over my paperwork so they can’t see. “Come to confess who you are?”

“No, I came to warn you,” Lena replies. “There is a stranger in the castle.”

I hold up my hands and shrug. “There are always strangers in the castle. What’s to warn me about?”

Lena comes closer, rounding the side of my desk and standing beside me. “You are not understanding me, Master Mercutio. This stranger is a dangerous one.”

I narrow my eyes at them. “One of yours?”

Lena shakes their head. “I cannot be certain, but I think they are here to kill someone. I would look over your shoulder, Master Mercutio. You have several targets painted on your back.”

I stare at Lena in disbelief. “Why are you telling me this? Wouldn't your job, whatever it is, be easier if I were dead?”

Lena’s lovely face inches closer to mine. “Without you, there is no job. I need you alive, Master Mercutio.”

“How romantic. Perhaps we should kiss to make this moment all the more special?”

Lena slaps my cheek. “You are not as cute as all that. Keep your eyes open for strangers. Keep your mind prepared.” They straighten up and whisk out the door again, leaving me ever more confused about their purpose here.

As I am leaving that evening, I find August eagerly waiting on me at his desk. He stands as I walk by him and quickly joins my side. “I hope you don’t mind, but I would like to go over some of today’s-”

“Not tonight, August,” I say sternly.

His eager expression melts. “Oh, but… I thought-” He looks at the ledger in his hands, the one he uses to make excuses to have dinner with me in my room. “Tonight was special.”

I hate how it hurts me to see that look in his eye, but I need to take Lena’s words of caution seriously. If August were to get hurt because of me, I don’t think I could stand it. I could end up burning this whole castle to the ground.

“Not tonight, August. It will have to wait. Just trust me on this.” I swallow down my desire to hold him. “We’ll discuss things in the morning.” I leave him there, going down the hallway with my heart in my throat. 

As I head towards my chambers, I notice that the hallway is strangely quiet. A cold sweat trickles down the nape of my neck, and my tail stands stiff behind me. I look all around. The hall is deserted. I move to the top of the stairs, and there I see one of the guards slumped over, his head resting on a step. His jaw is open, but his eyes are blank.

“Fuck!” My voice catches in my throat, forming a tight lump that begins to choke me. I start to rush down the stairs, but I hear someone coming up behind me. I freeze, listening to the smooth, even footsteps ascend confidently towards me. 

I race away, but something sharp hits my shoulder. My arm becomes heavy, and my side grows numb. There’s another sting in my leg, and it gives out underneath me. I fall onto the stair, looking up as a woman comes to stand over me. She’s wearing a bloodstained apron over her uniform, and her long hair hangs in her face. 

“It’s easier if you just sit still, Master.” She takes a blade out from under her apron. 

The dead guard would look like a struggle. She would make it look like we fought on the stairs, killing each other. I try to move, but whatever she poisoned me with is quickly numbing all of my body. I can feel the numbness creep up warm in my neck and face as she draws near. Her first cut goes along my face. Then she stabs my shoulder. I can’t feel it, but I can feel the rush of blood leaving my veins. She makes another cut, then another, and another. The warmth of the poison is the only thing I know for sure.

The next thing I know, there is blood spilling down her throat. She gasps and chokes, toppling down the stairs as Lena presses her back against the wall. Lena turns and looks at me. 

“See, I told you so.” It’s the last thing I hear before I fade away from this world. 

I wake up to see the castle doctor standing over me. His breath stinks, and his hands are cold. I shake my head, but the warmth from the poison returns.

“Don’t move,” the doctor croaks. “There’s still plenty of that venom in your system. The more you move, the more you’ll feel it. Best to stay calm and drink plenty of fluids to flush it out.” He chuckles. “Too bad it didn’t leave with your blood.”

“I feel sick,” I gurgle.

“Not surprising,” The doctor says as he steps away. “You lost a lot of blood, not to mention the venom. Bed rest is all I can suggest, and lots of fluids. No solid food for a while.” He packs up his bag. “But at least you have this pretty thing to take care of you.”

I look to the side and find Lena standing there diligently. “I will make sure he abides by what you prescribe.”

“You… you saved me,” I murmur weakly as the doctor leaves. “Why would you do that? Why would you-”

Lena puts their hand over my mouth. “Because you fool, I told you once already, I need you alive.” They stand back up. “Now keep your mouth shut. Save your energy for healing.”

“How long have I been out?” I murmur. 

“Long enough to cause a panic.” Lena pours a glass of water and helps me sit up so I can drink it. Even the water in my stomach makes me feel disgustingly nauseous. I push Lena’s hand away and fall back onto the bed. 

“August,” I grumble. “Where’s August?”

Lena points to my desk, where August is slumped over in sleep. “He’s been working, unlike some people.”

“Hey,” I huff, “I almost died. Give me some slack.”

Lena turns their gaze towards August. “You don’t deserve someone like him.”

“I know,” I whisper. “I don’t even deserve someone like you.”

Lena smiles. “No, you deserve me.”

“I’ll take that as a threat.” I close my eyes as the water I’ve drunk gurgles uncomfortably through my system.

The next time I wake, I see August standing over me. I reach out to take his hand, but he steps away from me. I reach out again, but my hand is taken by the doctor. Of course. He’s stepping away from me because that’s what I wanted.

After the doctor leaves, Lena throws away the dirty bandages while August helps me to sit up. He places a tray on my lap and serves a bowl of warm broth to me.

“Thank you,” I sigh. I look up at August, seeing a strange look in his eyes. I don’t see puppy dog eyes anymore. There is something else there.

“Can you even look at me?” I ask.

August turns his head to the side. “I’ve been taking care of things in the office for you. You won’t have to worry about much.”

I look down at the broth, still not feeling ready to consume anything. “August, I’m-”

“Be quiet,” August huffs. “You don’t have to say anything.”

My heart hurts. It actually hurts. “But, August...”

August takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes. I see tears on his face, and I reach to touch him, but he pulls away from me. 

“I think he cares about you,” Lena speaks up.

August puts his glasses back on and sniffles. “Who are you talking to?” he snaps.

“Both of you,” Lena scoffs. “Men are idiots.”

They stride out the door with the dirty laundry, leaving August and I alone. He stands there silently, looking at the door and avoiding me. 

“Thanks for taking care of things,” I murmur. “Once I’m better I’ll reward you.”

“No rewards,” August huffs. “No more fake ledgers or private meetings.” He glares back at me. “If I want to come to your room, I’ll come to your room. No stories. No lies.”

“August,” I whisper. “You’re getting me excited.”

“You could have told me!” he snaps.

“I didn’t want you to get hurt.” I gulp down the lump in my throat. “Not because of me. Not because of...” I look down into the bowl of broth. 

“You act like you don’t care about anything. But if that was the case, you wouldn’t take your job so seriously. You wouldn’t write trades that benefit the workers or the villagers.”

I frown. “You caught that?”

“I’m not an idiot, Mercutio! You argue too much for things that will cost us more but benefit the people outside this castle. What evil mastermind does that?”

“I just want to piss as many people off as possible,” I scoff.

August sits down on the bed beside me and picks up the bowl of broth. He presses it to my lips and makes me drink. “You piss me off too, you know that?”

I push the bowl aside, tilting my head to meet his kiss. “If I promise not to, can I keep rewarding you?”

August’s puppy dog eyes return. “I don’t want rewards, Mercutio.” He kisses me softly again. “I just want you.”