A Game of Masks Chapters 4 & 5
A/N: I'm including 2 chapters because Chapter 4 is extremely short.
Title: A Game of Masks
Pairings: Super Junior Members + OCs
Rating: PG-13 for violence
Notes: Character death, Medieval/Fantasy AU, occasional crack
Summary: Magic, intrigue and secrets abound in and around the king's court. While everyone has something to hide, some have more than others. Who has the biggest secret and will it end up tearing the kingdom apart?
Chapter 4
Slowly, the shadow advanced down the hallway. A black spot in a dark space, only a cat would be able to detect the subtle shifts of color. Not a noise was heard as the mysterious shape advanced up the stairs, before coming to a halt outside a door. After ensuring that everything on the other side of the door was quiet, the shadow applied oil to the hinges before silently opening the door enough to allow himself entrance. The stealthy young man observed the scene before him, his eyes coming to rest on the sleeping forms in front of him. Silently, he glided across the room to stand next to the bed. From within his sleeve he pulled a small knife and from his bag he grabbed a small pillow. He positioned the pillow over the sleeping man's mouth with his left hand while he clutched the dagger in his right. For several moments he just stood in that position. It wasn't fear or hesitation that stilled his hands. Rather, it was pity for the woman on the other side of the bed and the children in the adjacent room who will awake in the morning to the loss of their husband and father. No matter how necessary someone's death was, the assassin never took pleasure in the killing. Quickly the man placed the pillow over his victim's mouth to muffle any sounds and sliced his neck. With a practiced movement, the killer rolled the man towards the edge of the bed allowing the blood to flow onto the floor instead of onto the bed and the wife sleeping close by. Once he was sure of his target's death, the young man slipped out the window and down the trellis but not before leaving some money on the bedside table along with a note that simply said, "Sorry, sorry, sorry".
Chapter 5
The young page knocked on the door then waited for a response. After hearing a gruff “Enter” he opened the door and stepped in.
“What is it, Henry?”
“Sir, there is a foreign gentleman here who is requesting an audience with you,” he replied.
Kyuhyun pursued his lips thinking of who his visitor might be. “Did he state what his purpose is?”
“He said something about asylum; his grammar and vocabulary were a little rough,” Henry replied.
At this, the earl quirked his eyebrow. “He was speaking Cordish, correct?”
“Yes, sir; I almost asked him to repeat himself in his native tongue, then thought better of it,” the page responded.
“Well done, Henry. Please let the gentleman know that I will see him shortly.”
The lad bowed then exited the room, closing the door behind him. Once again Henry thanked Heaven that Earl Kyuhyun had been the one to find and rescue him 10 years ago. Even though he was only 6 years old at that time, the streets had already taught Henry how to survive. He knew how to steal his meals and clothing, how to fight off others who wanted his territory and also how to protect himself - lethally, if needed. Even to this day Henry couldn't figure out what the earl saw in a half-feral boy crouching in a defensive position, holding a knife like a seasoned bandit. Whatever the reasons, Henry was eternally grateful for the safety, education and employment that he had been given. As a result, his loyalty to Earl Kyuhyun was strong and unswerving. There were times when the skills he learned in his prior life were called upon. In the face of all he had been given, how could he say “no” to his benefactor? So Henry continued happily in the Earl's employ as one of his most loyal servants.
Entering his reception room, Kyu took a good look at the man before him. Tall, handsome, intelligent-looking, likely Formosian or Sylese. Smiling, he greeted the visitor saying, “Welcome, Honored Guest. What brings you to my castle, so far from your home?”
The guest returned the smile saying, “Hello, Earl Kyuhyun, and thank you. My name is Zhou Mi and I am from Formosa. I am here to ask for asly...usyl...a new home here, where I can be safe. In Formosa I am a scholar in finance and trade. I did not agree with some of King Hwan Kek's policies so he said I was to be put in jail. Instead, I ran away and came here. Would you please let me live here? I promise to be quiet and support myself by teaching.”
For several minutes Kyuhyun thought about the request and if there might be any hidden agenda. The man's Cordish certainly wasn't up to the level of a diplomat...or a spy. The crime wasn't so severe that King Hwan Kek was likely to search hard for the man, nor was it a violent one. At present he couldn't think of any reason to refuse the request. Just to be on the safe side I'll keep an eye on him. Nodding to himself, Kyu turned to Zhou Mi and said, “Request granted. You may live here on my lands, provided you obey all laws and keep yourself out of trouble. I will have my chatelaine discuss what properties are available for purchase and familiarize you with all you need to know.”
Zhou Mi thanked the earl profusely, bowing again and again. Smiling at the scholar's effusiveness, Kyuhyun called Henry to take their newest resident to the chatelaine's office. The earl pulled the page to the side and quietly whispered, “Watch him.” Henry nodded his understanding and ushered Zhou Mi out the door.
“Welcome to Cordynia, Scholar Zhou Mi,” said Henry.
Zhou Mi found it interesting that the teenager seemed to know so much about him but said nothing. “Thank you. I am very happy to be here. What is your name?”
“I am Henry, one of Earl Kyuhyun's page boys,” he replied.
“Ah, I have several young female cousins about your age. They would be happy to meet a handsome boy like you,” Zhou Mi said smiling.
Henry blushed but said nothing. It was the first time someone had so blatantly offered to introduce him to a young lady. While he wasn't completely ignorant of girls, it was still embarrassing.
The Formosian scholar laughed kindly at Henry's discomfort and clapped him on the back. “Just a joke. Because of my big mouth I cannot go back home so I can't tell them anyways. Besides, I don't think you need any help getting girls' attention. You likely have a large number of young ladies vying for your favor.”
Henry's blush deepened even as he noticed that Zhou Mi's Cordish seemed to improve as their conversation progressed. Wanting to see if it was just his imagination, Henry kept him talking. “I doubt you have any problems gaining ladies' attention. There are probably many ladies in Formosa crying over your departure.”
The older man laughed and replied, “While I rarely was lacking for pleasant company, I sincerely doubt that I affected any particular lady to the point of heartbreak.”
Again, Henry marveled at the vast improvement in his walking companion's fluency. Perhaps Zhou Mi was extremely nervous earlier and now that his safety has been assured he is relaxed and comfortable. Some people do become tongue-tied when stressed, particularly when speaking in a foreign language. Of this, Henry had first hand experience. “In that case,” Henry replied, “I am sure you will soon find yourself in fine companionship as there are many delightful ladies here in the castle; even the Royal City cannot boast of their equal.”
“Splendid! The more I learn of your master and his lands the happier I am to be here, even if it is under not so favorable conditions,” Zhou Mi said while smiling.
“Earl Kyuhyun would be most pleased to hear your kind words.”
“Tsk, Boy. It is but the truth.”
Bowing, Henry indicated they had reached the appropriate office. After informing the chatelaine of the man's needs, Henry wished the scholar well. Then Henry headed back to his master's room to give his report.
Once Henry was done with his observations and comments the earl excused him to his other duties. Kyu sat musing about this new stranger. An interesting character, this Scholar Zhou Mi. I wonder if he is familiar with the Formosian Ambassador or any of the other foreign nobles currently ensconced at the palace. Perhaps he could be a source of information for me. Time will tell whether my decision was a benefit for me. Putting Zhou Mi out for his mind, Kyuhyun turned to more urgent matters. He reflected on the news reported to him this morning. A local merchant was found murdered in his bed. The killing had all the markings of a professional assassination. The local populace was at a loss for a motive. Kibum had been a well-respected cloth merchant. Known for his quiet demeanor and frequent smiles, there were few people who didn't get along with him. Too bad no one knows that he was spying for the king. Guess it'll just have to remain an unsolved mystery. He then wrote a brief note to Kibum's wife offering his condolences and support. Kyuhyun included a note of credit worth her husband's yearly income for her use. Finishing his morning tasks he called for his secretary and his first meeting of the day.
Title: A Game of Masks
Pairings: Super Junior Members + OCs
Rating: PG-13 for violence
Notes: Character death, Medieval/Fantasy AU, occasional crack
Summary: Magic, intrigue and secrets abound in and around the king's court. While everyone has something to hide, some have more than others. Who has the biggest secret and will it end up tearing the kingdom apart?
Chapter 4
Slowly, the shadow advanced down the hallway. A black spot in a dark space, only a cat would be able to detect the subtle shifts of color. Not a noise was heard as the mysterious shape advanced up the stairs, before coming to a halt outside a door. After ensuring that everything on the other side of the door was quiet, the shadow applied oil to the hinges before silently opening the door enough to allow himself entrance. The stealthy young man observed the scene before him, his eyes coming to rest on the sleeping forms in front of him. Silently, he glided across the room to stand next to the bed. From within his sleeve he pulled a small knife and from his bag he grabbed a small pillow. He positioned the pillow over the sleeping man's mouth with his left hand while he clutched the dagger in his right. For several moments he just stood in that position. It wasn't fear or hesitation that stilled his hands. Rather, it was pity for the woman on the other side of the bed and the children in the adjacent room who will awake in the morning to the loss of their husband and father. No matter how necessary someone's death was, the assassin never took pleasure in the killing. Quickly the man placed the pillow over his victim's mouth to muffle any sounds and sliced his neck. With a practiced movement, the killer rolled the man towards the edge of the bed allowing the blood to flow onto the floor instead of onto the bed and the wife sleeping close by. Once he was sure of his target's death, the young man slipped out the window and down the trellis but not before leaving some money on the bedside table along with a note that simply said, "Sorry, sorry, sorry".
Chapter 5
The young page knocked on the door then waited for a response. After hearing a gruff “Enter” he opened the door and stepped in.
“What is it, Henry?”
“Sir, there is a foreign gentleman here who is requesting an audience with you,” he replied.
Kyuhyun pursued his lips thinking of who his visitor might be. “Did he state what his purpose is?”
“He said something about asylum; his grammar and vocabulary were a little rough,” Henry replied.
At this, the earl quirked his eyebrow. “He was speaking Cordish, correct?”
“Yes, sir; I almost asked him to repeat himself in his native tongue, then thought better of it,” the page responded.
“Well done, Henry. Please let the gentleman know that I will see him shortly.”
The lad bowed then exited the room, closing the door behind him. Once again Henry thanked Heaven that Earl Kyuhyun had been the one to find and rescue him 10 years ago. Even though he was only 6 years old at that time, the streets had already taught Henry how to survive. He knew how to steal his meals and clothing, how to fight off others who wanted his territory and also how to protect himself - lethally, if needed. Even to this day Henry couldn't figure out what the earl saw in a half-feral boy crouching in a defensive position, holding a knife like a seasoned bandit. Whatever the reasons, Henry was eternally grateful for the safety, education and employment that he had been given. As a result, his loyalty to Earl Kyuhyun was strong and unswerving. There were times when the skills he learned in his prior life were called upon. In the face of all he had been given, how could he say “no” to his benefactor? So Henry continued happily in the Earl's employ as one of his most loyal servants.
Entering his reception room, Kyu took a good look at the man before him. Tall, handsome, intelligent-looking, likely Formosian or Sylese. Smiling, he greeted the visitor saying, “Welcome, Honored Guest. What brings you to my castle, so far from your home?”
The guest returned the smile saying, “Hello, Earl Kyuhyun, and thank you. My name is Zhou Mi and I am from Formosa. I am here to ask for asly...usyl...a new home here, where I can be safe. In Formosa I am a scholar in finance and trade. I did not agree with some of King Hwan Kek's policies so he said I was to be put in jail. Instead, I ran away and came here. Would you please let me live here? I promise to be quiet and support myself by teaching.”
For several minutes Kyuhyun thought about the request and if there might be any hidden agenda. The man's Cordish certainly wasn't up to the level of a diplomat...or a spy. The crime wasn't so severe that King Hwan Kek was likely to search hard for the man, nor was it a violent one. At present he couldn't think of any reason to refuse the request. Just to be on the safe side I'll keep an eye on him. Nodding to himself, Kyu turned to Zhou Mi and said, “Request granted. You may live here on my lands, provided you obey all laws and keep yourself out of trouble. I will have my chatelaine discuss what properties are available for purchase and familiarize you with all you need to know.”
Zhou Mi thanked the earl profusely, bowing again and again. Smiling at the scholar's effusiveness, Kyuhyun called Henry to take their newest resident to the chatelaine's office. The earl pulled the page to the side and quietly whispered, “Watch him.” Henry nodded his understanding and ushered Zhou Mi out the door.
“Welcome to Cordynia, Scholar Zhou Mi,” said Henry.
Zhou Mi found it interesting that the teenager seemed to know so much about him but said nothing. “Thank you. I am very happy to be here. What is your name?”
“I am Henry, one of Earl Kyuhyun's page boys,” he replied.
“Ah, I have several young female cousins about your age. They would be happy to meet a handsome boy like you,” Zhou Mi said smiling.
Henry blushed but said nothing. It was the first time someone had so blatantly offered to introduce him to a young lady. While he wasn't completely ignorant of girls, it was still embarrassing.
The Formosian scholar laughed kindly at Henry's discomfort and clapped him on the back. “Just a joke. Because of my big mouth I cannot go back home so I can't tell them anyways. Besides, I don't think you need any help getting girls' attention. You likely have a large number of young ladies vying for your favor.”
Henry's blush deepened even as he noticed that Zhou Mi's Cordish seemed to improve as their conversation progressed. Wanting to see if it was just his imagination, Henry kept him talking. “I doubt you have any problems gaining ladies' attention. There are probably many ladies in Formosa crying over your departure.”
The older man laughed and replied, “While I rarely was lacking for pleasant company, I sincerely doubt that I affected any particular lady to the point of heartbreak.”
Again, Henry marveled at the vast improvement in his walking companion's fluency. Perhaps Zhou Mi was extremely nervous earlier and now that his safety has been assured he is relaxed and comfortable. Some people do become tongue-tied when stressed, particularly when speaking in a foreign language. Of this, Henry had first hand experience. “In that case,” Henry replied, “I am sure you will soon find yourself in fine companionship as there are many delightful ladies here in the castle; even the Royal City cannot boast of their equal.”
“Splendid! The more I learn of your master and his lands the happier I am to be here, even if it is under not so favorable conditions,” Zhou Mi said while smiling.
“Earl Kyuhyun would be most pleased to hear your kind words.”
“Tsk, Boy. It is but the truth.”
Bowing, Henry indicated they had reached the appropriate office. After informing the chatelaine of the man's needs, Henry wished the scholar well. Then Henry headed back to his master's room to give his report.
Once Henry was done with his observations and comments the earl excused him to his other duties. Kyu sat musing about this new stranger. An interesting character, this Scholar Zhou Mi. I wonder if he is familiar with the Formosian Ambassador or any of the other foreign nobles currently ensconced at the palace. Perhaps he could be a source of information for me. Time will tell whether my decision was a benefit for me. Putting Zhou Mi out for his mind, Kyuhyun turned to more urgent matters. He reflected on the news reported to him this morning. A local merchant was found murdered in his bed. The killing had all the markings of a professional assassination. The local populace was at a loss for a motive. Kibum had been a well-respected cloth merchant. Known for his quiet demeanor and frequent smiles, there were few people who didn't get along with him. Too bad no one knows that he was spying for the king. Guess it'll just have to remain an unsolved mystery. He then wrote a brief note to Kibum's wife offering his condolences and support. Kyuhyun included a note of credit worth her husband's yearly income for her use. Finishing his morning tasks he called for his secretary and his first meeting of the day.