Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 6

Throne of a Thousand Swords. Thirteen long years of planning, of arranging it so that each death would not raise suspicion. Now that the end was so close, he could scarcely believe it.
    And with its being so close, he would have to be more careful than ever. There would be no worse fate than to have spent all those years in vain simply because he had grown too impatient at the end. Coming here to eavesdrop on the Empress was a stupid risk, especially since things were already falling into place, but sometimes the best way to gather information was to listen in himself.
    If they found him in the tiny servant's hallway, there would be no good excuse for his presence. But he doubted she would even think to check the hallway. Few knew about it. It had been built before Chien's time as a way for servants to enter quietly and clear food from the Emperor's room. Considering the small size of the hallway, Chien didn't have to wonder too hard why that tradition had not lasted long.
    The general might have found him there. He seemed to have a sense for appearing wherever Chien least wanted him. Thankfully, he had left two weeks ago, though he was due back that night. General Bao had quickly risen in Empress Mai's ranks. Chien had heard the stories of the man before he'd had the chance to meet him, a soldier who had distinguished himself on the battlefield at a young age. His superiors had taken great offence when he had been promoted so quickly.
    And then he had shown quite a bit of interest in Chien with intense stares, though he seemed reluctant to actually speak to him. Chien had believed that Bao was keeping a watch on him for his aunt until one night when he had found himself cornered in his private garden while he trained. Then the general had made it clear that his interest was purely personal and Chien had seen the value in such a liaison.
    Except of late he had to wonder who had control of that situation. He thought with twin feelings of annoyance and fondness of the general's goodbye a fortnight ago. The press of bodies had been nice, the pleasure almost overwhelming, but it was the aftermath that refused to leave Chien's mind. He had thrown a careless arm over Chien as if it were the most natural thing in the world and held him. After that, Chien had been hard pressed to convince himself that he still held control of this relationship, that he was only using the general and had not grown attached.
    Bao had leaned over until his lips brushed Chien's ears and whispered, "Perhaps if you behave yourself, I'll bring you a present home."
    Chien had been too exhausted to give much more than a huff of laughter, "Something shiny and colorful I hope." He'd nearly asked for something more. It was difficult to remember that he was supposed to play the role of the dolt prince, especially around a man who refused to treat him as such. Not for the first time he had found himself wondering what it might have been like to have a true relationship with Bao. But there was no point in wondering of things that would never be. Bao was not loyal to him. He had to keep reminding himself of that.
    Rather than answer him, Bao's hand caressed a finger up his spine which made Chien squirm and pull away. His body tried valiantly to react as it always did when Bao touched him, "Please Chien, stay out of trouble."
    "When am I ever in trouble?" He couldn't even get his damned body under control. He squirmed away when Bao began tracing his spine once more and rolled over to glare at him.
    Bao did not seem affected by his annoyance however. His expression remained serious as he stared Chien directly in the eyes. "This is a dangerous game you're playing. Politics are not for the weak." Bao knew nothing; just enough to make a few small assumptions, but it still made him pull back further and wrap the blanket around himself as a shield.
    "No, it is not." Chien agreed. Politics were not for the weak, which was why he was the only person who could wade through this and put a stop to his aunt.
    Bao stared at him for a long moment, and Chien sensed that it was a test of some sort. He put the most innocent of expressions onto his face. Bao must have sensed he would not get anything further and sighed in annoyance as he pulled himself to his feet and began to dress. Chien allowed himself to enjoy the sight, the roll of tanned skin over tight muscles. It was not until Bao looked back at him that Chien realized that he had a goofy smile on his face.
    While Bao