Prologue

As if the threat of a thunderstorm looming on the horizon wasn’t bad enough, Harper found himself shoved up against the wall of an abandoned house within the slums of the city as the encroaching warning to an abysmal evening boomed overhead. 

“You blasted thief! Give back the coins you stole from our master!” The lad in front of him yelled as he held Harper against the home by his neck. He could have broken away quite easily, as the boy seemed more focused on being loud, than actually holding him with any real strength, but Harper knew that the two others he’d brought along with him would gladly tackle him to the ground if he dared try to escape. 

When the boy, whose name Harper recalled as something close to Gregory or Georgie, finally stopped baying like a hound in heat, Harper shrugged his shoulders and gave him a half-smile. “I do apologize, but I was starving, and as your master is clearly three times my size in spare girth alone, I figured that he could spare a few coins to provide a starving boy with some food.” 

The three lads seemed to get even more upset at his words, which was nothing new to Harper. He tended to have quite the tongue on him, or so he’d been told. 

“Listen here, you girly-boy.” Always picking on the few small braids in my hair. Harper mused as he was hoisted off his feet, now quite uncomfortable due to his air being slowly cut off. “You will return those coins to me right this moment or I will drag you to the magistrate for theft and laugh quite gleefully as they remove your hands for the offense!” 

Seeing his chance for escape slipping away breath by breath, Harper decided that he had to act at that moment. He quite preferred having two hands, and didn’t intend to lose either. Especially not because he’d taken a fat globs three bronze pieces. They had barely been enough to feed him for four days, sparingly. 

Pursing his dry lips, Harper pushed against the house behind him and shoved his feet forward. His kick caught the boy off guard, which was no surprise. Just because you got lucky and found a job with a snobby rich man, doesn’t mean that you are any better than me. He thought as he was dropped to the ground. 

In an instant, he saw the boy’s two friends lunge for him. Harper hurriedly snatched up his worn gray cap, which had fallen from his head when he’d first hit the wall, and shoved it down onto his messy black hair as he darted off into the bustling street.  

Except, that the street wasn’t quite as bustling as it had been moments earlier. There were still a lot of people, but they had all split to either side of the dusty path, leaving a large gap right in the middle where Harper had stopped. 

What’s going on? 

The sudden sound of a man yelling broke through Harper’s confusion, bringing his attention to the coach that had just been forced to halt because of him. The extremely well groomed white horses that were hitched to it, and their adornments, told him enough about the wealth of their owner. 

Another greedy lord or lady come to flaunt their wealth. 

The driver of the animals yelled again, drawing Harper’s gaze up to him. 

“Move yourself, boy! You’re in the way.” 

The man was clean shaven and dressed well, but he still had a grimy look to him that Harper couldn’t explain. Like a beautiful venomous snake waiting patiently in the grass for someone to make the mistake of stepping upon it. 

Tugging his cap down a little further, Harper turned toward the horses, eyeing the pristine white coach they were pulling. Whoever was inside would likely have plenty of money on them, but the risk of being shot was far too high to make the theft worthwhile. 

“Boy! Are you deaf or daft! Get out of the bloody way!” The driver yelled as he stomped toward him at the same time the three boys he’d previously been dealing with pushed themselves free of the crush of people to his left. 

Time to go, but before I do…  

Ducking forward, Harper ran straight for the fat man hobbling toward him, his face red and hand raised with the horse whip at the ready. Harper wasn’t the least bit surprised that the man was considering using the weapon against him. He was, after all, just a street lad. 

With a quirk of his lips, Harper hurried forward, ducking under the crack of the whip as it came down to snap the ground somewhere just behind him. “I’ll be helpin’ ya lighten your pockets, good sir, so that you might learn to walk without fallen over.” Harper teased as he darted his hand into the man’s jacket pocket. 

Aha. I knew he’d have something. They always did. 

He couldn’t look at what the coins actually were yet, however, because before he could even consider checking, the door to the coach slammed open. Harper was forced to drop to his knees and bow his head abruptly, just barely dodging getting hit right in the forehead by the large door. 

Whoever was inside had likely come out to help their companion, and Harper had no interest in meeting them, or their gun, face to face. With a newfound sense of urgency, he crawled hastily beneath the coach and emerged on the other side in seconds. As soon as he was back on his dirty, bare feet, Harper bolted as fast as his legs could carry him. 

The sound of two sets of boots following him made Harper push himself harder, but having not eaten for over a day, he could already feel himself running out of energy after a few mere minutes. Need to find some way to lose them, quickly. He thought as he ran through a bustling market, the stand owners making their last sales before the storm crept too close to safely pack up. 

The loud rumble of thunder was a welcomed sound. If the rain would just come, he could easily get away. Nobles hated getting their precious expensive clothing wet. And getting mud on the cloth or fancy leather boots? There was not a single one that would tolerate such a thing… or that’s what he’d thought as he made it to the end of the lane and the sky opened up with another loud roar of thunder. 

Darkness began to creep over the town as the storm grew in intensity with little heed to those currently caught in it. Harper was doing his best to keep ahead of the boots he could still hear behind him, but he was running out of breath, and even more quickly running out of places to run. The river was coming up fast. 

“Halt, boy!” 

The deep voice that boomed from behind him, almost as loud as the thunder, spurred Harper to use the last bit of his energy to try and get away. He was soaked by the time he took the last turn toward the bridge that crossed the river Thames, and he knew that both men were still behind him. 

You cannot get caught now. You will lose your hands or be hung for sure! 

Determined, he pushed himself toward the guard railing leading to the churning water below. He knew that the lords, or whomever was following him, wouldn’t dare do so to the point of jumping into the river. Especially not for a few meager coins from their driver’s pocket. 

“Arthur, don’t! The boy’s going to jump!” A second voice yelled over the storm. 

Harper didn’t wait or check to see if Arthur  listened to his friend or not. The moment he was close enough, he leaped up onto the railing, then lunged forward toward the open water. Once in mid-air he expected to be safe… or, well, as safe as a swim in the frigid river during a storm would be considered. He didn’t think that the two men would still try to stop him. 

A firm hand grasped his bare ankle in a strong, solid grip right as he began dropping down toward the rushing water. “You won’t be getting away today, thief!” The man, Arthur, shouted as he began pulling Harper back up toward the railing. 

The man’s friend was soon there to grasp his other ankle, forcing him up onto the railing, then right down to the hard ground. “You have a lesson coming, boy.” The other man said as Harper felt something tight wrap around his wrists, securing them easily behind his back before he was yanked up to his feet. 

One pair of strong hands dropped from holding his wrists to pulling apart his tightly-clasped fingers until the few coins he’d managed to steal fell out. “All of this trouble for two silver coins.” Arthur said, stepping around to his front in the pouring rain. Harper didn’t dare look up. If he could find a way to escape, he needed to be sure that they couldn’t recognize his face in the future. He was a common thief, but having bright purple eyes wasn’t a common feature at all. He’d also lost his ratty cap, likely when he’d been pulled back up over the bridge railing, so he had no way of hiding his gaze if the men truly tried to lean over and look unless he kept his eyes shut tight.   

The sound of the coach’s wheels coming down the cobblestone road made Harper’s empty stomach churn uneasily. It came to a stop before them and the man behind him pushed him toward the door Arthur opened. Harper didn’t fight as he was shoved inside and onto the hard polished wooden floor. He remained still as the two men climbed inside, panting quietly to try and steady his breathing. 

“My my, what are you lads doing with such a young child?” A much older voice asked from above him. Harper remained where he was and just listened as the door was shut and latched. 

“He stole two silver coins from Goddard. We need to take him in once we drop you off at your home, sir Marksworth.” Arthur replied. 

There was silence for a moment before Harper heard someone leaning over. The smell of tobacco and brandy met his nose, making it wrinkle slightly. “Are you sure this is a lad, Arthur?” The older man questioned. His words caught Harper so off-guard that his eyes snapped open, revealing their odd color for just a moment before he shut them again. 

“Well I’ll be. What an interesting lass you’ve found,” the older man went on, seemingly not even giving Arthur a chance to respond to his previous question. 

There was the sound of two other people leaning over, and a knee hitting the wood just behind him, but Harper forced himself to keep his eyes closed. “I cannot believe that this is a lass, sir Marksworth. His clothing alone is completely inappropriate for a female.” The other, younger man said. Harper felt him leaning over his form, but thankfully he didn’t try to touch him in any way. 

“I am old, lads, but surely you can see the small bit of braids scattered about in the lass’s hair, and I would be flummoxed if I ever saw such beautiful eyes on a lad. I have no doubt that she’d dressed in boy’s clothing and cut her hair to be safer while living in the streets.” 

There was a disgruntled response from behind him before the older man spoke again. 

“Lassie, why exactly were you stealing?” 

Harper swallowed a lump he’d felt forming in his throat from nerves and licked his shivering lips. He was not worried about sounding like a boy, as his voice had never really gotten very deep as he’d aged. He didn’t sound like a child, but he also didn’t sound like an adult male. It often worked to his advantage, and he could easily make himself sound younger, and even a little like a female. 

“Hungry, sir.” He replied without opening his eyes. 

A strong hand settled over his side for a moment feeling his protruding ribs, the action making him flinch as he shivered beneath the warm palm. “Perhaps she is telling the truth, but sir, there are plenty of well trained servants to pick from, surely you would not take a thief that knows nothing of use to you.” Arthur said as Harper heard him return back to his seat, the bench creaking slightly with his weight. 

“Nonsense, Arthur. I explained to you earlier that I just wish for a simple service maid. Lassie, would you care to help an old man tend his property with a few others in exchange for a roof over your head and a meal in your belly?”

The offer was not something Harper would have expected from his current predicament. Slowly, he allowed his eyes to open once more, then glance up at the older man. He looked very well off in his white petticoat, matching pants and shined black boots. 

“Well, lass? Would you care for such a deal? If not, I’m afraid that I’ll have to leave you to these two when I depart.” The man said, giving Harper a conspiratorial wink as he heard a groan behind him. 

“Yes, make it clear that she either comes with you or gets  justice by being turned in by us.” Arthur grumbled, clearly frustrated with the man’s offer. 

The older gentleman laughed as he reached to his side and lifted a folded blanket from the seat. It wasn’t too large and looked to be made of some type wool. When he settled it over him, Harper couldn’t withhold a sigh as the fabric warded off a good portion of the chill that had overtaken him. 

“See there, lads? She’s just a lass who needs a bit of kindness shown to her. Just you wait, in a few years time, she’ll be the sweetest, demure maid who works hard and gladly to earn her keep.” 

Harper couldn’t argue with the man. His logic was sound. He would gladly work for him if he was offered food and a place free from the elements. As the three men turned their conversation to politics, the younger two clearly frustrated with the old man over his decision, Harper found himself nodding off. His clothing was still damp, but he was unable to keep himself awake beneath the thick blanket slowly warming his tired body.

Caution

Four Years Later-

There was little more he could have hoped for than what he had obtained over his first few years of service to his new master. The man was kind but strict. He had brought Harper into his home and taught him how much he could truly be worth if he put forth the effort to change. He’d gone from having one set of grimy clothing and no shoes to a small wardrobe of two dresses and aprons, two pairs of shoes and a pair of trousers gifted to him as a jest due to the misidentification of his gender that fateful evening he’d been caught by the lord’s friends.

The first evening he’d shown up to clear his master’s supper away wearing the garments under his dress, the old man had had a great laugh. Their tattered brown color hadn’t matched the pristine whites and blacks of the maid outfit in the least, but his master never seemed to mind when he continued to wear them more and more frequently. He even gifted him another pair after a few months, along with a ratty old shirt that had likely belonged to one of the stable lads that had outgrown it. 

Come the evening of his fourth year working for the man, he was called into his study after the rest of the maids and butlers had been dismissed for the night. “Hello, little Hari,” the man said as Harper stepped into the large room and gently closed the door behind him. He offered his master a bow, then made his way to the seat he was being gestured to take.

He’d always been quite short, even as his teenage years continued to pass and he watched all of the other young boys on the property grow tall and lose the high-pitched notes to their voices. His voice had mellowed out some, but it was still easy for him to sound like a female. Which was quite a good thing, as his employment was completely reliant on him remaining as feminine as possible. But now at a mere five foot five inches in his nineteenth year, he’d been awarded the new title of little Hari , for even most of the other maids had overtaken his height by at least an inch or two .

Any other lad would have likely been frustrated with the nickname, but the idea that his master was thoughtful enough to give him a nickname, even if it was likely just in jest, made Hari’s heart swell with pride. He loved working for the man, and admired the way he looked after his staff and the people of his tenure.

“Good evening, my lord.” Hari said, inclining his head as he sat straight in his chair, his posture perfect as he folded his hands in his lap.

“I see that you are wearing those trousers again, lass.”

Hari blinked up at the older man, his chest tightening slightly with curious worry. “Yes, my lord. I very much enjoy wearing them.” He knew that if he ever told the maids, butlers, stable boys, or any other help on the large property that, he’d be poked fun at, but his lordship never seemed to bother with such mockery.

“Dukes Arthur and Rule are coming for a visit late this evening and I would like for their regular rooms to be prepared with haste.”

With a relaxing smile, Hari nodded. “Absolutely, my lord.”

“Now listen, Hari. I know I always task you with looking after their effects, then let you disappear off to wherever you do when they come calling…” Hari pursed his lips with worry, but the man held his hand up to show that he hadn’t finished speaking. “I do not fault you for that, lass. I would be wary of them, too, if I had been put through what you had. You are free to do as you wish during their visit as long as their rooms are tended and your duties are fulfilled. They also noted in their message that they were bringing a dog, so be sure to prepare for the pup as well.”

Hari tilted his head, smiling slightly, though he wanted to shudder. “Thank you, my lord. I will gladly keep their rooms in order and be sure that they, and their dog, are quite comfortable during their stay.”  

Lord Marksworth gave a content smile and nodded for Harper to rise. “All is well then, please be on your way. They should be arriving at any moment.” 

Harper’s eyes widened and he jumped up, running out of the room after he gave a quick bow to his laughing lord. He made short work of the servants passages throughout the large home, arriving in the laundering area in time to load his arms with fresh linens. He then made his way to the two neighboring rooms and set to work making the beds. He also dusted the curtains, dressers, headboards and swept the floors. 

The other maids tended to keep the rooms well enough, but Duke Arthur and Rule were two of lord Marksworth’s closest friends, so Harper always went out of his way to make sure that their rooms were immaculate. He held no ill will toward either of them for catching him so long ago, like his master seemed to think, but both of them were far too observant. They made his stomach knot with chaste comments about how he acted like a lad, whether it be his posture, speech or eating habits. They picked up on everything so easily that Harper had just taken to disappearing when they arrived for his own safety. He could not be found out. Add to his worry that they were bringing a dog, an animal that never seemed to get along with him no matter what he did, and Harper was eager to finish his duties and vanish. 

He was just about done in the room when he felt something cold and wet press up against the back of his left leg through the worn cloth of his trousers. He leaped, a startled cry swallowed before it could escape his lips as he spun around. A very large, wiry-looking mongrel stared back at him with dark brown eyes, panting with its floppy tongue hanging from the side of its mouth as if it didn’t mind that it was drooling about on the carpet it now sat on. 

It likely doesn’t. 

Harper’s heart was racing as he eyed the beast. It didn’t seem to be aggressive like the one’s who’d chased and attacked him over the years when he’d lived on the streets, but that didn’t mean that it wasn’t waiting to strike. 

Deciding to air on the side of caution, Harper began taking careful steps around the animal, moving as far from it as he could while still heading toward the door. He was just about to step out, the beast watching him over its shoulder but not bothering to actually follow, when he felt a gentle puff of warm air against his cheek… right before a pair of lips pressed against the same spot. 

It took everything in him not to turn around and swing his fist at Duke Rule. The man had greeted him the same way each time he’d visited in the past. Harper knew that he just wanted to get a rise out of him, and was glad that he’d finally managed to control himself and not have to incessantly apologize for swinging a punch at someone so much higher station than himself. Putting on his best welcoming servant smile, Harper turned and bowed deeply to the man. When he straightened back up, his eyes rose to quickly assess what Rule was wearing, and his general appearance. He hoped that he would be tired from his travels and wish to rest right away, but as Harper’s eyes moved from his perfectly shined black dress shoes, pressed grey trousers, and his fitted white button-up dress shirt and black coat, he could tell just from the man’s posture alone that he wasn’t anywhere near tired enough to retire for the evening. 

Drat. 

“Hello, sweetheart. How have you been?” Rule purred as Harper finally allowed his eyes to raise and assess the man’s face. He had a smooth jaw, no stubble in sight unlike the last time they’d met. His dark blond hair, which almost appeared a soft brown in the dim lighting, was mussed, like he had been driving the horses for part of their trip, and his eyes shone with a steady excitement for trouble.  Definitely not tired. 

Forcing back a frown, Harper widened his smile and replied. “I am very well, my lord. Is there anything I can get for you or your dog?” 

A cold nose against his left wrist jolted Harper again, making him stumble to the side and trip on the edge of the rug. He expected a hard landing, but when the back of his shirt was snagged by a strong hand and he was yanked back up to his feet, Harper blew out a relieved breath. When he felt steady again, he turned and bowed. “Thank you, sir.” Except, when his eyes rose to meet the other man’s, Duke Arthur was the one standing before him, a chuckling Rule right behind him. 

Feeling his face heat, he hurried to bow again. “Good evening, my lord.” 

When he lifted his head again, Arthur was staring down at him with a  stoic expression. “Good evening, little Hari.” He said, a slight smirk playing at the edges of his lips. 

Harper couldn’t fight the glower that slipped onto his face before he could mask it with another fake smile. “Is there anything I can do for either of you before I retire for the evening?” Harper asked as he tried not to shy away from the large dog as it began to nudge at his side again. 

“Are you afraid of dogs, little Hari?” Arthur asked, his silver eyes narrowing slightly with a cruel curiosity that Harper honestly hadn’t the energy to deal with right then. The man looked slightly more worn out than Rule as his eyes traveled over Hari, silently noting the trousers with a pause before returning his gaze to his face. Arthur’s dark hair was disheveled, likely from running his fingers through it so often instead of from driving horses. His coat was also a little lopsided and there were faint dark circles beneath his eyes. 

Even tired, Arthur was known to be the more calculating of the two men. Lord Rule was a joker, but he was also not to be underestimated. Both of them, together, had been more than a match for Harper’s own intellect over the years. 

“I have found few that agree with me, my lord.” Harper whispered, his focus more on the canine than on either man. 

The sound of rustling coats brought his attention briefly to the two men who had stepped closer, Arthur moving to stand right up beside him. The man reached down and scratched the dog behind its ears, then looked to him with a knowing smirk. “He tends to dislike other males besides Rule and I.” 

Harper pursed his lips, dusting his hands on his apron to try and find something to do with them  besides wring them together nervously. They had picked apart that habit last year. The year before it had been biting his lower lip, and the one before was shifting his weight often. He was running out of nervous gestures that didn’t upright give away his unease. 

“Is that so.” He finally mumbled, his eyes split between the beast and the ground as he heard a faint tsk sound. The dog’s ears began to pin backward and the ridge of hair along its back started to rise. Uh oh. “If there is nothing either of you require, I believe I will take my leave.” Harper said with a slightly higher voice as he began to back out of the room. 

Rule chuckled as Arthur straightened back to his full height and turned to watch the dog slowly stalk after him. No, go away. Shoo. Please! When the beast began to growl, Harper flinched and turned, bolting down the hallway like the most unladylike scamp of a maid the two noblemen had likely ever seen. 

He knew that he couldn’t outrun the beast. That would have been impossible even if he were outside and wasn’t tired from a hard day’s work. He could hear it thumping after him, its heavy paws easily giving away its intent to chase. And bite. Harper reminded himself, the idea of being hurt urging himself to run even faster. 

Darn these slippers! 

The shoes maids were given were good for looking pretty and walking about at a constant set pace. Without a second thought, Harper allowed the things to fall from his feet, hoping that the mongrel would take more interest in destroying one of them over his leg or arm. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem to keep the monster at bay for more than it took the beast to take a curious sniff. Within moments Harper heard it begin to trot after him again. 

He wanted to turn into one of the rooms he passed every few moments as he made his way around the floor of the home, but he knew that the doors were heavy and it would take him several seconds to close and lock one. The dog, with its substantial size, would easily be able to shove inside if he wasn’t quick enough. 

Yet you know that you absolutely cannot outrun it, either. 

Forcing air into his burning lungs, Harper took another turn and was now heading back toward the two rooms he’d prepared for the men. He was just about to just drop into a ball and take the beast’s attack as best he could, when a large floor-to-ceiling drape caught his eye at the far end of the hall. He hadn’t thought about it before, but with a renewed vigor for self-preservation, he sped up. 

He reached the thick, heavy cloth seconds before the dog would and hurried to scurry up it with surprising agility. His arms and lungs burned by the time he was halfway up the drapes, but the mongrel circling the bottom could not reach him, and that alone was enough of a relief to make Harper light-headed. 

The dog stalked about for another few moments before a loud whistle from down the hall took its attention away from Harper. He held his breath as the beast considered its options, then, slowly, it began to saunter toward where the whistle had come from.  

Feeling his fingers begin to slip from exhaustion and relief, Harper felt himself slip down the drapes. He tried to keep a decent hold, not wanting to fall the rest of the way, but he lost his grip after only a brief struggle. Where he expected to land on the carpeted, yet hard floor of the hall, strong arms caught him before he could get hurt. 

His relief doubled and mixed together with his need for sleep. The feeling was heady and made him lean into the chest of the man holding him as he breathed deeply, doing his best to calm his erratic nerves. “I’ll have a talk with Arthur about setting his hunting dog upon you, Hari. It was a bit uncalled for.” Rule said, his voice rumbling through his chest enough to startle Harper out of his daze. His eyes snapped open, along with his mouth, as he stared up at the man who easily held his weight. 

Quite ungracefully, Harper struggled in the man’s arms until he was awkwardly set back on his stocking-clad feet. “I apologize, my lord.” He said, bowing with his eyes squeezed shut as color painted his face that of embarrassment. 

He was mad, too, that Arthur would intentionally have his dog chase him, but he couldn’t berate either man over such knowledge. He was a maid and his station was nowhere near theirs, and it never would be. Even if the dog had bitten him, he wouldn’t have been able to do anything about it besides apologize for evoking the beast’s ire. 

Most lords would probably assume that I had just stressed out their pet enough to cause such a reaction. 

At least with Arthur and Rule, there was no pretending. Whenever they did something, it was quite clear that they intended to do it. Grudgingly, Harper lifted his eyes to meet Rule’s humor filled ones. 

“If you will excuse me, my lord. I am quite tired.” 

When the duke didn’t answer right away, Harper was weary that he would have to continue putting up with their torment, but after a long moment of silence, Rule nodded. “Very well, Hari. Get some rest. We will call upon you in the morning.” 

Hari blinked, surprised that they would request him to attend them come morning. He usually just cleaned their rooms while they were busy with other activities. He bit his tongue on an argument, because he had no right to decline the request. Hopefully they only need me to clean a little more or bring something for their dog. Surely that will be all. With a cautiously optimistic outlook for the morning, Hari gave Rule a tired smile and dismissed himself for the night. He would retrieve his shoes, then do his best to get some sleep for the next day.

Hopefully it would not be nearly as eventful. 

(This is still in Coming Soon status until I can be sure I have the time to commit to it. Also, no idea where this is going so far so yay randomness. I already like Rule though XD)

Hold Your Drink

A damp chill pressed up against Harper’s left hand where it hung over the edge of his small cot. Unconsciously tucking his limb back on the bed, he settled back into a deeper sleep until he felt the nudge again, this time against his shoulder. His mind suddenly realized what was bothering him and he jerked backward, slamming his head against the wall. He yelped, drawing a surprised bark from the dog as it tried to climb onto the rickety bed with him. 

“Hey, out of here, you mongrel!” Came a rather stern female voice from above Harper. 

His best friend, Maria, hopped down from her bunk situated atop his and gave the beast a mighty smack on the rump. It didn’t seem to matter to her that the dog could have outweighed her and responded dangerously. It turned to face her with its teeth bared, but she didn’t back down as she scowled at the dog. 

“You heard me! Get out of here!” She yelled, putting herself between the dog and Harper. 

She was just barely Harper’s height, but she stood tall and held the beast’s gaze with her own dangerous glare until the giant monster slowly hobbled backward, then sauntered out the door with a gruff woof . 

Maria waited a minute before turning to crawl onto Harper’s small cot. Reaching out, she gently touched behind his head, making him wince and hiss. “You’ve knocked your head good, Harp.” She chastised as she sat back, allowing Harper to rub at the bump forming beneath his hair. 

“Mari, I told you to be careful calling me that.” He grumbled right back. She giggled at his words before looking over her shoulder, then back at him. He took her grin as a hint that she’d already checked the room and that they were the only ones remaining. “I think you’ll be fine, little Hari.” 

Sighing, Harper gave his head a quick shake to finish waking himself up, then slid from his bed. Maria was the only person who actually knew that he was a boy, but to keep his ruse, she played along with the joking like a true master of the trade. 

She was close to his own age of nineteen, with a sharper mind than any he’d seen as of yet. “I’d bet that mongrel was lord Arthur summoning you for the day. You best be on your way and keep your wits about you, they are trouble.” 

He didn’t need to be told that twice. He knew the two would be horrible to manage this visit. They were already doing something they never had before; asking him to join them in the morning. Plus, they had brought a dog with them, and clearly planned to use it to their advantage considering they’d sent it after him twice already. 

Resigned to a day of stress and likely a late evening, Harper got himself busy cleaning himself up. There was a small wash tub near his bed that he used to rinse his face and wipe his body down after nudging Maria from the area and tugging a curtain to keep her prying eyes from looking. She wasn’t adverse to sneaking peeks, which was how she had found out that he was a boy in his second year of service. 

“I swear you take as long as a girl to get ready.” She fumed from the other side of the curtain right before he pulled it back to the side, fully clothed in his trousers and maid uniform. 

Maria gave him a look when she noticed him wearing his pants. “Are you sure that’s wise, Hari? It’s going to give them even more opportunities to try and get you to reveal that you’re a boy. Please tell me you weren’t wearing those last night when they arrived?” 

Harper felt his flush, giving her the answer to her question without speaking. Maria huffed out a frustrated sigh. “Honestly, it’s almost as if you want other people to figure it out. You must keep yourself safe, and that means that you must remain as ladylike as possible!” 

He knew that she was right, but sometimes it was hard. He wanted to be able to be a boy once in a while, but he could never get away from the property, or at least away from others who worked there, to risk it. Pretending to be a lass was getting very, very confining. He wanted some freedom, even all he could afford of such a thing was to wear a pair of pants with his maid uniform. 

“Alright, no more dawdling. We don’t want those problematic lords to send someone down to come fetch you, or worse, come get you themselves. Be on your way, Hari.” She said as she began to lead him from the room. Right before they stepped out into the hall, she tugged him back inside and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. “Remember, keep your mind clear. Don’t let them get the upper hand.” 

Unable to hold back a smile from her support, Harper hurried up to the lords’ rooms. He stopped at Rule’s first, as it was the closet to the stairs. He was just raising his hand to knock on the dark wood when the door to Arthur’s room opened and the large hound plodded out, followed by both men. The dog made for him immediately, freezing Harper in place as it stalked up to him and sniffed about his body, tail held high and rigid. 

“Good morning, little Hari. We were just on our way to fetch you.” Rule said, the normal shine of mischief firmly twinkling in his dark eyes. “We thought that you might have forgotten.”

I wish I could have gotten away with doing so. 

Hari waited for the dog to finish its inspection and turn away before he forced a rigid bow and smiled at the two men. “Good morning lord Rule and lord Arthur. I hope you two have slept well.” He said as pleasantly as he could manage while trying to back away from the returning canine. 

Rule walked up to him first, ruffling his hair with a grin as he past. “Very well, thank you for taking such good care of us, little Hari.” Arthur was right behind him, but instead of messing up his hair further, he reached for one of the braids that had remained the same since they’d first met and tugged on it lightly. 

His hair had grown out quite a bit and he’d had to rebraid sections, but he never allowed the length of the braid to change. It fell against his hair perfectly and almost disappeared into the dark strands that shared their color. It was a wonder so many people over the years had managed to pick them out so easily, as there were only three, and they were far from large. 

“When are you going to remove these childish things? They do not suit you at all and you never change them.” 

Biting his tongue on a retort about Arthur’s haircut gaining little variation over the years, Hari forced another smile and shrugged as he took just enough of a step back to allow the braid Arthur was holding to slip through his grasp. 

“I suppose that I just think of them as part of my personality. They do not stick out so much as to cause an issue in my appearance, so I see no reason to remove them.” He saw no reason to tell the man the real reason why he kept his hair in such a way, that each braid was the last thing he had gotten from his ill sisters before they had passed years ago. Each had loved to braid his hair so he asked for each of them to do it one more time before their last moments. He had to help his last sister accomplish the task, as she was too weak to keep the braid together so that it would hold, but each time the wind blew through his hair, it was her braid that he saw as it swung before his eyes before silently tucking back into the darkness of his hair. 

He didn’t seem convinced, but Arthur thankfully dropped the subject, as he always did, and strode past him. Hari wished that he could just go about tidying up their rooms, then get on with his days’ work, but he knew that they expected him to follow, and he wouldn’t risk them sending their dog after him when he didn’t. Frowning,  he followed behind them. Both men walked with purpose and didn’t check to see if he was following, they knew that he couldn’t disobey them. 

When they came to a stop beside the stable, Harper felt his nerves rise even higher. The stable-hands were leading out a large bay mare first. The horse was surprisingly large and had quite an attitude, if its attempts to bite the poor lads who were trying to lead her was any indication of her temperament. It was no surprise to Harper when Rule walked over and gave the horse a strong pat on the neck. It snorted and tried to nip his hair, but he just headbutted it back and laughed. 

Lord Arthur’s horse was next, and it was just as beautiful as Rule’s. The beast was a brown so dark it shown black in the morning sun. It’s head jerked up and down as it was brought out. The action would have looked unruly on another horse, but Arthur’s made it seem almost majestic. 

When another animal didn’t follow, Harper bit his bottom lip and glared at the ground. He knew that they would try to pull something, but he had hoped that it wouldn’t be so soon. With a resigned sigh, he lifted his head and put on his best fake smile as he headed toward Arthur’s horse. Rule would be less strict about whatever rules he might be given to follow while riding, but he also had seen the man ride before. He was insane. 

Arthur was already up in his saddle when he noticed Harper stop beside his gelding. His expression was mixed between annoyance and curiosity. “Pardon me, my lord, but I do not have a horse…” Harper stated nervously. 

When neither of them spoke for several moments, Harper took a small step back and shrugged. “I am afraid I cannot accompany you two, I apologize.” Arthur’s face remained stoic until Harper felt an arm suddenly grasp him beneath his arms and yank up abruptly. 

Thank goodness I remembered to wrap my chest and stuff it today. Sometimes he didn’t bother, as he never gave himself much in the way of cleavage to avoid catching anyone’s attentions, but as he was lifted up onto Rule’s horse, he was relieved that the man shouldn’t be able to tell the difference with such an abrupt action. 

Settling into the saddle in front of lord Rule, which he had to ride astride in order to fit, Harper steeled himself for the hell he was about to experience. His hands wrapped tightly around the horn of the saddle, knowing that it would likely end up saving his life as Rule nudged his horse into a walk. Arthur’s appeared beside them moments later, the man’s normal mask of annoyance or indifference gone, in its place, a small but rare grin. 

“Be careful, Rule, we don’t want to bring her back to her master broken.” 

The teasing tone to his voice had Harper pursing his lips and turning his attention to where they were going. He didn’t want Arthur encouraging Rule, but it was inevitable that he would cause problems. It was Rule. He was likely just waiting to be out of view of prying eyes before he allowed his horse to unleash her spirit. The thought of riding on the beast when it went crazy wasn’t appealing in any way. 

“Where are we going?” He asked when they past the front gates of the property and began heading toward the tree line leading into the forest. Thankfully, there was a path through the woods, but Harper still wasn’t interested in being at the mercy of Rule and his horse while riding through it. 

Unfortunately, when Rule spurred his horse on into a gallop, Harper got his answer. They entered the forest within minutes, Arthur and Rule seemingly racing as they kicked their horses to speed up. The animals didn’t appear to have any issues going as fast as their masters wanted, as they fought neck and neck even as the trail began to get slightly overgrown. It would have been easy for a single horse to race through without much effort, but two, side by side, were causing plants overreaching the trail to whip at their clothing and faces. 

Harper was just trying to avoid some of the larger branches when he felt a large hand grasp his face and tuck it back against Rule’s chest. The other man hunched over him as he urged his horse to move even faster. Harper’s heart thundered in his chest in time with the beast’s hooves, wishing that the two would stop. He had rarely ridden a horse, and never had he felt the need to make one move so quickly. 

He was exhausted from sheer worry by the time the two lords finally reigned in their horses. Without even thinking, Harper swung his shaky leg over the saddle and grabbed the horn, ungracefully lowering himself down to the dirt road beneath him. He stumbled backward, falling with a squeak of surprise. When he hit the ground, however, relief flooded him and he just lay there, panting quietly up at the rising morning sun he saw through squinting eyes.

“I think we wore her out already.” Rule’s cocky voice chimed in the warm air. 

A large shadow blocked out the sun, allowing Harper to open his eyes fully to inspect what had done it. Arthur’s horse leaned down toward him at the same time his dog padded up and began sniffing at his face. Remembering the beast’s previous attitude, Harper quickly got to his feet, glad that he was no longer shaking from the crazy ride. 

Arthur dismounted next to him as Harper looked about, curious as to where they’d gone. It appeared to be a small village. He had likely visited it once or twice with a few other servants on an errand, but his memory was too fuzzy to remember specifics. 

While the two lords tied up their horses and began walking and conversing, Harper followed a few steps behind. He was still wary of their dog, and wanted to make sure that it, too, was in front of him. He was so focused on the beast that he nearly walked right into lord Rule’s back where the two had stopped before a small restaurant. The smell coming from just inside was heavenly, and also made Harper remember that he had missed breakfast. His stomach rumbled loudly as he followed the men inside. Their dog, thankfully, laid own outside to wait until they were finished. 

Inside the small building, worn tables and chairs were placed uniformly about the room to give space for servers to walk safely. There were quite a few people and the sound of their conversing made it hard to hear any specific conversation. Harper intended to wait at the front of the restaurant, or even outside, while the two men ate because he was a servant and was not permitted to share their table, but when they started being lead away, Rule stopped and glanced back at him with a raised eyebrow. 

Harper licked his lips nervously when the man hurried back to him and leaned in far too closely to speak to him. “Why are you not coming? Surely you’re hungry?” It took Harper a moment to regain his senses in the boisterous place in order to reply correctly. 

He clasped his hands in front of him and gave a slight bow. “I do apologize but I am not permitted to dine with lords. I do hope that your meal i-” Rule evidently had no interest in hearing his logical excuse, because he just rolled his eyes and grabbed Harper’s wrist, tugging him into the restaurant without bothering to consider his drowned-out protests of worry. 

“I got her,” Rule said as he pressed Harper’s shoulder down until he was forced into the seat across from Arthur. Rule took the one to his right, completing the triangle seating at the table. Large mugs of alcohol were placed in front of each of them. Arthur and Rule both took long drinks from theirs, but Harper eyed his wearily. He could not afford to lose himself in spirits. In fact, he’d never drank at all. 

But how can I get out of drinking it without insulting them. They bought it for me. 

Hesitantly, he reached up and grasped the large mug. Bringing it to his lips, he sipped it slowly, noting that both lords were watching him. Thankfully, a waitress came over a few moments later and they ordered from the simple offerings the place prepared. 

Once the woman left to fetch their food, Rule leaned forward on the table and gave Harper his full-on heart-racing smirk. “So, Hari, are you going to tell us that you’re a boy yet?” 

Harper spit out his drink. Thank god he’d missed both lords, but his face flamed as he set his drink down and hurried to wipe the damp table. “I’m terribly sorry.” He sputtered as he finished cleaning, then set the small cloth back into his pocket where he’d pulled it from. 

Rule had leaned back by the time Harper had settled back in his chair, the look on his face even more conniving. “Well?” He asked, raising an eyebrow. 

Harper swallowed, then shrugged. “I apologize, my lord, but I cannot be anything other than what I am.” The answer wasn’t what either Arthur or Rule likely wanted to hear, but it also wasn’t lying. Not that he hadn’t before, but he highly disliked doing so if he could help it. 

“I see.” Rule mumbled as he took another long drink. Before they could continue speaking the waitress returned with large plates of food. 

Both Arthur and Rule got some sort of meat dish with potatoes that made Harper’s mouth water, but he had remembered right before giving his order that he was a lady and needed to act like one. And besides, meat was always more expensive than simple baked goods, and he surely couldn’t afford to pay them back for anything more than what he’d gotten. Which was a small pastry with some scrambled eggs. 

He fought himself not to dig into the food and did his best to copy the lord’s pace with eating. He finished much quicker, however, because he hadn’t gotten nearly as much. Harper fought himself to keep his eyes from their plates as he took turns staring at his own empty plate and the patrons milling about the room. A small band had started playing and the area a few tables behind the lords had been converted into a tiny dance floor. There were only a couple of people on it, but everyone seemed to be having quite a good time. 

Harper watched an older couple dance for a few songs before returning to looking down at his empty plate. Only, it was far from empty now. His eyes darted up to both lords, but they were still digging into substantial portions of their food. Neither even spared him a look. Dropping his gaze back down to the beef and potatoes on his plate, he awkwardly picked up his fork and began to eat. He had wanted to appear ladylike and not eat a large portion of anything, but his stomach was still very much hungry. Harper would thank them later, he decided, when both men could actually hear him without having to shout.        

They ate for a good while, taking their time and drinking quite a bit more than Harper had hoped. Even when they slowed down, they continued to get him more. Since they had bought him food, he wasn’t going to not drink the drinks they bought him, too. He just hoped that his stomach, and mind, would be able to handle the alcohol. 

(Quite enjoying these guys and their randomness, but I’m sure that it’s clear they’re plotting something, the buttheads. I think Rule is still my favorite just because of his bluntness, too lol)

Excessive

Boy did his head hurt horribly. Harper could barely keep his eyes open as he stumbled into a small room at the back of an inn. Neither lord dared to bring him back in such terrible shape, which meant that they would have to spend the day, and possibly the evening, allowing him to return to his senses. Granted, he was still coherent enough to know that he needed his own room. It was unladylike to be around gentleman in such a place unless wed, and he was definitely not wed to either of them. 

Thank god for that. 

He was quite angry with the two. They had gotten him drunk on purpose, because they had continuously shot questions at him with each drink he downed, trying to get him to finally give up the information they hoped for. They hadn’t gotten anything out of him, but there was little Harper could do about his situation now  besides lock himself in the small room he’d made them buy him for decency’s sake, and try not to vomit. 

His stomach lurched hard as he slid down the wall by the door, trying to keep his breathing level while his heart pumped strange, uncomfortable beats in his chest. 

“Pardon me, miss, but do you need any assistance? The two gentleman you came in with are worried about you.” A young maid’s voice met his ears as she spoke cautiously from the other side of the door. 

Already they are sending someone after me. 

Forcing himself back to his feet, he let the wall support his weight as he walked back to the door. Taking more time than he liked on the small lock, he finally managed to turn it, then open the door partially. 

“I can assure you that I am well enough.” He told the young woman standing before him a proper black and white maid uniform quite similar to his own. She looked to be a few years older. The glint of determination in her eyes made him feel nervous. 

Did they pay her to try and get to me? 

He wouldn’t put it past them, but for some reason, he didn’t think that they would be too happy if the big secret they’d been trying to get out of him for years came from a lowly maid at an inn. 

“Would you like any assistance? I am quite well versed in helping those who have suffered from too much drink.” She tried again, making Harper’s insides churn. 

“No, thank you, ma’am. I just need some rest. Have a good day,” He said before he closed the door. She was opening her mouth to reply when he did it, but he couldn’t stand much longer and not promise to keep their floors clean. 

Once the lock was back in place after some fumbling, he staggered over to the corner where a cleaned chamber pot sat and promptly began losing what he had consumed earlier. His stomach hurt terribly and all he wanted to do was curl up into a ball and try to let the darkness edging at his vision take over, but each time he tried to let it, his stomach released another wretch of vomit. 

His body sagged against the wall, tremors from exhaustion shaking him as he panted to regain his breath after what felt like hours, but surely could not have been more than twenty minutes. He felt frigid and overheated at the same time, though it made no sense to his blurry mind. Thankfully, his stomach had finally run out of things to fill the chamber pot with, which was good, because he didn’t think that it could get much higher without causing a mess. 

 Nudging the thing away, he slowly crawled over to the small cot against the wall. It wasn’t much, and there was a tear at the bottom that was letting out a faded handful of straw, but the moment his body fell onto the tattered sheet haphazardly covering it, his mind went blank. 

Harper wasn’t sure how quickly time passed as he tossed and turned on the old bed. His temperature rose, waking him in sweat-soaked sheets, only to be chilled back to sleep minutes later. 

Some time later his eyes cracked open again, the lids sore from fitful sleep. Harper’s temple throbbed as he grasped at the damp sheet near his head, his belly pressing into the mattress. He barely managed to grasp the chamber pot and drag it closer to the bed, then drop to his knees on the cold floor to relieve himself.  

The faint sound of the lock on the door rattling pulled him a little closer to actual coherence and he hurried to fall back into the bed. Instead of panicking, Harper made sure he was decent and made himself remain calm as he saw Rule and Arthur’s familiar clothing from earlier. He couldn’t manage to lift his gaze for more than a moment due to the ache returning in his eyes, but when another set of clothing stopped beside his bed, his heart twisted with worry. 

“She’s conscious, at least. That’s definitely a good thing.” An unfamiliar voice said as he set something down on the floor, then knelt. The action put him in Harper’s line of sight. He was a bland looking man with clear balding on top of his head, though he didn’t look quite old enough to have it. 

When the man pulled out a small bottle and looked up at him, Harper pursed his lips together. He did not want to drink anything, fearing that even water would come up with how unsettled his stomach still felt. 

“Can one of you support her so that she can drink some of this? It should help her start feeling better.” The man said. 

Harper expected Rule to be the first to move, but to his surprise, Arthur set his jacket down next to Harper, then climbed into the bed. Easily lifting Harper’s weight, he settled his back against the wall, then tugged Harper against his chest in his lap. His heart sped up and his stomach twisted with the position he was now in, but no one seemed to noticed his discomfort as Arthur reached up and gently nudged his lips apart with his thumb, then tilted his head back a little. 

The action made his jaw begin to ache, but Harper forced himself to focus on the liquid being slowly poured into his mouth instead of the distracting pain. He couldn’t afford to choke and start coughing. The action would likely try to bring up what he was swallowing immediately. 

The man, who Harper’s blurry mind figured out must be a doctor, finished pouring the foul-tasting liquid down his throat and stood back with a small smile. “Hopefully that should do it. Be careful to keep her from drinks for a bit, alcohol can do a number on hardy men, let alone little lasses.” He said as he leaned over and set the bottle somewhere, then lifted up a bag onto his shoulder. 

“Thank you, doctor.” Rule said as he shook the man’s hand, then lead him from the room. 

Harper watched them go until his eyes ached too much to follow their movement. He then leaned back more comfortably against Arthur and allowed his eyes to close on a tired sigh. He hadn’t noticed that Arthur’s thumb was still between his lips, pressing softly against his lower teeth, until the man allowed it to slip free. 

I probably smell terrible from sweating so much and lying on this old cot. I don’t know why he’s still holding me.  Harper noted as Arthur’s arms settled gently around his midsection. 

“We’re sorry about what we did, Hari. We didn’t mean for it to get this bad.” He said after a long stint of silence that had nearly lulled Harper to sleep. 

Forcing his aching eyes open again, Harper saw Rule return to stop in front of them, then slip onto the bed to his left. He leaned closer, reaching up with his right hand to brush one of the black marks beneath his eyes that Harper knew he sported from his fitful tries to sleep earlier. 

“Indeed, we are. We took it too far.” 

He left out the part where someone of the same status would have been able to declined to continue drinking, because it would have been considered extremely disrespectful for Harper to decline what the lords offered him. 

I’m just glad that my wits have been here when they have.

“You don’t seem nearly well enough to make it back still, and the sun is already just about set.” Rule mused as his thumb continued to stroke along Harper’s jaw. “What do you say, Art?” He asked, his eyes moving above Harper’s head to meet his friend’s. 

Arthur shifted a bit and took a deep breath that Harper felt against his back. When he blew it out, Harper felt it rustled his hair as he turned his head just enough to rest his cheek against the man’s chest. 

“I think Sir Marksworth would have our heads if we brought his favorite lass back in such a state.” The deep rumble of Arthur’s voice brought Harper out of the doze he’d been about to slip into. 

His mouth felt dry as he tried to speak, even though he had just drank what the doctor had brought. “I want to go home.” He rasped, his throat painful from all of the vomiting he’d done earlier.

Both men looked at each other again and Harper groaned as his stomach shifted uneasily. Arthur moved him gently until he was propped up on his side with several pillows that Harper didn’t remember even being in the room. 

“Could you go get one of the maids to bring us a new chamber pot and remove the old one.” He said as Rule stood. The other man nodded and disappeared, leaving Harper alone with Arthur. He expected the man to try and take advance, but when he just lay down beside him and began rubbing his lower back with strong, firm strokes, Harper actually felt himself begin to relax. Even his stomach settled, and before Rule could even return, Harper found himself fast asleep.       

(Hmmm, this might end up being a bxbxb, but I don’t know. I’m just letting it write itself. Either way, it won’t be super pervy cause I’m not like that lol)

Odd Inquiries

The next morning brought a haze of confusion. Harper remembered getting drunk, but as he lay on the old, smelly cot from the inn, he struggled to piece together what else had happened the previous day.  

I remember throwing up a lot, and the two lords… Rule and Arthur came, with another man. 

Only the two had stayed, and while Rule was out doing something, Arthur had remained until Harper had fallen asleep. The details wouldn’t return, but he understood enough to allow himself to sigh with relief. As long as the two had remained honorable gentleman, his secret should be safe. 

Risking finally opening his eyes to deal with the new day, Harper blinked in the dimly lit room to try and focus. His eyes ached, but he did feel much better than he had the previous day. His stomach was settled enough, if not gnawingly hungry. He wouldn’t risk eating yet, however. He didn’t want to trigger another bout of sickness, so he’d wait until evening, even if his belly was already growling. 

“Good morning, Hari. How are you feeling?” 

Rules whispered question, along with the feeling of his fingers sifting softly through his hair brought Harper’s attention to where he knelt before him. 

I didn’t even realize he was here. 

Licking his dry lips, Harper moved each of his limbs a little, testing their strength, before pushing himself up into a slightly off-balanced sitting position. Rule reached out just in time to keep him from flopping back down onto the pillows, a chuckle leaving his lips. 

“Do you require more rest, or would you like to start on our trip home?” He asked. 

His question immediately had Harper struggling to get himself fully awake. He shook his head a few times, then yawned and shook his head once more. 

“I cannot tell if you are disagreeing and would wish for more sleep, or if you are trying to wake yourself up in an insufficient manner.” Rule said, a hint of humor in his voice. Harper ignored his tone and pushed himself to his feet. 

The floor was cold against his bare feet, bringing his mind a bit closer to reality. He looked around dumbly for his shoes, only to realize that Rule was holding them. “Let me help you, Hari. You don’t seem fully awake yet and we can’t have you returning with a left shoe upon your right foot, now can we?” 

Surely, he could, but Harper knew that arguing with Rule was pointless. If the man wanted to kneel before him and help him put his shoes on, then so be it. “I suppose you are correct.” He said with a tired smile. The man looked tired, too, as if he had stayed up all night, so Harper had agreed quickly just to calm his nerves, if he was, for some reason, worried about him. 

Rule returned the smile, then got busy on Harper’s shoes right as Arthur walked into the room carrying a large tray of breakfast items. Harper’s stomach immediately soured and he considered lying back down and waiting until the afternoon to start heading home.   

“I don’t think she’ll be too interested in breakfast judging from how pale she just got when you walked in with it,” Rule stated as he stood, done with his task remarkably quick. After a quick glance down to make sure that his shoes were indeed on the correct feet, Harper bit his lower lip as his stomach twisted again.

He made sure to keep his eyes away from the tray Arthur sat down on the small nightstand against the wall and headed straight for the door. Just the smell of the food was making him dizzy. 

“Hold on, hun.” 

A firm hand grasped his arm, halting him but not pulling him backward. Another hand gently lifted his face up from beneath his chin as Rule and Arthur stepped around to his front. 

“She still doesn’t look very well off… if we remain away for another day, however, sir Marksworth certainly won’t be happy.” Arthur mumbled, a frown marring his handsome face. 

Harper didn’t want to even consider remaining. He needed to rest in the safety of his little bed in the servant’s quarters. “I would very much like to return home, my lords.” Hari said, doing his best to seem as well as he could with his stomach swimming uncertainly.

The two lords glanced at each other, then back to him before Arthur sighed. “I suppose we can start on our way back, and if things take a turn, we can deal with the situation at that time?” He suggested, getting an immediate nod from Harper. 

“Well, that settles that.” Rule chimed, his normally-excitable tone back in his voice as he tugged Harper down the hall and out of the inn. He wondered if the two men even remembered they had gotten breakfast, but decided not to remind them, as he didn’t want to wait another second to be on their way back. 

The ride itself was far more pleasant than the previous one. He rode with Arthur this time. The man was a complete gentleman and much more careful with his horses movements than Rule had been. His dog scouted far ahead, thankfully leaving them be. The countryside was just beginning to become alight with the oncoming sun, giving it a glow as the rays lit up the dew left by the evening’s humidity. 

“Are you still feeling ill, Hari? Would you like to stop and rest for a bit?” Arthur asked as they began approaching the forest.

Hari had been so engrossed in just watching the scenery that he hadn’t even thought about his upset stomach. Turning slightly in the saddle, he smiled up at the other man. “I am feeling much better. Perhaps I just needed some fresh air.” The knowledge that he was going home, and soon would be free to rest for at least a short time away from the two lords, was also likely a cause of his feeling better. 

“I’m glad, you had us worried. We will not do something so rude again.” He said with a sincerity that surprised Harper more than his shocking words. He called himself and Rule, rude. It was unheard of for a duke to berate himself, even if the words were deserved, yet Arthur had just stated that they had acted quite inappropriately, intentionally. 

“I… thank you for your reassurance.” Harper said, struggling to find some way of responding to the man without actually agreeing with him, and possibly upsetting him by indirectly calling him rude. 

Arthur gave a quiet chuckle as Rule all-out laughed and nudged his horse close enough to them to take Harper’s hand and lean over to kiss his knuckles. “Yes, we were quite ungentlemanly, I must admit. I do apologize.” 

Feeling his face warm, Harper turned his gaze to the ground between the two animals and mumbled, “I accept your words, my lord.” 

Silence settled over them as he returned his attention to the forest only a few short acres away. Hope that he would be home soon swelled in his chest at the same time Arthur nudged his horse into a gentle trot. The trip through the forest was much more pleasant than their first time, too. Harper was actually able to enjoy looking at the different plants and creatures, mainly a variety of birds, as they calmly made their way through the trail. 

Once free from the trees, Harper leaned forward, eagerly taking in the land that was so familiar to him in the distance. He’d often gotten homesick when he had gone away on his few excursions with other servants, but he had never felt such relief as he did when his master’s home came into view moments later. 

“She is quite eager to be away with us.” Rule mused somewhere behind him. Harper knew that he appeared somewhat rude with his overeager body language, but he couldn’t help his excitement. He would return home and bid the lords farewell until evening, then draw himself a quick bath before climbing into bed. 

It was well accepted that if your duties took you off-property for any extended period of time, that you were permitted to rest until you were needed to perform your evening duties. He would have hours of free time to catch up on his rest, and he intended to use every second. Just the thought of crawling into his small bed made Harper yawn. 

“Now she is quite bored with us, whatever shall my poor heart do.” Rule said with such false depression in his voice that Harper couldn’t hide his laugh as he looked over to the lord. 

“Surely you are bored of me as well, my lord. As I do not remember being such a memorable guest.” Harper replied as he returned his attention to his approaching home. 

“I do believe she just called us boring.” Arthur said, drawing a chuckle from Rule as the other man nudged his horse a little closer and ahead of Arthur’s. 

“So, Hari. Which of us do you prefer to spend time with?” He asked suddenly, shocking Harper out of his excitement to turn his attention back to Rule. 

“Which of you? I do not understand. I view you both as my master’s beloved guests.” He said, confused at the man’s question. 

Rule didn’t seem deterred. In fact, he nudged his horse a little further ahead, then cut off Arthur’s for a moment as he made his steed dance across their path. He then pulled it up on the opposite side. The animal itself seemed to share in its master’s odd game, as she swung her head up and down, snorted, and gave a slight jump with her front feet. Arthur’s mount did not seem amused, but it also didn’t seem to mind. Perhaps it was just used to the other animal’s antics.

“If you had to spend time with one of us, which would it be?” Arthur asked from behind him, drawing Harper to look over his shoulder with a frown. 

Did he truly have to choose between them? Could he not just say neither? Of course not. Harper pursed his lips and faced forward, his brow furrowing with concentration. The two lords had always visited together, and, for the most part, acted quite similarly. Granted, Arthur was always the more reserved of the two, while Rule tended to break as many of his name-sakes as possible, but the two were almost a single entity in his mind. 

When he decided upon an answer, he hoped that it would do for both of them. “I believe I would not be able to choose, my lords.” 

Rule frowned at this reply while Arthur sighed, his breath rustling Harper’s hair slightly. He considered revising his answer, but they were already entering the gates of the estate and stable-hands were walking over to assist with taking the lord’s horses. 

Harper didn’t wait for them to help him down. He hurried from the saddle, using the horn to swing down a bit more gracefully than his first attempt had been. He, at least, landed on his feet this time. He also took the opportunity to make a swift retreat from his two companions, worried that they might continue to question him or request he remain with them still. Neither option sounded appealing, so he carefully slipped back into the estate and made his way down to the servant’s quarters. 

Not surprisingly, no one was around. With an excited grin, he filled the small tub in the back of the room with cold water from the pump their master had set up. It was more for them to wash their hands and clothing, as it was far from warm, but Harper was just eager to get a chance to clean himself without having to worry about anyone coming in. It had to be close to lunch time, judging from the sun’s position in the sky before he’d come inside. It was the perfect time to wash up. 

He hurried to fill the tub just enough, then tugged the curtain hanging beside it to the side. Harper made sure that he had a set of spare clothing right next to the tub, then stripped his dirty outfit and hopped in. The water was quite chilly, but the allure of being clean made him carefully scrub his body with the small bar of soap until his skin was nearly red. 

With his task finally done, Harper leaned back against the edge of the bath, sighing out all of the stress he’d built up over the past day. He was just closing his eyes to take one more moment of peace, when he felt something push against his wet hair, then snort out a breath. Shocked and confused, Harper jerked up and whirled around, grabbing for the small towel that was hanging with the curtain. 

The dog jumped back and barked, likely surprised by Harper’s sudden movement. With his heart hammering in his ears, Harper didn’t hear the approaching men until the curtain was yanked back and both Arthur and Rule stood there, eyes wide and mouths hanging open. 

Harper sunk down into the water as much as he could manage as he did his best to use the towel to hide himself. Thankfully, the water was quite soapy and slightly dirty from his rigorous scrubbing, but he knew that he had to keep his chest hidden, too. He expected the two of them to apologize and excuse themselves, but when neither moved  muscle, Harper let out a quiet cry and sank a little further into the water. 

The sound seemed to bring the two men back to their minds, as they both whirled around, Rule running right into Arthur. The two scrambled to yank the curtain back into place. The sound of their hastily retreating footsteps were barely audible over the rush of blood in Harper’s ears. His panic didn’t clear until the dog ducked away a minute later, leaving him alone once more. 

Dear gods. I don’t know what I am to do about that situation. 

He was terrified that they’d seen him, but they didn’t appear to be any kind of victorious in their haste to leave. They had looked like two men that had accidentally walked in on a lady bathing and stumbled upon themselves to retreat. 

With a tired sigh, Harper climbed from the tub and got dressed, doing so as quickly as possible. He was just tugging his shirt over his head when he heard the sound of Maria’s voice from the doorway. 

“Hari, are you in here?” 

Once he’d fixed his shirt, Hari turned around and offered Maria a small smile. “Yes, do you need my assistance?” He asked, hoping that she didn’t. He still dared to hope that he could catch a bit more sleep before his evening duties. 

“Lord Rule and lord Arthur were quite in a hurry a moment ago. They ran into me and asked if I would pass along a message.” 

Are they going to apologize? Surely they would… or perhaps they did see something?

“What message?” He asked as he dropped down onto his cot, his heart beating painfully against his chest. 

Maria frowned as she looked him over, likely noting how stressed he appeared, but she held her tongue and just replied to his question. “They said that once you were ready, to join them in our master’s meeting chambers.” 

Harper’s small smile dropped into a worried frown. What more could they want with him? Maria offered him a hug and tried to kiss his cheek, but Harper ducked and started stalking toward the door. His mood had soured and he had no interest in her flirting at the moment. 

“Thank you for the message, I will be on my way now.” 

He knew that he should have emptied his bathing tub, but surely this issue was far more important than leaving behind a bit of dirty water. 

Please do not be important. Please do not have seen anything! 

(Poor Harper can’t catch a break lol)

Decisions

Worrying his lips with his teeth for the tenth time in the last few minutes, Harper made her way up to her master’s quarters. The man was very tasteful with the design of his home and had the top floor of the building laid out perfectly for doing business. The windows were draped in bright reds and light browns that matched the red and gold trimmed carpet, and the halls had comfortable dark gold sitting chairs and tables for relaxing discussions. Sir Marksworth’s bed chambers were also on the same floor, but those rooms were far off in the back and the hall leading to them was not vibrant and welcoming like the rest of the floor. 

Rubbing at his sore lips with the back of his hand, Harper took a deep breath outside of one of the meeting rooms, then rapped on the door twice. “Come in, lass!” His master called from behind the heavy mahogany door. 

After one more moment of mental preparation, Harper pushed the door open, then turned and quietly slid it shut before walking over to the seat his master always left for him. He calmly sat down, a forced smile on his face as he folded his hands in his lap and kept his eyes on the beautifully carved table before him. The other two lords were present as well, one on either side of his master. He had caught them watching him as he entered and didn’t notice any hostility or surprise, so he was truly at a loss as to why he had been called to this meeting. 

“Good afternoon, little Hari. How was your trip with my good friends?” 

Harper knew what answer he had to give. Even if it was a complete lie. “I had quite a pleasant time, my lord. I graciously thank them for allowing me to join them.” 

There was silence for a few short moments, drawing his eyes up to glance at each lord before quickly dropping his gaze back to the table. He hadn’t noticed any odd looks, but then there was a round of hearty laughter from all three men, making Harper jerk his eyes back up in confusion. 

“M-my lords?” He asked, unsure what was so funny about the situation. 

When the men finally quieted, Rule was wearing a devilish grin while leaning forward on the table in a most ungentlemanly manner. “Little Hari, you truly believe that we would lie and tell your master, our dear and oldest friend, that we weren’t anything but cads to you on our trip? He gave us a good tongue lashing for it, but we aren’t ones to speak untruths.” 

Harper raised his eyebrows, getting another round of laughter from them before his master raised his hand, silencing the room. “Alright, we’ve all had our fun. I called you here today to speak to you about something important.” He said. 

Harper glanced at lord Rule and Arthur, then back to his master, curious as to why they were both present if the matter involved only him and his master. 

“Ah, you are wondering why they are here, too. Well, this meeting has something to do with them. Well, at least whichever you chose.” 

Chose? 

Harper couldn’t think of a time where he had been asked to pick between them… it hit him right after he stopped trying to remember. They had asked him about who he would rather spend time with on their way back from their outing. 

But what does that have to do with this meeting? Am I to accompany one of them on another outing in the coming days? 

He didn’t really mind, as long as they didn’t buy him anymore drinks, but if that was all it was, the lords could have simply asked him. He wouldn’t have been able to decline. 

“I… have not chosen either?” He stated, still very much confused. 

Lord Marksworth’s eyebrows rose in surprise, then he looked at both lords to his sides before bursting out into another fit of laughter. 

“That’s my lass! Taught these two boys a lesson, did you?” 

Harper sank back in his chair, momentarily forgetting about his normal ladylike posture as he got even more dumbfounded with the direction of the conversation. He just called the two dukes boys. Not that he would be reprimanded for it. The group of them were best of friends for far longer than however long Harper had known them, yet it still was hard to hear either of them being referred to in a negative, or at least, childish light. 

Rule’s smile only stretched further while Arthur crossed his arms over his chest and looked sideways at Rule. 

“It’s quite alright, Hari. I’m not surprised that you haven’t chosen one, after what they’ve told me happened over the span of your short trip into town, I’m shocked that you hadn’t walked back from town and sworn them off altogether.” 

He knew that he couldn’t do that, but Harper smiled and gave a quiet chuckle, just to appease the man he looked up to as a father. When lord Marksworth leaned forward, Harper straightened back up in his chair and did his best to not fidget with his hands in his lap. 

“So, since you didn’t decide who you wished to spend time with.” He paused and looked at both lords, then back to Harper with a grin on his face. “Or, I’m assuming, they didn’t strike your fancy in any way,” Harper’s face burned red. “Then we shall have to try something else.” 

Something else? As opposed to simply picking one to spend time with? Did they need a maid on a short journey of some sort? 

Harper was so utterly confused. 

“Do not fret, lass, this might be quite fun for you.” 

When Harper didn’t comment and only began to slouch back into his chair again, lord Marksworth finally took pity on him and leaned back in his own large chair and folded his hands on the table. His expression suddenly became far more serious, making Harper’s heart pick up its worried pace. 

“I am not, well, in the best of health, lassy.” 

The confession dropped Harper’s jaw. He quickly shut it, but it slowly crept open again until his master raised a hand. Harper quickly shut his mouth again, blinking back tears he hadn’t realized were gathering in his soft purple eyes. 

“Now now, do not worry. I am far from meeting my making, but I would like to be prepared for such a time, and not have to worry that any of my loved ones are left at a loss.” 

Harper looked to both lords, wondering what his master wished for him to do to help the men when he passed. There was silence for a short time before his eyes were drawn back to his master as the old man gave a quiet laugh. 

“You misunderstand, Hari. I have no worries about lord Rule or Arthur managing my passing. They are both very wealthy and their lands are fruitful. Even my other servants have places they can go, as I’ve checked with each and every one. You, from what I understand, however, would have nothing if I left.” 

The truth of his words hit Harper hard. He really would have nothing when lord Marksworth passed. He would find himself right back on the streets, stealing small amounts of coin from anyone he could get close enough to, only to barely fill his belly with stale bread. 

“Now now, lass, don’t look so down. That’s why I called you here. I will never let you go without after all of the years of hard work you’ve done for me. So, I had planned to have you set up with one of my fine friends here, however, you haven’t picked one that you like quite yet so perhaps we can handle this situation a bit differently.” 

Harper was having trouble processing the first bit of information, let alone the fact that his master was considering giving him to Rule or Arthur! 

“I think you’re scaring her.” Rule noted with his usual cheerful tone. 

Arthur tilted his head, watching Harper with his own intense gaze. “Or mentally scarring her. I would be worried, too, if I had to spend any significant amount of time with Rule.” 

Lord Rule scowled at him for his comment, but when Arthur just smirked, Rule rolled his eyes and returned his attention to Harper. 

“Well, be that as it may, I will not have my favorite lass back on the streets once I am gone. So, I’ve decided that you will spend a week at each of my good friend’s homes to see whom you like serving the most.” 

Even though he wished to speak on the matter, Harper bit his tongue. He didn’t know what he could really say to make his master change his mind. He would be perfectly fine staying at his home and serving whomever he passed the land to, but at the same time, he only knew of one of lord Marksworth’s relatives, and the man had been none-too-kind when he’d visited two years prior. 

“Alright then, who would you like to visit first, Hari?” 

Wait. Tonight? 

“Tonight?” He asked, mirroring his worried thoughts. 

His master smiled and nodded. “Yes. Whomever you choose will leave with you this evening while the other remains here, as I have quite a bit to discuss with both of them, but I must see you settled, at least for the time being, before I can truly begin to relax and plan the rest of what needs to be done.” 

Harper really didn’t want to leave with either man, and especially not so soon, but he would never wish to hinder his master. Harper could not find it in himself to even hesitate. 

“I understand, my lord. I will visit lord Rule first, if that is alright?” He asked, meeting his master’s gaze before turning his eyes to meet Rule’s. His stomach knotted when the lord gave him a large grin. 

“That is perfectly fine, Ms. Hari. My servants will be with you shortly to help you pack up your things. We’ll be off once you’re all set.” He said, surprisingly serious. 

Harper gave a shaky nod before turning his attention back to his master. It was hard to accept that he was ailing. He didn’t look much different than always. Sure, his eyes appeared a little more sunken and his hair was stiff and dull, but the man was quite old. It was normal to not look his best every day… yet to think that he was dying. 

“Now none of that, Hari. Be off with you, lass, you have some packing to do for your new journey.” Lord Marksworth said, effectively dismissing Harper. 

Reluctantly, Harper stood and bowed. “If you’ll excuse me, my lords. I shall go get started on packing my personal items in preparation for departure.” 

He didn’t lift his eyes until he was outside the room, the large door firmly shut behind him. His heart was racing as if he’d just run about like one of the new foals in spring, yet he felt as miserable as he’d ever felt in his life. 

Tears welled up at the edges of his eyes. Harper blinked repeatedly to try and keep them from spilling over, but as he ran through the house, down the service corridors, then into the servant quarters, he couldn’t fight the sadness in his mind from infecting his heart. He did not want to leave, even if just for two short visits with the lords. 

Maria sat upon her bunk as he stepped into the large room. Several other servants were present but none paid him any mind as he trudged over to his bunk and dropped down onto it, sniffling. His friend was at his side not a moment later, but what could he tell her? 

When her arms came around his shoulders and she pulled his head down to her shoulder, he allowed himself to cry. Lord Marksworth had told him that the rest of the servants already knew and had places to go, which meant that Maria likely understood why he was so upset. That he’d just been told what was going to happen. 

“It’ll be okay, Hari. You’ll see. Our lord will not let you suffer.” She whispered against his hair. 

He knew that, and greatly appreciated lord Marksworth’s kindness. He would do his best to make the man proud and pick whichever lord he thought he would benefit better. He knew that he had to pack, too, but he couldn’t fight her comfort. He would allow himself to cry for just a bit longer, than he would stand tall and do his best to face the new obstacles placed before him.   

“I will be back soon, keep things together for me?” He whispered back. 

Maria nodded against his hair. “Of course. I’ll be waiting when you come back to pick fun at you and steal kisses.” 

Harper chuckled at her hushed words. He would miss her. Hopefully his visits wouldn’t be bad, but he was already worried enough to not even consider eating anything for the day.

Keep it Together

Rule’s home looked exactly how Harper imagined it would. The grounds were well kept, but there were hints of humor scattered about if one bothered to look closely. Some of the most beautiful plants were sculpted right next to the walkways, yet had thorns hidden within their branches. 

Another thing that screamed Rule was the generally odd layout of said walkway. Most of the cobblestone wound about the estate but few actually came to an end anywhere useful. The majority of the paths twisted into hedges or large trees. Two, Harper noticed as he finally slid from the carriage and stretched his aching body, ran right into stone walls. 

A firm hand dropping onto his shoulder brought Harper’s attention up to Rule as the man stared down at him with a big grin. “Welcome home, Hari.” 

Harper’s face warmed at the honestly he felt in the man’s words. His eyes turned back to the large, dark brown and white estate. It was a beautiful building and he could definitely see himself learning its many halls and working hard, but he knew better than to be too optimistic. He hadn’t even met the rest of the help and he still had to be extremely careful about hiding his gender. 

Nodding to Rule finally, Harper returned the man’s smile and hurried to follow after him as he strode forward. They climbed the ivory white stairs, then were let inside by a butler at the large double wooden doors that had more window than door. 

Unable to help himself, Harper stopped just inside the foyer and stared at the massive inside. Windows lifted high into the air, unobscured by drapes, like his master’s windows tended to be. Not that he minded, but with such large windows, light streamed inside amazingly well. The bright red carpet that ran from the front door straight up the main staircase that split to either side once upstairs was beautiful, and the marble walkway on either side of it shown in the light. 

“Oh my! Who is this, my lord?” A woman no older than thirty asked as she hurried forward to take Rule’s coat. Draping it over her arm, she eyed Harper a little unnervingly, though she seemed to try and hide it behind a wide smile. 

“This is Hari. She’s going to be helping out here for the week. Please teach her the ropes well, Matilda.” 

The woman walked over and placed her hand on Harper’s shoulder, much like Rule had, but when he headed toward the stairs after waving to them, her nails begin to dig into his skin. 

“Come on then, we have much to do.” 

He was a bit surprised that he was lead to the kitchen, instead of the servant’s quarters where he could put his things down. It was also brightly lit and well taken care of with staff bustling about. “Drop your bag in the corner and grab a bucket. There’s a spigot outside the door there,” she said, motioning to a door at the far end of the giant room. 

Harper hurried to do as she said, dropping his small bag and grabbing a bucket lined up along the wall. He wasn’t sure why he couldn’t just use the sink another maid was getting water from, but he didn’t argue. When he returned with the bucket, the woman promptly shoved several rags into his chest, then pointed out the door. “Go scrub the entryway, then all of the stairs.” 

Biting back a frown, Harper nodded and went about his task. He worked quickly and efficiently, doing his best to get up tough mud stains and any dirt that had fallen into minuscule scratches. He was so focused on what he was doing that he didn’t notice time slipping away until Matilda’s black flats appeared in front of where he knelt, scrubbing away at a tough smudge that he almost had up. 

His eyes rose to meet hers, but she didn’t look pleased with his hard work. Her arms were crossed over her ample bosom and her brown hair was messily trying but failing to cover her grey eyes’ angry glare. 

Sensing that he was in trouble, Harper jumped to his feet and bowed his head slightly. 

“Do you know what time it is, Hari?” The woman asked, making Harper frown as he glanced up at the windows, their light having somewhat dimmed over the hours he’d worked. He lowered his gaze back to her and frowned. “Perhaps around four in the afternoon?” 

Living on the streets, he’d gotten fairly good at judging the time by the placement of the sun, and the woman actually looked rather surprised, but she didn’t let the expression show for more than a second. 

“Then you should know that it should not take half a day to wipe down the floor!” She hissed, clearly wishing to yell, but not wanting to cause a scene. 

Harper bit back a nasty response and simply nodded. “I do apologize, I thought you wished for me to scrub the floor… it was quite dirty.” 

He hadn’t gotten everything yet, either, so he wasn’t too happy when she pulled him away and put him on the task of washing dishes. There was a surprisingly large amount, and no one seemed able to help, even though there had been plenty of people in the room when he’d arrived earlier. The few that remained seemed busy with their own tasks.

It was nearly six hours later when he finally had everything washed, dried, and put away in the spots where they belonged, which he had to figure out on his own in the huge room. His eyes were already half-lidded by the time he finally turned around, wiping his hands on the last somewhat clean hand towel in the room. 

Oh. No one else is even here. 

He wasn’t sure where they had all gone, but as his stomach rumbled, a large cart piled high with dirty dishes was pushed into the room by an older man dressed in a pair of worn black trousers and a matching shirt. 

“Madam Matilda said that you would be waiting for this, Ms. Hari?” The man questioned, drawing a sigh from Harper as he grudgingly nodded. 

So I had missed supper while washing the dishes, and now I’m to just keep working. 

He’d expected to work, and wanted to prove that he could, but he hadn’t expected such a cold welcome. Rule was one of the most charismatic people he’d ever met, yet the man’s household seemed even more distant than Arthur appeared to act sometimes. 

At least Arthur was never outright cold to me. Mean, sometimes, and plenty of other times, indifferent, but he didn’t outright shun me and overwork me on purpose. 

It took a lot of effort to push his thoughts back to being positive. He could deal with an overbearing woman in charge of him. Eventually she would get tired of bothering him, but at the same time, he wondered how things would be different if he were to work at Arthur’s, instead. 

“Good evening, Hari.” 

Hearing Rule’s voice, Harper quickly set down the last plate he’d been drying on the stack on the counter, then turned with a tired smile. He was glad to see the man, and not Matilda, standing in the doorway. When their eyes met, Rule’s expression fell slightly and he stepped into the room, gesturing for Harper to come to him. 

Pursing his lips nervously, Harper slowly made his way to stand before the man, head down as he numbly stared at the hardwood beneath his worn shoes. His heart was thumping hard against his ribs at the thought of all of the things Matilda could have told him that he’d done wrong that day. His fingers twisted together in front of him, the gesture an obvious sign of his unease, but one he couldn’t manage to control at that moment.

“Matilda has told me quite a bit about your first day.” Rule finally said, his warm breath rustling the tips of Harper’s hair with how close they stood.  

When Rule didn’t continue, Harper hesitantly lifted his eyes to the man’s chest and shrugged his shoulders slightly. “Am I to assume that not all of my ministrations were seen in a positive light?” He asked quietly, his voice rasping from forgetting to drink much during the day. 

 When Rule just chuckled and reached forward, stilling Harper’s fidgeting with his own hands, Harper brought his gaze up to finally meet his. “Master?” He questioned, confused. 

Rule was grinning, but it was clear that he was quite tired. “Hari, has she told you where you’ll be staying?” He asked as he walked over and picked up Harper’s bag before he could even respond, then swung it over his shoulder before turning back to him. 

“Never mind, clearly, she hasn’t. I do apologize for her behavior. I’d rather she not run you ragged before Arthur is to take you, so you’ll be staying in the spare room attached to my sitting room, and be my personal maid for the week instead of helping down here.” 

Harper’s mouth dropped open but he didn’t get a chance to argue with the man, nor would Rule have likely even listened as he promptly left the room with Harper’s small bag of belongings. He had been worried about staying in the servant’s quarters and being found out while trying to change, but he most definitely didn’t think living so close, and working directly under Rule, was going to be any easier!

Seeing Yourself

It was harder than he imagined to make his eyes open the next morning. He was starving, still having eaten nothing since the previous morning, but the bed was so unbelievably comfortable. He’d never even slept on anything besides a stiff cot. Not that he was ungrateful, but now he knew exactly why people spent so much money on such things. 

A soft knock echoed from the door, then Rule’s voice slipped through to him a moment later. “Am I going to have to come in there and wake you myself, Hari? You’ve already missed breakfast.” 

Aw. 

The idea of working on an empty stomach, again, made Harper groan into his pillow, drawing a laugh from the other side of his bedroom door. “I saved you some of mine, as I ate a large dinner, so best get up quickly or I might get hungry again and decide to finish it off.” 

Harper didn’t need anymore encouragement. He jumped out of bed and hurried to get himself dressed for the day. The moment he considered himself presentable, he opened the door to a grinning Rule. 

“Hey there, lass. Good morning.” 

It was hard to focus on Rule when Harper’s eyes had already found the tray of food sitting off to the side between two large chairs in the sitting room. The scent from it made his stomach growl loudly, drawing another laugh from Rule. 

“I can see that I’m not the most important thing currently. Fill your belly, then we’ll go over what I need you to do today, alright?” 

Harper nodded absently, not even remembering to turn toward Rule respectfully, and instead nodded in the direction of the food before hurrying over to it. He did remember to take a seat before picking up the plate of eggs, ham and porridge. The food had clearly been picked at, but it was obvious that it had also been way too much of a portion for one man. 

“Matilda seemed to think that I needed two portions, even though I swear I remembered to inform the chef early this morning that we would need two plates, and thus, two separate portions.” Rule said with a hint of a chuckle in his voice as he dropped into the seat next to the small table nestled between the two chairs. 

“I swear that woman isn’t nearly this bad to new people. Yesterday was more a test for her than for you. I wanted to see how far she was willing to push someone new. She got quite frustrated when I recently refused to hire one of her relatives that had a theft on their record, and I assume now that she thinks I’m already hiring you, that she needs to make you look bad in order to get back at me.” 

Too engrossed in his food to respond, and with a full mouth, Harper just nodded at Rule’s words, earning himself a pat atop his head from the other man. “You’re such a sweet lad . So forgiving.” 

Harper shot Rule a look, drawing a smirk from the man as he raised an eyebrow. “I’m glad you’re still chewing or I’d probably be being put in my place right now for that jest, hm?” 

Nodding, Harper swallowed, scowled, then refocused on his breakfast. He wanted to reprimand the man, but honestly, he didn’t feel like he should right then. Rule had clearly saved him breakfast and allowed him to sleep in. If he wanted to joke around a bit, he would let the jabs pass. 

“Arthur would be staring at you in shock for not defending yourself. Perhaps you really are a lad and you’re just tired of us poking at you.” 

Fighting a grin of his own, Harper shrugged his shoulders as he finished off the portion of eggs and turned his attention to the large slab of seared ham. 

“You sure eat a lot for a little lady.” Rule continued, likely catching on to Harper’s bit of playfulness. 

  Finishing up the pork, Harper finally took in a deep breath and relaxed back into the large stuffed chair. It easily swallowed his thin form, but Rule looked quite at home in his as he leaned on the armrest, smile firmly in place as he waited for a response. 

Feeling quite sated, Harper took his time picking at the porridge as he replied between small bites. “Young ladies need their food to grow.” 

Rule’s eyebrow ticked up. “Oh? And how old might you be, miss, that you are still growing?” He asked. 

Harper pursed his lips to keep from smiling. “It is not very gentlemanly to ask a lady her age, my lord.” 

“I’m not the best gentleman,” He said, adding a wink before standing and turning toward him. “Alright, I have quite a large event happening tomorrow evening as a bit of fun before the coming season.” 

Tilting his head, Harper considered what kind of odd event Rule would host. He didn’t think the man could possibly have some simple dinner or dance, but he also couldn’t figure out what else he could do. 

“Using that brain, I like it when you try too hard to figure out my plans.” Rule joked, drawing a blush from Harper as he pushed himself up, feeling much better after having eaten. 

“I will be hosting a ball, of sorts, Hari.” He stated, making Harper’s brows rise. 

A ball? That’s all? 

He felt a bit relieved at such a simple answer, but when Rule’s smile began to grow, Harper felt his stomach fidget nervously. “That’s not all, is it?” He asked, his voice a monotone. 

“Of course not, lass!” Rule chimed as he took a step back, then, with a flourish, gave a deep bow. 

“My dear, I will be hosting a crossdressing ball.” 

Of course he would. Why did I not see this coming? 

Sarcasm aside, Harper was having trouble keeping his breathing even enough to stay on his feet. “I can see that the idea is quite appealing to you, Hari.” Rule said, catching on that he was not considering the idea appealing in the least. 

“Well, if you wouldn’t mind running that tray down to the kitchen to be washed, I’d like for you to head to the seamstress’ quarters afterward. It’s pretty close by, so just ask one of the servants to point you in the right direction.” 

I’m sure Matilda would help me find the right direction. He thought with a shake of his head as he leaned over and picked up the tray. He then turned and bowed to Rule. “Yes sir.” 

“When she finds something that will fit you, come back up here so that I can check it before we finalize it.” 

“Yes sir, I will.” 

After being dismissed, Harper hurried down to the kitchen. There weren’t too many people about, even though, judging from the light coming in from the giant windows above the main staircase, it was likely getting close to noon. 

I suppose they’re all eating lunch or enjoying the weather with tasks outside. 

He wouldn’t have minded lounging about outside in the sun for a short time, but he wanted to be sure that he made a good impression on lord Rule, so he needed to get what the man requested of him done first. Once he’d dropped off the tray to a young maid working on dishes in the sink, he stepped out of the room and looked about, wondering if he could find someone to bring him to the seamstress. He didn’t want to bother the young girl working, so he strode about for a short time. 

Unfortunately, the one person he did end up finding, was definitely not the one he wished to see. 

“Oh hello there, little Hari. How are we this afternoon? Rest well?” 

I would not have slept in if I had been allowed a decent meal and a break yesterday. Hari hissed to himself, biting his tongue as to not have the woman run back to Rule the moment he uttered something negative. 

“Good afternoon.” He mumbled before turning away. He intended to find someone else. Anyone else, to take him to the seamstress, but Matilda seemed determined to ruin his day, again. Her sharp nails snagged his arm and forced him to stop and slowly turn to face her with a fake smile on his face. 

“I could use you if Rule hasn’t already given you something to do.” She stated, tightening her grip on his arm. 

I think this is the only time I will ever be grateful for Rule’s strange ideas. 

“I do apologize, but I am due at the seamstress.” He said, trying to pull away from the woman. Her fake smile dropped slightly, bringing a glare to her gaze that made him shrink back a little. 

“Oh, not to worry. The seamstress is right through those doors, down the hall, then through a few short walkways. You can’t miss her.” 

Before Harper could question Matilda for more detail, the woman hurried away with a swing of her hips. She’s not even wearing a maid uniform today… He pushed the thought away as soon as it had come up. It didn’t matter to him what she wore. Rule had said that she was one or his servants. 

He turned his attention toward the pair of doors she had pointed at across the marble and carpet he had so carefully scrubbed the previous day. Well, hopefully she is at least sending me in the right direction. It wouldn’t surprise him in least if she wasn’t, but he needed to get a move on if he wanted to find the seamstress, faulty directions or not. So, grudgingly, he headed in the direction she had told him to. 

It was no shock to him when he found himself lost, having gotten turned around after going through a fifth pair of doors. The home was much larger than he’d thought. Each hall looked just similar enough to the last that he couldn’t determine which way he had come from when doubling back. 

After at least an hour, he leaned back against a dark purple door and sighed, closing his eyes at the headache beginning to pound through his temple. “Perfect.” He whispered right as the door behind him opened and he went stumbling backward onto his backside with a yelp. It took him a moment to realize what had happened, then another few seconds to scramble back to his feet and notice a tall, gangly woman with a shock of bright red hair and a pleasant smile watching him as she closed the doors he’d just fallen through. 

“Hello there, you must be here for a fitting for the ball?” 

Harper nodded, unsure of what else he should say to the woman. When she nodded in return, then headed over to her desk where she picked up some measuring tape, he hesitantly followed. “Remove your shirt and skirt please, and hold your arms out to the side.” Harper’s face paled immediately and he shook his head, darting a glance toward the door. 

The woman raised an eyebrow when he didn’t comply. “Oh don’t tell me you’re nervous, I’m sure you’ve been to a seamstress before to get that outfit fitted.” She stated, making him blush as he shook his head. 

Giving a huff, the woman put her hands on her hips, opened her mouth to argue, then sighed at the look on his face. “Fine, fine. But don’t get upset if I can’t find anything that fits well.” 

Harper smiled brightly and nodded. “I won’t mind at all, ma’am, thank you!” 

His enthusiasm drew a quiet laugh from the woman as she walked around him, measuring his body as best she could through his clothing. “Alright, I think I might have something sitting around. Have a seat while I look… and take a deep breath, you’re scaring me, lass.” 

Biting his lower lip, Harper backed into a corner and dropped into the hardwood seat there. He fidgeted every few moments, but he did manage to calm down as he focused on the woman as she dug through chest after chest of garments. They were all crisply folded and clearly well taken care of. It took her quite a while to find the specific one she wanted, but when she finally returned everything else to the chests, then turned to him, holding out the folded items, Harper stood up and nervously took them. 

“Now then, off you go. Behind that changing screen. I need to see them on you to be sure.” 

Knowing that he’d already gotten lucky with her willingness to bend her rules, Harper hurried behind the screen and stripped quickly. The white breeches were a worn leather, but the garment was clearly well made and taken care of. Harper marveled at the gold buttons lining the left pant leg by the pocket. They were likely not real gold, but they were beautiful to him none-the-less. He easily fastened the pants on his waist, then secured the belt that had already been threaded through the needed holes. 

A smile widened his face at how well they fit. He wanted to look at himself in a mirror already, but he knew that he had to hurry and get the shirt on so that she didn’t try to check on him. Taking the next garment, he eyed it with even more enthusiasm as he held it up. 

Gorgeous. 

Dark blue and red covered the fancy long sleeved shirt and the fabric was incredibly soft to the touch. Harper slid it on and buttoned it easily. Once done, he turned to the last item and pulled it on over top the shirt. It was a white waistcoat with dark blue lacing. The threads gave him a bit of trouble, but by the time he finally stepped out from behind the screen, he knew that he had managed decently well judging by the woman’s pleased expression. 

“My my my! If I hadn’t seen you come in wearing that maid uniform, I would swear upon the lord that you were a young lad, not a lass in the least!” The woman said with nearly too much enthusiasm as she clasped her hands together in front of her chest. 

“Perfect, just perfect! Run along now, master Rule requested that he see the outfit before it’s finalized, but I just know that he’ll approve.” 

Oh right. I have to show him. 

Harper wasn’t sure how he felt about walking in front of the other man as a male, but he knew that he couldn’t avoid doing so. Rule had requested it, and if he didn’t go, the lord would just come find him. 

“Alright, ma’am. Thank you for your help. I’ll be back soon for my clothing.” He said, getting a chuckle from her. “Oh don’t worry about that, lass. If you take a bit, I’ll just have your clothing sent up. Oh, and be sure to take the first two rights when you go down the hall, then slip through the little servants passage that’s usually open by there. It will let you out right next to the main staircase, since you seemed a bit lost when you arrived.” 

Grinning, Harper thanked her for the direction, then headed off. Thankfully, she was much nicer than Matilda, and her directions were perfect. He came out right by the stairs and ran up them with a vigor he hadn’t possessed in years. He was worried that he might look too much like a boy now, but at the same time, he was eager to see himself in the floor-length mirror he’d seen in his temporary bedroom. 

He knocked several times and waited a few minutes before letting himself into Rule’s quarters. The man wasn’t in, which wasn’t a surprise. Harper headed for his own room and pushed aside the curtains by the large window to let in more light. 

“Perfect.” 

Turning toward the mirror, Harper licked his lips and nervously took slow steps forward. He didn’t look into the glass until he was right in front of it. Wow. Without thinking, he reached forward and pressed his fingers to the cool surface, shocked at how he looked. After so many years of only seeing himself as a female maid, seeing his body clad in male garments, and fine ones at all, was a shock. 

He stared for several silent moments before his front braid softly slid beside his left eye, drawing his attention to it. 

Hello, Abby. I hope you’ve been doing well in heaven. I’m sure you would have loved to speak with the seamstress while she was choosing these clothes. I hope you approve of what she decided on.

Harper blinked several times, then reached back and ran his fingers gently over the braid behind his left ear. Hanna, I miss you too, little one. I bet you would have pestered me for hours about how sloppily I have dressed myself in such fine clothing, though I could never tell what was amiss no matter what I wore, and still swear to this day that you just liked frustrated me to no end.

He sniffed and gave his head a slight shake before reaching back with his right hand, giving the braid settled to the left of his right ear a gentle tug. 

Don’t worry, I could never forget about you, little Miss Missy. You would tell me to finally end this charade… and also to steal the clothing because they make my eyes seem even brighter and that that would be a good enough response to escape reprimand if I were to be caught.

Harper hadn’t noticed that he’d begun to cry until he felt a thumb carefully travel beneath his left eye. A hand also sifted through his hair until it gently grasped his and squeezed softly. “There is a story here that I would be glad to listen to, should you wish to speak with me about it.” Rule whispered as the man wrapped him in a gentle hug.     

(I’m mean. I make cliffhangers.)

Disclosure

The silence that followed Rule’s soft words was surprisingly comforting. Harper turned in the man’s arms and huddled against him, absorbing his warmth. He was still considered a girl, so surely it wouldn’t be frowned upon to accept the man’s reassuring embrace for a short moment. 

A knock at the door a few moments later had them pulling away from each other slowly, though Rule refused to let him get too far. His left arm remained wrapped around him, hand grasping his waist to keep him close. Looking over his shoulder, Rule glanced in the direction of the door in the sitting room as he addressed whoever was on the other side of it. “What is it? I’m currently busy.” 

Harper’s heart gave a jerk at the man’s words and his face heated a small amount, much to his confusion. He felt eyes on him as they awaited an answer, making him duck his head, bangs brushing faintly against Rule’s shirt. 

“Pardon me, my lord, but your first guests are arriving momentarily.” The unfamiliar voice on the other side of the door answered. 

A soft brush of air rustled the tips of Harper’s hair as Rule sighed out a breath, his thumb moving against Harper’s side, likely without much thought to the action. It made Harper fidget, but Rule seemed to ignore his response as he replied. 

“Very well, thank you for informing me. I’ll be down in a few minutes.” 

The voice answered with a quick “Yes, my lord,” before likely leaving, as they said nothing more. 

“I suppose we’re due downstairs.” Rule said with a bored tone. Harper was about to question his lack of enthusiasm when he realized what he’d just said. 

“We?” He asked, brow furrowing with worry. He didn’t want to be around the guests anymore than he had to. Surely a lowly maid, even one that answered directly to the lord of the estate, didn’t need to be in attendance to greet guests. 

When Rule smirked down at him, Harper felt his stomach twist into a knot. “Of course. You are my valet now, not my maid, silly lad. Boys cannot be maids.” 

Harper was about to argue, for the hundredth time, that he wasn’t a boy, when he realized the gleam in the man’s eyes. Is he poking fun at me again or hinting at the event tomorrow? Harper couldn’t tell, and it was making him conflicted on the answer he should choose. 

“It’s alright, lass. I was just poking fun, come. We’ve got guests to greet, and besides, you do not look anything short of a lord, yourself. You will act as my friend during this event.” Rule stated before turning and walking out of Harper’s bedroom. 

Stunned, Harper didn’t move until he was called, then hurried to the sitting room door in a daze. I cannot act as his friend! I know nothing or the aristocracy besides the behaviors that I’ve seen! I have no real history myself! And do I pretend to be a male or a female? If he is going to pretend that I am a man, then will be in a dress for the evening? 

“Hari.” 

Unable to focus, Harper walked right into Rule’s chest. Before he could jump back and apologize, Rule’s hands were on his shoulders, steadying him. “It’s alright, lass. Breathe. No one will bother you much, I assure you. Just make up some tale about your past if you do not care to share your true one, which I wouldn’t suggest. They will not pay you any mind if it sounds logical. Besides, considering the amount of alcohol these louts tend to inhale, they won’t hear much of anything you say, either.” 

Harper frowned, wondering why Rule was having the get together anyways, if he only planned to get his guests drunk enough to forget it by morning. 

“Come now, enough standing about.” Rule said as he took Harper’s hand and began tugging him down the hall. 

He was still unsure of his current situation but Harper bit back another response as they headed down the stairs. Rule didn’t release his hand until they came into view of the group of four standing near the entrance. Servants were already taking their coats and hats, and their attention slowly turned to him and Rule once they were finished handing off their things. 

“Good afternoon, lord Rule. How are you on this fine day?” One of the women, a blond holding onto a man’s arm, but just barely, asked with a smile that almost made Harper cringe. The man she was holding onto gave a slight grin, thought Harper couldn’t tell if the man was just holding back a frown or a sneer. 

“Hello, Natasha, Michael. I am quite well. If I may introduce my friend, Hari. He’s visiting at the unfortunate time that this event is going on. He won’t be drinking, a shame, but I do hope you will enjoy his company when not busy with the other guests.” Rule said, nodding to Harper, making him take a hesitant step forward and bow his head, then shake each of the guests’ hands. 

“A pleasure to meet you both.” He said, trying his best to keep his voice from shaking. His palms were beginning to feel clammy, too, and he hoped that he would not have to shake anyone else’s hands for fear of giving his nervousness away. 

Thankfully, the other two were just offered simple introductions with a pleasant smile. Another man and woman. Marius and Juliet. Once the guests were on their way to get settled, lead by two servants, Harper finally released the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. 

“You did well, Hari.” Rule complimented, making him relax a little more. 

He thought that they would be going on to their next task, but the sound of boots on the marble floor of the entryway brought his eyes from Rule, back to the doorway. Oh no. Standing before them with his arms crossed, wearing a pair of perfectly tailored brown breeches and a dark red coat, was Arthur. 

Why now? Why when I am wearing this clothing! 

He felt light-headed in an instant, his face draining of color, but somehow he managed to remain on his feet. The look that Arthur was giving him when he managed to raise his eyes high enough to look, twisted his insides to the point of nearly forcing him to vomit. 

Before he could bring his numb body to react, Arthur was in front of him. Firm fingers grasped his chin, forcing it up so that the man could run his eyes over his face. Arthur then took a small step back, but didn’t release him as he took in his outfit. 

His gaze was harsh when he finally released Harper’s chin… and like a scared child hiding from their governess’s wrath, Harper ducked behind Rule, clutching the back of his shirt without a second thought and pressing his forehead against his back. 

He felt the lord fidget from the action, but then straighten and chuckle. “You’ve scared our kitten, Arthur. Tsk.” 

Arthur gave a frustrated growl as he took a step forward, his boots easily audible on the flooring. “Do not joke with me right now, Rule. Clearly you are not so blind!” He shouted, making Harper flinch. 

Rule must have felt his reaction, because he glanced around the foyer for a moment, then grabbed Harper’s wrist in one hand and Arthur’s with the other. He then proceeded to drag them both down a short hall behind the staircase and into a small library Harper hadn’t known was there. 

The second the door was shut and locked by Rule, Arthur was on him, fire burning in his angry eyes. “Rule, this is ridiculous!” He shouted, getting only a raised eyebrow from Rule as he sauntered over to drop into a large stuffed chair. He looked like a lazing cat as he stared up at Arthur, a smug grin on his lips. 

Harper had ducked to the far end of the room and was glad that Rule put himself between him and the fuming lord. 

“True, I shouldn’t have dressed her up until tomorrow evening, but when I saw how good she looked in the outfit, I wanted to surprise you.”

Wait. He knew he was showing up this morning? 

Harper couldn’t hide his scowl, drawing Arthur’s narrowed eyes. 

“ He does not seem pleased.“ Arthur stated, his tone of voice calming the slightest amount. He couldn’t keep his eyes from continuing to asses Harper, but at least he was doing it from afar. 

“I didn’t need to tell her. I gave you the option to come today or tomorrow.” Rule said, his voice indifferent as he leaned back to look behind the chair at Harper. “You don’t care that he’s here, right Hari?” 

It would have been nice to know that he was coming… and saved me having a near-heart attack. 

Of course, he knew that he couldn’t say such a thing. So, he bit his tongue and smiled. “Of course not, my lord.” 

Rule’s smirk fell to a confused frown, but Harper was no longer in any mood to be around either of them. Since Rule hadn’t ordered him to do anything and had just pulled him into the room, he awkwardly skirted the area until he was standing back by the door. It put him far closer to Arthur than he wished to be at that moment, but he wanted to leave. 

“If I may be excused, my lord? I’d like to see that our rooms are taken care of.” 

He’d noticed that Rule’s sitting room had needed a good bit of cleaning earlier. He could do that. He was comfortable cleaning. 

Rule was just opening his mouth to respond when Arthur raised a hand, effectively silencing him before turning to Harper. 

“That is a good idea. We’ll talk later, Hari. You’re dismissed.” 

With a quick bow, Harper unlocked the door and darted from the room, leaving the two lords to their own devices.

Illogical

Cleaning was indeed a huge stress reliever for Harper. Thankfully, all of the supplies for the three rooms had been stored in one of the washrooms’ closets, allowing him to steer clear of Matilda. He dusted everything first, not wanting to spread the pesky dirt about as he put things in their rightful places. He took care of his room first, being sure to make the bed appropriately, fluff the pillows and fold and put anyway any loose linens of clothing. 

Next, he took care of the sitting room. The bookshelves Rule had pressed against the far wall took a good while to dust, but Harper was glad to have something to keep his focus. When the bookshelves were finally clean to his liking, he swept the floor and took care of a few other simple things in the room. 

With two rooms done, Harper now stood before Rule’s. He hadn’t specifically gotten permission to enter it, but at the same time, Rule had said that he would serve as his maid, and only his. Yet I am to be his friend during this event, and valet, too. 

Deciding that he had reason enough to enter, Harper took a deep breath and stepped inside of the dark room. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but a crisp, clean space was not it. Rule seemed far more the disorganized out of the odd duo that he and Arthur made up. Yet, his room was nearly spotless. 

With a shrug, Harper grabbed the broom and swept up the bedroom and washroom, then wiped down the small amount of dust that had settled about. Deciding that the room could use a bit of air, too, he walked over to the large bay window and pushed it open. A faint chill sent a shiver down his spine as cool air rushed inside. 

Fall will be here soon. He noted as he took in a deep breath, then blew it out with a content smile. He’d needed this time alone to calm his nerves. 

“Who are you and what are you doing in his master’s chambers!” 

The yelled words made Harper jump as he spun around. He knew who’d be there, as her voice was quite hard to forget, as well as her unkind actions. He wondered, however, what Matilda was doing in such a place. 

“I am to help lord Rule during the event tomorrow evening.” He stated, doing his best to stay standing tall with his chin up. He’d be lying if he said she didn’t intimidate him, but he knew that Rule would favor his word due to her previous actions against him. 

The woman’s eyes narrowed as she took in what he was wearing. “And why is it that you are wearing that attire when the event is tomorrow?” 

Harper bit back a scowl. She had no right to question him. Being directly beneath Rule in the household technically made him of higher rank, but he couldn’t find the courage in him to tell her that. She would likely not accept his words, anyways, for that matter. 

“He requested that I try on the outfit, then sent me up here to clean things up. I simply forgot to change back out of it.” He stated, then added. “And what, may I ask, are you doing in his chambers?” 

The woman straightened her shoulders and turned her nose up at him. “As a matter of fact, you may not ask. It seems that you are finished with your current task, so come along. I have need of you in the cellar.” 

That sounds delightful. 

Knowing that if he followed her, he’d likely end up dirtying his current outfit far worse than simply cleaning a few rooms, of which he’d been told that he was to maintain until the end of the event, Harper slowly shook his head. “I do apologize, but I must decline. Lord Rule gave me strict orders to clean up his chambers, and I do not believe that I am quite finished. If I do complete my tasks before he returns, I will seek him out for my next duty.” 

And him alone. He added in his mind for reassurance. 

“Why you insolent little git! I am the head maid in this house, and you will do as I say!”  

Forcing himself not to step back, Harper folded his shaking hands behind his back and narrowed his eyes on the woman. For the second time, she wasn’t dressed in any sort of maid uniform. She had on a dark red dress draped in lace and frills. There was definitely make up upon her face, too. 

“Why were you here again, ma’am?” He asked, curious what she could possibly want in Rule’s chambers, dressed as she was, without him being present. 

She growled something under her breath, then turned on her heels to stalk out of the room. The sound of actual heeled shoes clicked on the floor until she stepped onto the carpet leading out of the room. Harper followed her until the doorway to Rule’s bedroom, then watched her stalk out. She looked like she was about to slam the door shut when she stopped abruptly, clearly needing to exert some effort to slow the door to a stop. 

“My lord, how has your day been so far?” She asked as she leaned back slightly, lifting her bosom up higher than was necessary for good posture. 

Could she truly be trying…

“Quite well, madam. How are you? Was there something you needed in my chambers?” He asked, making her fidget slightly. 

Harper couldn’t hide the grin that crept onto his face at the accusatory tone the man slipped into his question. He couldn’t see Rule, but the man’s strong voice carried easily into the rooms. 

“I had just noticed little Hari entering them and came to see if she needed any assistance.” 

Assistance? I had been cleaning for quite some time. 

“You mean to tell me that she had just returned to my rooms recently?” He asked, a hint of accusation in his tone. 

Matilda nodded quickly. “Yes sir. It could have not been but ten or fifteen minutes prior to your current arrival.” She said, making Harper roll his eyes. 

“Very well. You are dismissed.” Rule said before walking past her and into the room. When he noticed him standing by the doorway, his expression immediately changed to one of hesitance. 

When Arthur followed him in a moment later and shut the door, Harper’s own expression fell and he hunched against the door frame. He wasn’t interested in being around the lords, yet he had no right to excuse himself this time. 

He followed the men with his eyes until Arthur dropped into a large plush chair. Rule had taken the other one nearby, leaving only standing room for Harper unless he wished to cross the room to the other set of chairs. He decided against it. 

“Listen, Hari.” Arthur began, making Harper’s brow crease with worry. 

“Oh don’t give me that look. I apologize. I was very rude to you when I arrived earlier and it was uncalled for. I was just… I thought that Rule had finally gotten you to admit that you’re a boy…” 

When he didn’t continue, Rule stepped in. “And he gets extremely mad when I figure things out before him, cause I never do!” He ended, laughing for only a moment before forcing himself to return to his serious expression. 

“So, we just wanted to apologize. I should have told him that I was going to have you dressed differently before the ball, and I should have told you that he was to be joining us.” 

His previous frustration and worry slowly began to decrease. The two lords were watching him, worry in their own soft eyes. They think I might not forgive them. For once, Harper actually felt like he could say that he was mad at them and not have to worry about being reprimanded. It was somewhat of a shock, honestly.  

Granted, he’d been upset enough to tell them before, especially when they were messing with him about his gender, but he’d always made sure that his tone wasn’t serious. 

Biting his lip, he awkwardly crossed his arms over his chest and leaned his weight against the doorjamb. Meeting first Arthur’s eyes, then Rules’, Harper licked his lips and straightened his back. 

“I’m mad at both of you right now and I don’t want to speak to either of you. I will consider your apologies, but for the moment, please leave me be.” He stated with as much determination he could muster, before turning and shutting himself in the room behind him. 

His entire body was shaking with nerves as he leaned against the closed door and tried to keep his breathing steady. He’d never said such a thing to anyone, let alone two dukes! He completely expected them to shove open the door and punish him, but when the silence continued for several minutes, he managed to sigh out a shaky breath. 

That’s the moment he realized that he’d gone into Rule’s room and not his own. And now what am I supposed to do. He waited several more minutes before deciding that the lords truly would leave him be, at least for a short time. 

He needed something to keep himself busy and ward off the stress of the situation he was in, though, so he did what he always did when needing to calm himself; cleaned. Sure, he’d gone over the room, but he’d just done the normal day to day things. He now grabbed a bucket and filled it with some of the water from Rule’s washbasin, then began scrubbing the beautiful floors. 

His rooms had looked so clean already, but now I see that his flooring just hides dirt incredibly well. Hari thought to himself as he worked. The main room took almost an hour to complete, then he moved to the bathroom. 

Thankfully, the tub was kept up quite well, but the floor, once again, was quite dirty once he began to wash it. After what had to be at least another thirty minutes or so, he left the dirty water by the door in the bathroom to be disposed of by a maid and put away the rest of the items he’d used. Once that was done, he made sure that he was presentable. The knees of his trousers were a bit dirty, but after a quick brush off, they looked passable.

They’re going to be mad. 

He hoped not, but he’d heard them talking through the door several times as he’d worked. The barrier had mumbled their words to be undecipherable, but Hari knew that he deserved a reprimand for his behavior. 

Licking his dried lips, he grasped the doorknob and awkwardly pulled it open. He wanted to walk out with his head held high and take whatever discipline they felt he deserved, but he couldn’t find the strength to lift his eyes to theirs as he walked to one of the cushioned chairs in the room that made up the other set, against the wall to the right of wear the two sat, and climbed in after slipping his shoes off. He hoped that he could just disappear into the seat, or that both lords might just ignore his presence, or even give him something else to do. Unfortunately, he was never quite that lucky. 

“Hari.” Rule questioned, finally making Harper lift his eyes. 

He couldn’t read Rule’s, which bothered him. The man rarely hid the way he was feeling, but he seemed quite indifferent at that moment. 

Harper hunched back into the chair he sat in and grabbed one of his feet he’d brought up. “Yes sir.” He whispered, dropping his gaze, having only managed to hold Rule’s for a few moments. 

“What is it that you want?” Rule asked, making Harper jerk his head up from surprise. 

He opened his mouth to respond, then closed it and tried again. “I… What do I want, my lord?” He didn’t understand. Should he have wanted something? Should he have expected something to come out of this strained situation? 

The two lords frowned and glanced at each other before Arthur leaned back in his seat, resting one ankle on the opposite knee. “There must be something you want. We both acted without any regard to how it affected you and it was inappropriate… surely you want some sort of offering to compensate for the mishap?” He asked, drawing Harper’s own lips into a confused frown. 

Do they not realize that they are asking a maid if she would like recompense for actions that in no measure of the imagination warranted it?    

“I apologize, my lords… but I cannot think of anything I would like.” He said finally, hoping that his response would end the awkward conversation. Lords should never have to offer anything to a maid or butler for simply making them upset. 

Rule leaned forward, his brows risen slightly. “Are you certain you don’t wish to receive anything? Jewels, new clothing, money…?” 

Harper fidgeted in his seat at the mention of the items. He could never afford jewelry or new clothing, but that didn’t mean that he needed such things now. He was grateful for exactly what he had and he believed in earning his money, not taking it from two men who had made a mistake that honestly had caused him nothing but a short bout of stress. 

Shaking his head, Harper sat up straighter and offered a small smile. “No, thank you my lord, for offering, but I am content with what I have. Your apologies were all I had hoped for, and I had gotten them both.” 

 Rule’s frown slowly turned upward as he stood and walked over to stand before where Harper sat. His stomach twisted with a hint of worry, but when Rule knelt before him, his mind jumped to shock. 

“What are you doing, my lord!” He half-shouted, clamping his hands over his mouth as he realized how loud he’d yelled. 

Instead of reprimanding him, Rule just chuckled and reached forward. Before Harper could figure out his intent, he was nearly falling out of the seat from being tickled. 

“Don’t think I forgot about this, little Hari. While I dislike that maid that always hovers about you, she has come in handy for some things.” He teased as he continued his attentions. It didn’t take long for Harper to fall from the chair, and Rule easily followed him down to the carpet, refusing to let up until Harper ran out of breath. 

It took him several long moments to regain his awareness once Rule had finally stopped, but when he did, he couldn’t manage to hold back the blush that flushed his already darkened cheeks. “I like that color on you, little Hari.” Rule mused from where leaned over him on his hands and knees, his body easily taking up most of Harper’s field of vision. 

Unable to respond, Harper felt like sinking down into the carpet, but he knew that the possibility of such a thing happening was close to nil. So, when Arthur took a seat on the carpet beside where Rule was, Harper sent him a pleading look. 

“Why can’t I have that look, Hari?” Rule asked, his voice growing deeper as his eyes tried to meet Harper’s nervously-darting ones. “Do you not wish to receive some sort of appreciative gesture from us? We do so believe that you deserve more than a simple apology.” 

Harper’s chest rose and fell at twice its normal pace as it tried to keep up with his frantic heartbeat. He had no idea how to respond in a polite manner, and quite frankly, his mind was not functional all too well at that moment, so what came out of his mouth was completely without filter. 

“I’m am sorry, my lord, b-but I am hopefully not being m-mistaken as one of y-your whores you sometimes bring about due to you possibly consuming drink while d-downstairs?”

Rule had been leaning even closer as he’d spoken, but the moment Harper finished what he’d intended to say, he froze. Their lips were mere inches from each other, but when the lord finally registered what Harper had said, he gave a rather ungentlemanly snort, then fell off to the side between Harper and the padded chair, guffawing far louder than Harper thought ever necessary. 

He hadn’t meant to be funny in the least, but when he sat up and realized that Arthur, whom he’d never heard truly laugh, was also doing so quite heartily, Harper decided not to stress about his response to Rule. He hadn’t been lying, anyways. The man did tend to have women on his arm when he visited less than sober, but Harper had never paid them too much mind and they always seemed to leave early… mainly when Rule came out of the affects of the alcohol. 

“She got you good, my lord .” Arthur mused, having stopped his laughter far easier than Rule was managing. 

Harper watched Rule until he finally settled, his eyes closed as he regained his breath. “I hadn’t laughed like that in quite some time.” He panted before opening his eyes, their gazes meeting with much less worry. 

“What do you say about going down for dinner a bit early and sneaking our fill of the good stuff before the guests arrive for their meal, little Hari?”

Harper couldn’t hide the grin Rule’s words brought to his lips. The man drove him mad, along with Arthur, at times, but he always knew how to fix things in the end. 

“I suppose I shall accept that as my apology gift from the two of you.” 

Rule jumped to his feet, offering him a hand that he gladly took. 

“Deal.” The two lords said in unison, before they headed down to the dining hall together.

Interlude

(A literal small bit of relaxation before the fun starts. That, and I’m cold, so Harper is cold. So that is why this chapter happened.)

The nights events were kept to a minimum due to the coming ball the next day. Dinner was waiting when the group had gotten downstairs. Rule was true to his word and they all sat down and began eating long before the other guests arrived. They gave him strange looks at first, but it seemed that the man’s antics were not much of a surprise. Perhaps he was known to come down early for supper when something especially good was to be served. 

Four more people ended up arriving before the end of the evening. One couple, the names of which escaped Harper when they were announced during dinner, and the second, two men. As he stretched out in his bed, he smiled at the thought of the one young man. He had been quite reserved at first, but once his companion got caught up in a discussion, he turned his attention to Harper. Evidently, the man had been a thief quite a while ago. He’d gotten mixed up with a rather odd lawman, and, well, they now worked together on the lawman’s property. The only part of the story that made Harper feel uncomfortable was the fact that the man, who happened to be siting beside him, had been promoted to magistrate after the last one had passed away due to a complication involving his massive girth. 

“Kirin is far more fair than the last magistrate was. I am so proud of the changes he has already put forth to the dastardly man’s old rules.” He’d said, though the words didn’t do anything to calm Harper’s churning stomach during the dinner. 

Dessert had come soon after that discussion, but Harper skipped even sampling the peach tarts and chocolate cake, and instead excused himself as soon as it was proper. He hadn’t wanted to seem rude, but as he lay awake in his bed far into the night, he couldn’t push away the suffocating sense of danger encroaching on him. 

Just because he is the magistrate, does not mean he knows you to be pretending to be a woman. Or that you have stolen anything while you were younger.

Heaving a tired sigh, that was quickly followed by a yawn, Harper rolled onto his back for the fourth time. He was about to force his eyes shut and try to sleep again, when he heard the sound of a cup being set down on a tray, and possibly a few muffled words. 

Surely master Rule isn’t up this late? 

Even as he thought that, he was slipping from beneath the thick covers and taking off his night shirt in order to put on his chest wrap. He then replaced the shirt, deciding that it was plenty long enough, reaching well past his knees. Just in case, however, he did add his worn pair of trousers beneath it. 

Once he was satisfied that he wouldn’t easily be found out, he carefully cracked open the door and peaked out. Rule was sitting in the further large chair along the wall between their rooms. He was just picking up a cup that was likely warm tea when his eyes rose to catch Harper’s. For some reason, Harper gasped quietly and ducked back behind the door, though he didn’t think to actually close it. 

“I believe we’re being spied on.” Rule said in an unusually quiet tone. 

Wait. He just said we’re? Someone else is here? 

Harper shouldn’t have been surprised when he took another quick glance out into the dimly candle-lit room and noticed Arthur in the seat closer to his borrowed room. The man’s gaze was as sharp as ever as their eyes met and he tilted his head curiously. “Indeed.” Arthur said as he took a sip from his own cup, then set it down on the tray that was placed on the table situated between the two lords. 

“What are you doing up so late, little Hari?” He asked, gesturing with his hand for him to come out from behind the door. 

Hesitantly, Harper took a step out from behind his door and onto the carpet runner that formed a cross in the room. His toes dug into the plush fabric, rooting him to his spot. 

“Well, Hari?” Rule asked, a grin beginning to form on his red-tinged lips. 

Is he drinking wine from a tea cup?

Harper wouldn’t put it past the man. Not in the least, though his eyes didn’t appear bloodshot, and neither of them looked to be even the least bit drunk. Reassured that he wasn’t being lured into a trap, Harper took a few more steps closer, then gave a small bow. 

“That’s quite a nice mop of bed hair you’ve got there, Hari.” Rule taunted already, making Harper’s face burn. He’d been so focused on being sure that he was dressed sufficiently, that he hadn’t even thought about his actual appearance. 

I’m evidently not very good at being a female after work hours. 

Mainly, because he was normally fast asleep by such a time. 

“I apologize for my appearance, my lord.” He said, not sure if it was really the appropriate words for the situation, but he figured that they were good enough. Both men were still fully dressed, though their jackets had been opened and their shirts were unbuttons slightly. 

“You never answered my question.” Arthur restated, drawing Harper’s attention to him. 

Since he could think of no reason to decline to answer, Harper replied quietly. “I could not sleep, my lord.” He was becoming quite tired as he stood there, however, but it was a bit cold in the sitting room, even though there was a small fire going in the hearth. 

“Is something bothering you, Hari?” Rule asked as he gestured for him to move closer. 

A small shiver ran through Harper’s body as he shook his head. I clearly had not dressed enough for how cold it is. The blankets are far too warm here. Not that such warmth was a bad thing, but he was used to a thin blanket and usually had clothing ready to be prepared for the morning’s chill. 

“Hari, come here.” Arthur ordered, his tone much less gentle than Rule’s simple request. 

Pursing his lips, Harper took a few small steps toward him, but Arthur just rolled his eyes, then narrowed them. “You have three seconds before I sick Rule on you and allow him to do what he wishes.” 

Memories from earlier that evening had Harper hurrying. He stopped right in front of Arthur as another shiver shook his body and he accidentally let his teeth click together a few times. Without another word, Arthur reached forward and grabbed him beneath each arm. Harper froze as he was easily lifted and settled into the man’s lap. 

Arthur’s hand brushed against his face as he let his head rest on the man’s chest. A blanket soon found its way around his shoulders. Rule tucked it in around him, then returned to his seat and took a sip of his wine. 

“Now then, where were we?” Arthur said, turning his attention back to Rule while his arms gently found their way around Harper’s shivering body. 

Rule gave a chuckle and leaned back in his seat. “We were at the part where you had decided to finally cross dress for my event.” 

Arthur gave a clipped laugh and unthinkingly hoisted Harper up a little bit more so that they were both more comfortable. “I don’t believe that decision has once crossed my mind.” He replied. 

Harper silently listened to their conversation, smiling as they jabbed at each other like the old friends that they were. The two really suited each other. I wish I could find someone who is even half as accepting of me as they seem to be of each other. The thought was laughable considering his current cross-dressing issues, but he could hope. 

By the time their conversation had shifted three separate times, Harper’s eyes were refusing to stay open. Upon the fourth topic change, soft snores were coming from him. He remembered nothing from that moment onward, yet he felt strangely safe having fallen asleep in Arthur’s arms. He didn’t worry even a bit, that they would try anything with him fast asleep.

Unavailable

(I keep trying to get to a certain part of this story, the only part I actually have planned, but these two keep interrupting ._.) 

Warmth enveloped Harper as he nestled into the most comfortable blankets he’d ever used. He felt like he was floating upon a cloud while being tucked in by a slightly heavier one. 

“She sure looks comfortable.” 

Harper nuzzled a little more underneath the blankets, leaving only the top of his head exposed in hope of being left alone for even a little more time. 

“She won’t get a chance to eat until this evening if we don’t wake her now.” 

His mind was coming into focus whether he wished it to or not by then, allowing him to realize that it was Rule and Arthur conversing somewhere nearby. In fact, it almost sounded like they were standing far too close to the bed. Knowing that he couldn’t risk them trying to physical wake him, or even sending a maid to do so, he grudgingly lifted his head slightly and forced his eyes open. 

“There’s our princess.” Rule chimed with far too much enthusiasm for… whatever time it was. 

Crossing his arms over his chest, Arthur tilted his head as he eyed Harper. “She doesn’t look happy to see us.” 

Harper tugged the thick blanket a little further down so that he could talk without his words being muffled. “It is quite unsightly to enter a lady’s room, especially before she has even risen for the day.” To his surprise, he felt quite well considering how late he must have stayed up, yet the comfort of the large bed still tried to lull him back to sleep. 

“That would be true, if we were in your room.” Rule stated with a raised eyebrow. 

I’m… not in my room? 

Stealing slight glances about the room, Harper came to the startling revelation that he was indeed not in his room, but in the one he’d spent so long cleaning the previous day. Jerking upright abruptly, he scrambled to get free of the heavy blankets that weighed him down. How in the world did I end up in Rule’s bed chambers! Finally falling from the bed, he stumbled to his bare feet, then inclined into a bow. 

“I am terribly sorry, my lord! I do not remember how I came to be in your room.” He stammered out honestly, running through his memories as he spoke, but continuously, he came up with nothing after he’d fallen asleep in Arthur’s arms. 

The memory of being so comfortable in the man’s lap brought warmth to his face, making him duck his head a little further. When the two of them just chuckled, Harper lifted his head, a slight frown tugging at his lips. 

“I requested that Arthur settle you in my bed since we intended to continue our chat long into the night, and, I know for a fact that Matilda has been snooping about our rooms. You also didn’t seem to be sleeping well, so I figured that my room would likely not be her target if she wished to sabotage.” He paused for a moment, then smirked. “My bed is also the most comfortable in the entire estate, and you are welcome to it whenever you wish.” He finished with a wink.

Harper couldn’t think of something to say to that. His mouth had opened slightly, but no words came. Rule had been so thoughtful, even though he had finished speaking with an inappropriate jab, that was just him. Harper hadn’t even considered that Matilda might have messed with his room, and he also couldn’t argue that Rule’s bed was indeed amazing. 

“Well, um… I thank you, my lords. I will take my leave and get dressed for the day now.” 

Arthur glanced toward the window, drawing Harper’s attention there for a brief moment. Wait. It does not look like morning. Turning back to the lords, he frowned as he asked, “What time might it be?” 

The two looked at each other, then back to Harper before Rule reached forward and ruffled his hair. “It’s time for a very late lunch. We had a tray brought up for you so that you would not have to go without until the event tonight.” 

The man’s thoughtfulness had a smile tugging at Harper’s lips. “Thank you two very much.” Rule nodded, then leaned over and grasped Harper’s hand before lifting it to his lips. “It was our pleasure, miss. Now, off with you. Change into your outfit for this evening, then you may partake in your meal in the sitting room.” 

Harper gladly nodded his acceptance, then hurried off to his room in order to change. It would have felt a bit odd to get ready so early, when the event wasn’t until evening, but he had little else to wear besides his maid uniform, and he knew Rule would make him change if he came out in that. 

When he was content with what he looked like in the mirror, he stepped out of his room to see neither lord present. Rule’s door was closed, but he couldn’t hear any sound coming from within. Deciding not to pry, he sat down before a tray in front of one of the large chairs the two lords had occupied last night and began eating his meal of braised pork, carrots, and bread. 

When he was just finishing his last bite, Rule’s door opened and he stepped out in the most beautiful dress Harper had ever seen. Granted, he had seen very few remarkable ones in recent years having remained at lord Marksworth’s estate, but he thought that it was stunning. Rule actually looks like a young woman, too. Which was shocking, really. The man was quite handsome, and somehow made his near shoulder-length hair work without bothering with a wig. He did shave and use some make up, but Harper was surprised how naturally beautiful he could be. 

“I’ll take your expression as a positive one, little Hari.” 

Harper licked the remnants of flavor from his lips as he nodded, setting aside his tray to stand, then walk over to Rule. “You look amazing, my lord.” 

Rules’ eyes lit up and he gave a small swirl in a circle. The dress flared out a little before settling back into place once the momentum ended. “I’m glad I had requested this made ahead of time. Nothing I had tried on previously that was made for a woman even came close to looking good. My seamstress is a miracle worker, though.”

He paused there, eyeing Harper with a quizzical look. 

“You don’t quite look finished.” He mused, rubbing his jaw as his eyes narrowed in thought. 

Harper looked down at his outfit. He had been quite pleased with the way it looked on him, but then again, he knew very little of male fashion. Perhaps it did not look the way it was supposed to? 

“Ah ha! I know. Wait right there, Hari.” 

Rule disappeared right as Arthur walked in from the main entrance. “Hello, Hari. I brought you something for your outfit.” He said as he walked over, then gestured for him to turn around. Awkwardly, Hari did as told, remaining still as he felt Arthur tug at his hair a bit. When he had finished, he steered Hari toward a small mirror hanging against the far wall just large enough to see his face in. 

“I pulled your hair back partially.” He said, nudging Hari closer to the mirror. 

He turned from side to side, eyeing the small pony tail tied at the back of his head. Arthur had left enough of his hair down so that he still had bangs, and one of his braids was woven within them. It looks good. I almost feel like a noble…

Turning, he gave Arthur a warm smile. “Thank you, my lord. I like it.” 

“Wait! You’re not finished yet!” Rule suddenly shouted as he ran out of his room, something grasped tightly in his right first. 

Harper unthinkingly backed up until he felt himself bump into the wall beside the mirror. “Oh come now, I won’t bite, yet.” Rule half-growled as he walked right up to him and grabbed his left hand. 

Splaying his fingers easily with his own larger ones, Rule produced a small diamond ring that had Harper’s jaw dropping. Without a hint of hesitation, Rule slid it onto his fourth finger, then smirked up at him. “Just to make sure that no one tries anything with what’s already claimed.” 

Silence stretched uncomfortably in the room while Harper’s face got brighter and brighter red. He could even feel his ears warming under Rule’s hungry stare. “Alright, alright. Stop giving the poor lass a heart attack. He does this every time he invites a close friend, Hari. Don’t fret much over it.” 

A twinge of disappointment swirled in his belly for an unknown reason at his words. He forced it down and instead gave the lords a quiet laugh. “I see. Thank you, my lords. For the help in getting ready.” 

They looked at each other, Rule with frustration and Arthur showing a grin, before they turned their attention back to him with small smiles. “No problem, little Hari.” Arthur said before Rule stepped in front of him and leaned over, pressing a kiss to the top of Hari’s head. 

“Never a problem, Hari.” Rule cooed into his hair, the soft voice a surprise to Harper. 

Rule seemed like he wanted to say or do something else, but was nudged out of the way by Arthur. “Get going. Everyone is expecting you to greet them downstairs. You don’t want to be late for the beginning of your own event, do you?” 

The other lord grumbled as he stumbled toward the door, then turned. “It doesn’t even come close to starting for another two hours!” He growled, getting a raised eyebrow from Arthur. 

“And you are expected to greet everyone arriving today for it, which you have failed miserably at doing so since you’ve been up here nearly all day.” 

Rule looked like he wanted to reply, but when a knock sounded on the door, he bit his tongue and turned to open it. Matilda stood in the doorway, surprisingly dressed as a male. Harper hadn’t known that the servants were to join in the festivities, though he had been forced to. The woman’s outfit was fancy, but her dark red shirt was unbuttoned a bit too much, revealing far more than Harper cared to see. 

“I have come to retrieve you, master. There are many people downstairs waiting to meet with you.” She said, her voice sickeningly simpering. 

Sighing, Rule stepped out the door, but not before sending Arthur one more frustrated look. “Perfect timing.” Arthur said, drawing Harper’s attention back to him. When Arthur reached down for his hand, Harper drew his eyebrows together, confused as to what the man was planning… until he produced a ring from his pocket much like the one that Rule had slipped onto his ring finger. It was beautiful, too, but instead of an obsidian black band holding the small, shimmering diamond, a dark silver band held the gem as it was settled right against Rule’s on his finger. 

“One more thing.” Arthur murmured as he leaned over, making Harper try, yet fail, to duck further back into the wall. He had nowhere to go. 

One of Arthur’s hands grasped his jaw, tilting it up just enough for him to receive the kiss. His mind blanked as to what he should do in response. Should I push him away? Men don’t normally kiss each other, right? But he expects me to react as a female. Wouldn’t a female be excited to be kissed by a duke? Especially a maid? His mind ran around in circles, spinning questions that grew further and further from the actual situation he found himself in. He couldn’t even tell what he actually felt. 

Before he could figure out what to do, Arthur pulled away, nipping his lip just enough to make Harper jump. “Just a little reminder to Rule to be more on his toes.” Arthur stated with a smirk that Harper had rarely seen on the man’s face. He left moments later, leaving Harper to lick at his slightly bleeding lip in utter confusion.

Fate

Twisting the two rings around his finger, Harper leaned against the large wooden door leading out of the room. It had been at least an hour since the two lords had left, yet he couldn’t bring himself to join them. He knew that it was his current job to be at Rule’s side, but every time he worked up the courage to turn around and grab the door handle, his lower lip began to ache and the rings on his finger became surprisingly uncomfortable. 

Master Arthur, why did you go and kiss me? 

He had almost hoped that they knew he was a man over thinking that he was a woman. Harper knew that neither of the lords would pursue him if he were a male, but being a female…

The idea of just being a mistress to either man sent an uncomfortable chill down his spine. He had little pride, but what he did manage to maintain would never allow him to do such a thing, even if he were of the correct gender to join in a tryst between the sheets. 

Pursing his lips, Harper dug his upper teeth into the slight injury Arthur had given him, making it sting. He has to be playing with me. They always are. Sighing, he dug his fingers into his hair, then spun back around to face the door. 

“You can’t stay in here all night. They’re going to send someone up if you don’t come down.” 

Grumbling under his breath, he straightened his posture and opened the door. The sound of paws thumping in the hardwood hallway drew Harper’s attention to the left. He would have slammed the door right then and there, but the beast was already so close that if he tried to keep it out, he could accidentally hurt it by getting the evil creature stuck in the door. 

Arthur would be really mad if I hurt his dog. 

Biting back his fear, he forced himself to stand still as the animal slowed to a stop before him. It’s massive head raised and lowered, taking in his scent with a few grunted sniffs. 

“I don’t have anything for you and I don’t like you. Now go away, dog.” He said, trying to nudge it away. When it just grunted and grabbed a hold of the edge of his shirt. 

It tugged, growling quietly. “Oh no. I am not following you. With my luck, you’ll drag me off somewhere and try to eat me. I know how you beasts work.” 

Even with his chiding, the animal refused to release him and instead continued to try and pull him away from Rule’s rooms. 

“You’re going to tear this shirt and I’m going to tell Arthur that it was you who did it. He’ll put you outside, where you should be.” Harper warned. 

The dog only stared up at him, almost appearing to roll its eyes. Frustrated, Harper tried to shove the beast aside, but only succeeded in tripping over it. The dog didn’t seem happy with his reaction, because it swung around and began nipping at Harper’s shoes. 

Yelping, Harper stumbled, only to have the beast take his left foot between its teeth. Thankfully, it didn’t squeeze too hard, but it did throw him off balance, giving the animal another shot at his heels. 

“Alright, alright! I’m going!” He yelled as he hurried forward, taking off at a run to try and avoid getting nipped at again. 

The furred demon followed closely behind him, growling every few moments until Harper was moving as fast as he could. He reached the stairs at a dead sprint, panting as he hopped up onto the thick wooden railing to avoid the mogrel’s teeth. He slid easily all the way down to the entryway, only realizing his mistake when he dropped to the marble floor and looked up to meet the eyes of several noblemen. 

Uh oh. 

“And this young man making quite an interesting entrance, is my valet, Hari.” Rule said, gesturing toward him with a curtsy. 

Straightening with his face likely on fire, Harper bowed to the men and women present. “I apologize for being late, my lord.” He was just straightening back up when he felt Arthur’s dog nip his backside, making him jump forward with a gasp. 

“There you are, Kite. Good boy.” Arthur mused with a grin as he gestured for the dog to leave. Harper met the man’s eyes once his dog turned and trotted off, but quickly dropped his gaze. 

He didn’t look up until he felt a strong hand settle on his shoulder and another wrap around his waist. He could tell just by the dress to his left and the suit to his right, that the two were Rule and Arthur. 

“Alright, time to relax and have a good time, little Hari.” Arthur said as he began to nudge him toward the large ballroom. Rule’s hand squeezed his shoulder before he stepped forward to begin welcoming guests. 

Arthur took the opportunity to claim Harper’s first dance. Since most of the guests were cross dressing, no one seemed to be bothered by the two men dancing together. Granted, he was likely not considered a male to anyone there considering Arthur was clearly not cross dressing, and all of the guests new him. 

The music started once the floor was sufficiently full of paired guests, and as Arthur began to lead him, Harper was silently thankful that he was being treated as a female for the dance. He’d only ever learned how to dance with a male leading. 

Arthur was a phenomenal dancer, too. He’d seen him waltz a few times while visiting his master’s home, but he’d never paid him too much mind, since servants would never dance with gentry. 

“Are you feeling alright?” Arthur mused as he gently pressed his palm to Harper’s cheek. “I apologize if sending Kite to fetch you worried you. He is really not as mean as he seems.” 

  Oh? He seems pretty mean to me. So he’s only slightly less mean then what I think he is? 

“Don’t give me that look. I raised that dog from a pup. He wouldn’t hurt a fly unless I told him to.” 

He found it hard to believe, but Harper couldn’t argue with the lord, so he just nodded and allowed his mind to focus on the steps to the dance. When it had finished, he wasn’t surprised in the least to find Rule’s hand slipping into his own, replacing Arthur’s. 

“May I ask,” Rule began as he set them up for the next dance. “How you injured your lip, little Hari?” Biting his lip, Hari jumped as the action stung. 

Without another word, Rule began to move them to the music. Harper followed his steps, the music bringing the dance easily to his mind without much thought. 

“I must say that I didn’t think Arthur would do such a thing. I’m impressed.” Rule said a few minutes into the dance, making Harper frown. He hadn’t thought that Arthur would kiss him, either, and especially not bite him. 

As the music wound down, Rule gently tugged him from the dance floor. They wove through the crowd wordlessly. Several noblemen and women tried to take Rule’s attention for a chat or dance, but he only waved to them or offered an apologetic smile. When they finally stopped beside the row of buffet tables set up with all kinds of food and drinks, Rule released his hand, only to hand him an empty plate. 

“I want to see that filled. You are far too skinny, even for a lass.” He said as he began putting food on his own plate. 

Being one to never decline food, Harper began adding things to his plate. He was careful, however, to not overdo it. He hated to see food wasted. When he was satisfied with the grilled chicken, strawberries, and bread he’d chosen, he dropped down into a seat beside the table. Rule appeared not a minute later, grinning as he began to partake in his own meal. 

The food was delicious, each bite better than the next. As they ate, their attention moved to the guests. Most had dressed up, partaking in the event to its fullest. Most seemed to be enjoying themselves, even dressed as the opposite sex. 

“Are you enjoying yourself, Hari?” Rule asked as he reached over to rustle his hair. 

Offering the man a smile as he finished up the last bite of his food, Harper nodded, then swallowed. “Yes sir. Thank you for allowing me to participate.”

“Of course! I wouldn’t dream of not inviting our little Hari.” Rule chimed, drawing one of Harper’s eyebrows up.

Our? 

“Oh, there you are Hari!” 

Startled, Harper jumped right out of his seat, fumbling with the empty plate in his hand for a moment before turning to face Matilda. He glanced sideways to Rule, hoping that he’d help get rid of her again, but to his surprise, he wasn’t in his seat any longer. 

“Come dear, we need a hand. It will only take a moment.” Matilda said as she reached forward, taking his empty plate and setting it on a table, then grabbing his arm. 

Stumbling after her unwillingly, Harper hurried to come up with some excuse that she would accept. “I apologize, but I’m here to help Rule this evening. He told me to remain with him.” 

Matilda made a dismissive gesture with her free hand as she pulled him out of the large room and into a back hallway. “Nonsense, he just went to relieve himself. You will be back before him, so there will be no problems.” 

I doubt that. He thought, remembering all the non-problems she’d already brought upon him. “Just one moment. That’s all it’ll take.” She added with a smile back at him that definitely missed her cold eyes. 

“What am I to do…?” He asked hesitantly. He wasn’t sure that he wanted to know the answer. 

When Matilda stopped outside of a large wooden door in a deserted hall, Harper’s stomach turned. “Here we are. Just go on inside and see what Mr. Walters needs. He requested a servant, but I am quite busy managing the drinks and couldn’t find the time to aid him. I am sure it will only take a moment.” She said, nudging him toward the door before knocking once, then opening it and shoving him inside. 

“Well hello there,” came a voice from within the darkness of the room. 

Swallowing down his worry, Harper clenched his fists and took one hesitant step forward. “Hello, my lord. Matilda informed me that you are in need of assistance…” 

He didn’t dare move further into the room with no other light source besides what little moonlight managed to slip around the thick drapes hanging over the windows. 

“It’s this dress. I decided to partake in the festivities, but I’m afraid my valet has tied me into it far too tightly, and I cannot seem to locate him. Would you mind just helping me loosen the strings so that I may redress?” 

The man’s reason for needing aid seemed logical, but Harper was still careful as he approached the middle of the room. He could see the shadow of the man by the window, but as he got closer, his large frame blocked out most of the meager moonlight. Fear began to swim in his gut, making the food he’d recently eaten weigh uncomfortably in his belly. 

It doesn’t look like he’s wearing a dress… 

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m always gentle with what Matilda brings me. She’s honestly the best of all of the servants, but I’d never decline such an adorable gift as yourself, even in that outfit.” 

Stopping abruptly, Harper narrowed his eyes on the shadowy figure. “I don’t believe you are in need of any assistance, my lord. I will take my leave now.” He gave a quick bow, then turned and nearly ran for the door. The knob turned easily in his hand, but when he pulled back on it, the door wouldn’t budge. 

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, it only hurts a little the first time.” The man said, his voice suddenly far closer than before. 

Harper didn’t even have time to spin around and try to defend himself as arms encircled his waist and easily lifted him from the floor. “Put me down!” He screamed, flailing as hard as he could to try and throw the man off balance. 

Unfortunately, when he succeeded, they both landed on the bed. The larger man easily pinned him down with his weight, forcing a gasp from Harper’s throat as his chest constricted painfully. 

“I like the sound of that. Just wait one more minute and it’ll be so much better.” The man cooed as he hurriedly shifted his weight back and forth, likely trying to get at his pants. 

Harper buried his face in the pillow his head had landed on and tried with all of his might to push the man off of him, but he only managed to lift him for a short moment before being easily shoved back down. 

“Now there will be none of that.” The man stated, as if he were talking to a disobedient child and not trying to rape a young lady. 

Wait. He thinks I’m a girl. 

Reluctantly, Harper forced himself to remain still as the man began to tear at his clothing. He didn’t want anyone knowing that he was a male, but at least if the man figured it out, he would stop. He also couldn’t breathe a word of it to anyone else or risk having to explain how he came upon such a knowledge. If he panicked about it, Harper could just say that he didn’t wish to dress for the ball and was just there as help. 

Renewing his struggle, Harper switched his determination from getting away, to flipping over. It took a minute, and his shirt was already torn partially down the back and along the left seam encircling his arm, but the moment he dropped onto his back, he knew that he could relax. The man’s eyes bulged as he stared down at him, Harper’s chest clearly visible through his tattered clothing as he panted, trying to calm himself. 

“What the… you. You’re a boy.” 

Harper was hoping to hear disgust, but at least the man seemed confused and more than a little bit shocked. 

“Yes. Now get off of me!” He yelled, putting as much anger into his words as he could manage through his quivering lips. 

The lord remained where he was, making Harper nervously bite into his lower lip. The faint sting from the nip Arthur had given him earlier offered a small amount of strength, but as he watched the man’s eyes in the dark room, he knew that something was wrong. 

“That Matilda… she must have known that I’ve been curious to bed a boy. What luck that she’d send you tonight.” 

Mouth dropping open, Harper could only give a quiet cry of shock before the man was leaning down to try and steal a kiss. Harper jerked his head to the side but he wasn’t focusing as much on the lord’s face as he was on his wandering hands. His cold fingers felt like ice moving along his thigh and torso, sending disgusted shivers through him like lightning. 

“You must stop now! Master Rule will not stand for this!” He yelled, trying his best to sound sincere, but he could barely even hear himself due to the sound of blood rushing in his ears. 

The man just laughed at his words, the sound vibrating through his chest and into Harper’s, drawing out another set of shivers and a gag that Harper barely managed to stifle. 

“Now then, over you go. I’ve waited long enough.” The man said, flipping Harper back onto his belly with little effort. 

Before the lord could rest his weight back upon him, however, Harper managed to swing his left foot back and land a kick to the man’s chest. The lord barely leaned back from the blow, but it gave Harper enough time to scramble toward the edge of the bed. He’d nearly gotten off it when he felt a painfully strong hand grip his ankle and yank him back. 

“I said that there will be none of that, boy!” The lord roared, shoving him down into the blankets as he began feverishly tearing at Harper’s pants. Harper clawed at the man’s arms and tried to push him away, but his efforts were fruitless. 

This isn’t fair! 

“Help!” 

The one scream earned him a punch that shook his mind until his eyes blurred to near-darkness. He could hear the man speaking again, but couldn’t decipher what he was saying over the ringing in his ears. When he managed to pull himself together enough to take stock of what was going on, there was a sliver of light striking across his face from the open door to the hall. 

“Hari…?” 

Rule? Rule!

Opening his mouth to yell for the man, Harper grunted when lord Watlers’ hand silenced him. He tried to bite him, but even with his attention now focused on Rule, who remained standing in the doorway, he easily managed to avoid Harper’s teeth while still keeping him silent. 

“Sir Walters, might I ask why you are not allowing my servant to speak?” Rule questioned, taking a step further into the room. 

The lord, still positioned quite inappropriately atop him, was silent for a moment before leaning back and removing his hand. Harper took that chance to turn away from Rule as best he could while his legs were still pinned under the other man. Hopefully there wasn’t enough light in the room from the candles in the hallway to reveal anything. He couldn’t risk Rule finding out that he was a male. 

The man above him looked down at him for a moment, a light flashing in his eyes before his attention returned to Rule. “She asked if I would enjoy a tumble in the sheets. Surely you can allow your servants to choose their bed partners, lord Rule?” 

Harper’s chest tightened uncomfortably, forcing him to start panting again from the stress of the situation. The man was playing him. He figured out that he was pretending to be a girl so easily! 

There was silence for several tense minutes, the only sound in the room that of Harper’s panicked breathing. When Rule finally spoke, there was a hint of solemness to his words. 

“Hari… do you wish to sleep with lord Walters?” 

No!

The word was stuck in his throat. No matter how hard he tried to scream it, he could only look over his shoulder at Rule and stifle a sob. When Rule sighed and took a hesitant step closer, Harper jerked his head back away from him and hunched, trying to hide his chest with his arms. 

“You’re making her nervous. Have some respect for the lass’s first time trying this, my lord.” Lord Walters said, frustration seeping into his falsely caring voice. 

When silence took over again, Harper chanced another look over his shoulder after wiping away a stray tear and sniffling. 

“Hari.” 

His name on Rule’s lips drew a shaky breath from him. 

“Hari… I am not blind.”

That simple sentence sent a shot of ice to his gut far colder than any of lord Walters’ disgusting caresses. He saw. The thought was terrifying, but if Rule knew…

“Master, please!” He yelled, rolling back over to face Rule with pleading eyes. 

A strong hand dropped to his neck, but before much pressure could be administered, the sound of flesh connecting with flesh rang out like a gunshot in the silent room. The second lord Walters was off of him, Harper stumbled to his feet, only to fall directly into Rule’s waiting arms. 

“You would do best to abstain from touching any of my servants again, dear lord. For I will not be so lenient next time.” Rule ground out between clenched teeth as he easily carried Harper from the room, his hold on him nearly cutting off his air. 

They said nothing as he was carried through the darkened halls of the estate, then settled back on his feet in Rule’s sitting room, the door firmly closed behind the lord. Harper wasn’t sure what he could say to right the situation, and quite frankly, he was so nervous that he feared he would vomit what he’d eaten earlier at the ball if he dared try to speak. Rule paced before him, his fingers mussing up his hair to the point where it would have looked funny if the situation was anything but grave. 

I am sorry, my lord. 

Harper couldn’t say the words, but he meant them. To each lord that he had fooled. Marksworth, Rule and Arthur. Neither of them deserved to be lied to, and especially not for such a length of time, but there was little Harper could do about the situation now. 

“All of those times we’d joked…” Rule finally said, stopping to settle a glare on Harper that made him shudder and duck his head, eyes on the floor. 

Rule continued to pace for another moment before leaning back against the door with a loud sigh. “To your room until you’re told you may leave it.” 

Without a word, Harper bowed and ran to his borrowed room. As soon as his door was shut, he ran for the bed and buried himself beneath the covers. That is where he spent his evening. The music from the ball flitted in and out of the room during each song crescendo, but there was no joy in his mind for the festivities any longer. He worried at his injured lip, reopening the wound if only to have something to focus on that wasn’t his likely impending doom. He would be hung for impersonating a female, especially for so long. 

The magistrate is even in the house this evening. How god must be laughing at me right now. 

Harper remained awake even as the music died down and the guests retired to their rooms to sleep off their alcohol and recuperate for their trips home the next morning. Every time the grand clock ticked past another hour, Harper’s heart thundered in his chest with worry of who might come into his room and take him away to be tried, then hung. 

When no one came after midnight, then one and two o’clock, he shakily got out from under the covers and stood, facing his door in the dark room. His body was exhausted and his muscles ached from shaking. It was likely that he’d worried himself to the point of literally becoming sick, but as he began walking, he couldn’t find it in himself to care if he was going to have a fever come morning. 

His feet moved him without consent from his tired mind. A smart man would have turned toward the entry doors once he stepped out into the empty sitting room with only a candle to wish him a safe departure, but Harper was not a smart man. 

In his tattered clothing, he slowly made his way across the room to pause at the large wooden door before him. The light from the candle danced along the faded wood, illuminating the handle with an almost-enticing glow. 

Pressing his palm to the cold metal, Harper turned the handle and slowly pushed the heavy door open. The utter darkness of the room was surprisingly comforting. Quietly shutting the door, he turned and made his way toward the bed, shuffling his feet upon the wooden floor to be sure he didn’t trip over anything. 

When he felt the large bed bump against his legs, he halted, allowing his fingers to reach forward until they found smooth skin and soft hair. Lord Rule. You told me earlier that I was always welcome in your bed. His heart hammered painfully in his chest as he ran his thumb along the man’s skin blindly. He could see nothing, but just hearing the man’s even breathing and feeling his warm skin beneath his fingertips was reassuring. 

He has known you for many years. Surely he would at least grant you a fair trial, even if you are only a servant. Not that it will help me, honestly. I refuse to lie any longer.

Harper jerked his hand back when Rule slowly rolled over, giving him his back. Finding his opportunity, Harper removed the remnants of his torn shirt and carefully lifted the heavy blankets and slid beneath them. He settled into the spot Rule had just vacated, the warmth left behind from his body calming some of his shaking. 

He was just getting settled enough to finally rest, his back to Rule, when he felt the blankets shift. His heart stopped in his chest when a firm hand pressed against it. It paused there before allowing its fingers to spread, heating his skin far faster than the blankets ever could. When he was gently guided backward by that hand until his skin was pressed against Rule’s firm chest, Harper let a worried whimper slip from his lips. 

A slow, deep inhale of breath from the lord was the only response he got. A moment later, warm air rustled his hair before Rule settled his arm more comfortably against Harper’s chest, his thumb softly brushing over the spot where his heart beat wildly. There was no doubt in his mind that Rule could feel how stressed he was just from his heartbeat, but the older man gave no more signs of wakefulness over the next half hour. His breathing had quieted and his hand slowly drifted down along Harper’s skin until it rested against the blanket. 

Lord Rule… thank you.

Understanding that he was being allowed to rest with Rule until morning, Harper settled in and finally closed his aching eyes. His tired body fell into unconsciousness in mere seconds, finally allowing his heart to calm in his chest.

Moment

The warmth and comfort enveloping Harper kept him from waking far into the morning… a high fever also likely a culprit in his decision to remain in bed past proper hours. He was snuggled beneath the heavy blankets, quietly breathing through his mouth, his nose stuffed and cheeks pale. He remained oblivious to the world until he felt the thick blankets pealed back one at a time, finally revealing him to the chilly air of Rule’s bed chambers. 

Logically, he knew that the room couldn’t have been too cold as he tried to force open eyes that felt sealed shut, but he was already shivering when his body was only half uncovered. His stomach growled faintly, too, but the thought of food did nothing to rouse him further. He had no appetite. 

“I wouldn’t bother him much today, my lord. He has quite a high fever.” 

Frustrated pacing echoed in the room as Harper tried to huddle in on himself to warm up. He knew in the back of his mind that he could just reach down and pull the blankets back over himself, but his mind was too tired to process the simple idea. 

“You are certain he’s not faking?” Rule’s voice growled on a sigh. 

Another shiver ran down Harper’s spine, making his muscles ache from the continuous shaking he’d likely done throughout the night. “I assure you that he indeed unwell. If he was feeling fine yesterday, perhaps something had stressed him out to the point of being ill, or he had eaten something bad, but I must advise you from forcing him to wake until at least this evening, and only to try and offer him some broth.” 

Another sigh, then the sound of Rule’s footsteps took him right up to the bed to stand beside where Harper lay. Silence stretched for a few moments before Rule replied. “Alright. Thank you, doctor. I will let him rest… but please keep this situation to yourself. I want no one else hearing of it. I called you here for a simple check up for myself, that is all. There was no boy.” 

There wasn’t a bit of hesitation when the doctor responded. “Yes, my lord.” Then the sound of his footsteps dissipated until he was gone from the rooms.   

Harper drifted off to sleep soon after only to be awoken by the feeling of something gently brushing against his cheek. The blankets had found their way back over his body, fully covering him up to where they were tucked beneath his chin. He felt overheated, but couldn’t find the strength to move them, nor the will. Chills swept through his body, sending mixed signals to his tired mind. 

“You are a fool, Hari.” 

There was a pause as Rule moved in the room, the sound of his shoes on the wooden floor giving away what he was doing. 

“Actually, I doubt that’s even your real name.” 

Harper heard him put something down on what had to be the desk in the corner by his washroom, then his footsteps came closer again. 

“I had intended to call the magistrate in here the moment you awoke this morning before he left, yet you ended up so sick that you slept through me trying to wake you for nearly half an hour.” 

A frustrated sigh left his lips and he walked away into the sitting room when the sound of someone knocking echoed into the bedroom, then he returned a few moments later, setting down what sounded like a piece of dishware somewhere nearby. 

“You need to wake up, Hari. It’s late and you have eaten nothing all day.” He stated as the bed dipped with Rule’s weight near where Harper lay. 

He didn’t want to, for obvious reasons that had been bombarding his mind all night, but Harper knew that he couldn’t just sleep away his problems. His sickness did hinder his ability to move more than he thought it would, however, and forced him to take several minutes to pry his black-rimmed eyes open, and another couple to pull himself up against the pillows in order to sit up slightly. 

“You look horrible.” Rule noted as he reached over, brushing Harper’s damp bangs out of his sore eyes. 

He wanted to reply, but he couldn’t find the words to say so he just closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. “Hey now, don’t fall asleep again. You need to eat something.” 

No, thank you. He thought as he opened one eye, only to see Rule smirking down at him from far too close. 

“You don’t get a choice. If you don’t eat some soup, I’ll send for the magistrate to come back right away.” 

That got Harper’s attention. His stomach twisted at the idea of the man returning, but it settled again as he realized what Rule had just said. “You sent him away?” He rasped, his voice sound horrible even to himself. 

Rule frowned at the sound of his words and leaned over, pressing a spoon that Harper hadn’t noticed, to his lips. “Eat.” As he took in the small amount of soup offered, Harper’s mind ran over Rule’s words again. He actually sent the magistrate away. But why? Impersonating the opposite sex was not okay in society, and with the knowledge he had now, he likely knows that I was, indeed, a thief when I was younger and deserved an appropriate punishment. 

Rule lifted a bowl, another thing Harper hadn’t realized he was holding, and dipped the spoon into it. “I sent everyone away. The event is over. I don’t care for people overstaying their welcome. The magistrate’s friend left you a letter, though. You may read it once you are feeling better.” 

Wait. He sent everyone home? 

“Arthur?” Harper asked quietly before sipping the proffered spoon of its contents. 

There was no response as Rule continued to feed him. Deciding to just relax and not stress himself further into his sickness, Harper settled against the pillows more comfortably and just allowed himself to eat. He wasn’t able to finish the bowl, but he did well enough to bring a small smile to Rule’s face when he finally turned his head away, declining to take another spoonful. 

“Are you feeling a little better now?” He asked, drawing Harper’s tired eyes to his, only for Harper to realize that Rule didn’t look that great, either. His eyes were bloodshot and dark smudges were growing beneath them. He was also only wearing a pair of simple trousers and a loose white shirt, as if he didn’t intend to live his rooms anymore for the evening.

When Harper remained silent, Rule leaned over and tugged the blankets that had fallen to his lap when he’d pushed himself up against the pillows, back up around his shoulders. “Rest. No one knows what happened besides that bastard of a lord and Matilda, and both have received a very unfriendly warning about their actions. The lord will no longer be welcome in my home, and Matilda has been demoted to strictly scrubbing clothing and dirty dishes…” 

He frowned as his words drifted off into silence, anger flaring in his eyes as he ran a hand through his hair. Is he mad that he didn’t really punish them? Would he have told the magistrate? Harper thought about the situation for a few moments, trying to think through the heated haze in his sick mind. When he finally figured out why Rule was frustrated, he slumped further against the pillows and blew out a warm breath. 

If he had reported them, Matilda could have told by mistake, or more likely, on purpose, that he was a boy pretending to be a girl before the party. Shaking his head slowly against the pillows, Harper couldn’t believe the situation that had played out. 

“You should have reported them, my lord.” He rasped, coughing a few times before Rule pressed a small cup of warm water to his lips. Harper expected him to reply as he drank, but when he didn’t, he pursed his lips and let his head fall back onto the pillows, sending the man a frustrated, tired look. 

Rule was giving him the same look, his dark eyes narrowing in the dimly lit room. They remained that way until Harper felt the heat of his fever begin to pull him back into his previous slumber. His eyes began to close on their own accord, but when he felt fingers gently sift through his hair, he forced them open again. 

“Hari… What am I to call you now?” Rule whispered, his eyes half-lidded as he stared down at him from where he still sat beside him.

 Biting his lip, Harper hesitated. Could he give Rule his real name and risk him saying it in front of others? 

“I promise that I will not speak it when we are not alone, but I believe that I deserve the small favor of learning the real name of the young man in my bed.” 

Fair enough. 

Turning onto his side, Harper yawned once, then nuzzled into the pillows, whispering right before he fell back to sleep. “Harper.”

Uncertainty

“Little Harper, it’s time to get up.” 

Fifty more minutes, please, sir. 

“Harper.” Rule’s voice purred. 

Groaning, Harper ducked under the covers, only to feel them slowly pulled back and another purr sounding, this one far too close to his ear as he felt a weight dip the bed in two places to his his left and right. “Little Harper, I can wake you up another way, if you’d like.”

Stretching beneath the blankets, Harper felt his leg brush against a solid surface that hadn’t been there before. He turned onto his side, but during the action, his leg nudged something on the other side of him. 

What on Earth? 

Resigned to curiosity, Harper finally let his eyes slowly open as he returned to his original position on his back. He blinked a few times to clear the sleep from his vision, then yawned and rubbed his eyes before focusing his attention on what was hovering over him. 

Wait. Not a what… Rule? 

The lord smirked, the grin nudging his lips to the right, drawing Harper’s attention to them and the stubble of a mustache just barely beginning beneath his nose. 

“Good morning, Harper. Nice of you join me this fine day.” He whispered, his breath brushing faintly against Harper’s face, bringing with it the scent of cinnamon and honey, likely from the lord’s morning tea. 

He does tend to like his things sweeter. At least, compared to Arthur. 

He wasn’t sure why he was even thinking such a thing with the lord leaning over him like a man admiring a wo-“S-sir, I apologize for sleeping too long. I will get up right away.” He hastily replied, his voice a whisper when he had honestly meant for it to sound normal. His throat was still sore, but he felt much better, so he was unsure why he sounded so strange. 

 “Harper.” 

Licking his dry lips, Harper swallowed, then looked up to meet Rule’s eyes. “Yes, my lord?” 

Rule’s head ticked slightly to the side before he leaned down, bringing their faces far too close to each other. “How did you get such a mark on your lip?” He asked as his eyes dropped to the mostly-healed bite Arthur had given him. 

Suddenly, Harper wished that it was still dark in the room like the last time he’d been awoken. Unfortunately, several candles flickered within the bed chamber and one of the curtains were pulled back, allowing light in from the overcast day outside. 

Glancing away, he licked his lips again, then mumbled, “I mistakenly bit myself while eating too quickly. It was clumsy of me.” 

Rule tilted his head the opposite way, then lifted his right hand, which had been pressed into the blankets to the left of Harper’s head. When Rule’s finger moved to gently press against his lip, Harper caught his breath and held it. 

“You see…” Rule said quietly as his thumb pressed in gently, his nail faintly running along Harper’s tooth as the pad of the digit massaged the healing tissue from Arthur’s bite. “This doesn’t quite look like a wound that would be cause by such a reason as the one you are giving me.” 

The faint patter of rain against the window pane took over the silence that stretched within the room. Harper was forced to release his breath or risk passing out, leaving him panting quietly, his breath brushing against Rule’s finger until the lord finally removed his hand to run it through his hair. A moment later, he climbed off the bed, grumbling something Harper was unable to understand. 

When he disappeared into the sitting room, Harper finally gave a huge sigh. His eyes closed for a minute before he opened them again and hurried to the edge of the bed, not willing to be caught in such an odd situation again. 

“Here, get dressed.” 

Looking up, Harper saw Rule step up to him and offer some clothing. My maid uniform. Relieved, he stood and took the garments, then looked around awkwardly when Rule just continued to stare at him. He realized then, that he was in torn trousers and that was it. Face heating, he gave the lord a quick bow, then hurried to his borrowed room to change. 

The clothing had been washed, and as Harper finished getting dressed, he couldn’t help but feel more relaxed. If Rule was giving him back his female clothing, then that meant that he was going to allow him to continue on as he had been… or at least, that’s what he hoped. Deciding not to worry too much, or risk becoming sick with it once more, Harper took a calming breath, then stepped out into Rule’s sitting room. 

The lord was already there, lazily draped over one of the large armchairs, his eyes on Harper the moment he appeared. There was something in his gaze that Harper couldn’t figure out, but it was gone after only a few moments, leaving him puzzled. 

“You will remain as my personal valet during your stay here. You are to take orders from no one but me. You shall fetch our meals, eat with me, clean these rooms, and help me in any menial task I ask of you. This includes dressing, bathing, and other basic things.” 

Without hesitating, Harper bowed slightly. “Yes, my lord.”

When an uncomfortable silence took over again, Harper licked his lips and looked up. “Would you like me to fetch your meal for you now, my lord?” He asked. 

Rule slowly shook his head, but didn’t afford him with a reply besides that. After another minute, Harper glanced around the room, then returned his gaze to Rule. “A-am I to clean, then?” He questioned. 

Another head shake from Rule made Harper’s heart pick up pace in his chest, nerves drawing his hands together before him, fidgeting. He knew that the lord would pick up his distress and likely taunt him, like he and Arthur usually did, but when no words came, he dropped his shoulders and frowned. 

“I don’t understand. What would you wish me to do right now, my lord?” He knew that he should sound more focused, intent on serving his master in whatever way he wished, but he was still tired from being sick and was slowly losing confidence without Rule’s guidance and agreement on what he should do. 

“You would like to know what I would wish for you to do, Harper?” Rule asked, the question widening Harper’s eyes slightly. 

Nodding, Harper replied. “Yes, sir. Please.” 

When Rule chuckled, Harper shifted on his feet and looked down at them. 

“Harper.” 

His name on Rule’s lips brought his eyes back up to meet the lord’s, drawing a small smirk from him. “I would like you to come here.” 

Just… stand before him? 

Confused, Harper shuffled his feet against the carpet runner as he hesitantly moved forward, stopping in front of where Rule rested in his large chair. He flinched when Rule’s hand reached out, his fingers wrapping around his wrist, but doing nothing more, yet. 

“Little Harper…” Rule murmured, his eyes narrowing on Harper’s. “I would like you to stop lying to me.” 

 Out of surprise, Harper tried to jerk his hand away, but Rule was much stronger as he was suddenly pulled forward, right into the man’s lap. “Do you know, Harper… that the letter the magistrate’s friend left you was strangely simple?” 

He read it? 

“Considering your circumstances, I believe I had a right to look into the note. It simply stated that things will turn out just fine, because you are loved.” Harper’s mouth opened to reply, but then closed when he could come up with no response. 

Rule leaned his head on his arm, which was propped up on the armrest, then slanted his gaze back up to meet Harper’s after having glanced away toward the fire burning in the fireplace for a moment. The light from the flames danced across his face, making his smirk seem sinister. 

“Tell me, Harper. Does Arthur already know? Has he known? Because this letter makes me think that perhaps, I’m the last one to figure this little situation out.” Harper wished to get out of the man’s lap so that he could think straight, but Rule’s other hand was securely pressed against his lower back, keeping him right where he was. 

“I-I… Arthur does not know, my lord.” At least, he hoped not. The man had given no indication that he had, at least. 

Rule was quiet for a moment before leaning back against the chair, bringing Harper with him. “I do not like being lied to.” He stated, bringing a worried frown to Harper’s face where his head was pressed against the lord’s chest. 

“I swear to you, I am telling the truth.” 

Looking up at the elaborate ceiling, Rule heaved a sigh. “I don’t know what to do with you, little Harper.” 

Hating the silence that followed, for it never seemed to end well, Harper looked up as Rule returned his attention to him. “Must you do something with me?” 

That drew a grin from the man as he scrubbed a hand down his face. “Oh yes, Harper. I must. Because, you see…” Withdrawing his hand, Harper fidgeted at the look it revealed on Rule’s face. “I find myself jealous for some outrageous reason.” 

Before Harper could utter the one word question,  jealous?  Rule’s mouth was tasting his. The man was forceful, unwilling to cede even a fraction of his power over the situation. Hiarper’s mind was swimming as he tried to take in enough oxygen to calm his racing heart while Rule pinned him down in the chair, easily fending off his useless struggles until Harper felt an abrupt sting right where Arthur had bitten him previously. 

Harper’s struggling stopped as he tasted blood, but Rule didn’t. His teeth claimed three more locations on Harper’s lower and upper lips before a knock at the door snapped his attention to it. Seeing the conflict flashing across the man’s face, Harper tried to curl into himself on the chair. His movement drew Rule’s attention back to him, his hungry eyes still wide with determination, but a second round of knocks on the door saved Harper. 

Rule literally growled out a curse as he reached up, jerking a thick red wool blanket down from where it sat, unbeknownst to Harper, atop the back of the large chair. Without a word, Harper buried himself in it as he heard Rule stalk over to the door. There was a short, hushed discussion, something about some mix up in the kitchen, then the sound of Rule leaving the room met Harper’s ears. When the door clicked shut, he drew the blanket away from his face and wiped his mouth with his the back of his hand, looking at the blood on his skin as he withdrew it. 

What am I to do now? 

He had absolutely no idea. 

Dropping his hand to the chair, Harper squeezed his eyes shut and buried his face into the fabric. He wanted to yell, to release some of the stress and confusion that had steadily built up in his mind over the past several days, but all he found he was able to do was cry.

Be Careful

(I had to beat my laptop up to get this chapter out. Hoping to get a new computer on cyber Monday) 

A hard knock to his head jerked Harper out of his peaceful sleep. His eyes opened, leaving him confused, staring up at the ceiling. What? I was sleeping on the chair… He slid his feet from where they remained on the cushion, then pushed himself up. 

Before he could orient himself, something dropped over his head, blocking his vision. Holding back a yelp, Harper swatted at the fabric until it was tossed aside. The blanket that had been on the chair? 

A knock from Rule’s bedchambers had Harper jumping to his feet and hurrying inside, bowing as he stepped over the threshold. “Good afternoon, my lord.”   

Rule’s back was to him as he worked on undoing his coat. Harper watched his muscles move beneath the thick fabric before running around to his front and reaching up, his fingers going for the remaining buttons that still needed undone. “Let me help, please, my lord.”

There was no verbal response, but when Rule slowly lowered his hands to his sides, Harper took it as acceptance. Carefully but quickly, he got the coat unbuttoned, then removed it from Rule’s broad shoulders. He took a moment to hang it back in its proper place, then returned to help him undo the buttons on the long-sleeved shirt that had been beneath it.

“You’re awfully quiet, Harper.” 

He knew that Rule pointing out his silence was an opening to start a conversation, but Harper was still shaken from earlier, and really didn’t want to talk about it. Rule shrugged his shoulders as the shirt came off, leaving him in just a pair of trousers and boots. Harper hurried to put the shirt in the hamper to be taken down later to be washed, then turned and bowed.

When he straightened, Rule was suddenly much closer, making him jump a little. “Are you feeling alright? You aren’t still sick, are you?” Rule asked, lifting a hand toward Harper’s forehead. Harper stepped back, fidgeting a little with his hands before giving a small bow. 

“Do you require anything else, my lord?” 

When he lifted his eyes, Rule looked down at his remaining clothing, then back up to Harper with a raised eyebrow. I can’t. Licking his lips nervously, Harper gave a very slight shake of his head, hoping that Rule would understand and not make him feel even more uncomfortable. 

The thoughts running through Rule’s mind flashed before his eyes, but thankfully, when he finally decided to break the silence, he was smiling. “Go down to the kitchen and fetch us some afternoon tea and some lunch.” 

Sighing with relief, Harper bowed again, then turned to head toward the door. He was just pulling it open when a strong hand pushed it closed abruptly. Harper tried to step away, but his back was met by Rule’s firm chest. He could feel the man’s warmth through his thin shirt as well as the pressure as his chest rose and fell with breath. The faint warm brush of air against his left ear made his heart jerk in his chest. 

“I forgot to mention. Do not, under any circumstances, do what anyone else asks of you. I don’t care who it is. You belong to me, no one else. Do I make myself clear, Harper?” Rule whispered, sending a shiver down his spine for unknown reasons. 

When his voice failed him, Harper swallowed and nodded. The moment Rule backed away, Harper was out the door, running as if Arthur’s dog was upon his heels. He felt winded before he even got to the stairs, but didn’t slow until he had made it all the way to the kitchen. 

“Is something the matter, Hari?” The cook asked, raising an eyebrow at Harper’s sudden appearance. 

Shaking his head, Harper hurried to get together a set of tea cups and the necessary other items he’d need. “My lord has requested that I bring him a tea tray and lunch.” He stated as he finished getting the cups, tray, plates and silverware together. 

“You have two plates and cups set on that tray. Who is the master eating with? If I’m not mistaken, lord Arthur has already left.” The cook questioned as he filled one of the plates and cups, then waited. 

Harper fidgeted, knowing that it was improper to tell the man that he’d be dining with Rule. “He just requested that I bring up two meals and a tea set, sir.” 

He held his breath as the man deliberated, his small eyes watching Harper for any sign of a lie. When nearly a full minute had passed, the cook blew out a breath and prepared the second plate. 

“There. Now I best not hear about you scarfing that down behind the stairs or something. I will report to his lordship later to be sure that him and his guest enjoyed both of their meals.” The man said before shooing Harper out of the kitchen with his tray. 

Unsure how he’d managed to get away with what he actually needed, Harper silently thanked his luck for finally appearing. Now to just get back upstairs before running into anyone hostile. He hurried as quickly as he could while balancing the tray in his hands, being careful not to tip it or accidentally trip on the smooth marble floors of the large foyer. 

He was just lifting his foot to step up onto the first stair when someone appeared to his left, startling him nearly to the point of making him drop the tray. 

“Hello there, deary. Sorry for scaring you. I thought I’d give you the garment master Rule requested I make for you. I finished it a little early and was just on my way up to deliver it, but I see that I’ve found you just in time to take it along with you. Though, with the ball over, I must admit that it was a strange request. Perhaps he likes you in such clothing.” The seamstress noted as she draped a set of men’s clothes over his left arm, patted him on the shoulder, then hurried off into an open door to the side of the stairs. 

Staring down at the items on his arm, Harper frowned.  He’s going to get me caught without even intentionally trying… unless he’s doing it on purpose? Harper hoped that he was just fooling himself with the idea, but once in his head, he couldn’t manage to push it out as he began to climb the stairs. 

To his surprise, he made it to the top without anything befalling him. Alright, now just to get to his door… Harper counted his steps, sighing with relief when his feet finally stopped in front of the door to Rule’s chambers. 

“Kite, go say hello.” 

Oh, come on. 

Unable to move quickly, or even open the door without maneuvering the tray a bit, Harper braced himself for the inevitable. The large dog’s footsteps thumped against the carpet as it barreled toward him, making Harper’s heart speed up uncomfortably with nerves. When the beast got within feet of him, he sucked in a breath and squeezed his eyes shut, waiting for the impact. 

“Kite, halt.” 

When the animal’s hit never came, Harper slowly opened his eyes and gazed to his left. The beast was there, not three feet from him. It was sitting and panting, its large tongue lolling out one of one side of its mouth. 

Seeing as the dog had stopped, for the moment, Harper turned his attention to the man slowly coming up behind the beast. He’d changed… wait, of course he had. It had been almost two days since the event, of course the man would wash and change. But why is he here again? 

“Don’t look too excited to see me, little Hari. I might get the wrong idea.” Arthur teased as he stopped before him to run a hand through Harper’s hair, messing it up more than it already was.

“I apologize, my lord. I was just not expecting to see you again so soon.” Harper said, trying to regain his composure as Arthur opened the door and gestured him inside with a nod. 

 Dragging his feet, Harper stepped into Rule’s chambers, making sure to keep his head down when Arthur closed the door behind him. 

“You came back early. I still get her for several more days, you know.” Rule chided from where he lounged in one of the overstuffed chairs. He still wasn’t wearing a shirt, making the situation quite abnormal and uncomfortable.

Arthur didn’t seem to mind his words or his appearance, however, because he dropped right down into the other free chair near Rule, then gestured to Harper to put the tray down between them. “You do still own her for a while, but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to behave and stay away until it’s my turn.” He noted, patting his dog on the head as it settled next to his chair. 

Rule huffed, reaching over to take the kettle Harper had brought and pour himself a cup of tea. Arthur took the other cup, filling it and sipping while Rule gave him an annoyed glare. Harper knew that the tea had been meant for himself and Rule, but he would never reprimand Arthur for drinking it… or any lord, for that matter. Arthur didn’t need to know that one of the meals and tea had been meant for him.  

“You aren’t allowed to have more than that cup of tea. I had her fetch us a meal, and by us, I mean her and myself.” Rule stated, making Harper’s face turn bright red. 

Two pairs of eyes focused on him right away, making him fidget where he stood before the two lords. “Go change, Harper. In fact, go use my bath. I just finished and only really rinsed off but the water is still warm and clean, since I bathed yesterday evening, too.” 

A bath? He had not had one in a long while. Harper did his best to keep himself clean, but he couldn’t argue that he could use one. 

“Yes sir. Thank you, I will be quick.” He said, bowing before heading into Rule’s bedchambers. He wasn’t sure if he was allowed to close the door, so he only slid the one to the washroom shut, leaving the bedroom one open. 

He noticed the amount of soap in the water, easily hiding whatever was to slip beneath it. Did he plan for me bathe? Or think that Arthur might return and catch me? It was too much for him to process. Rule hadn’t seemed too surprised to see the other man, yet perhaps he was just being kind by making him feel more comfortable with the soapy water. 

Tugging at his hair, Harper groaned, then covered his mouth. 

“You aren’t doing anything fun in there without us, are you?” Rule’s shout questioned from the other room. 

“N-no!” He replied as he set the clothing he had on his arm on down on a chair, then quickly stripped out of his maid uniform. 

He was in the bath water a moment later, sighing at the warmth that still remained. Since there was already so much soap in the tub, he started lathering it along his skin, being sure to scrub himself as much as possible. Servants didn’t get to bathe often, so he wouldn’t make light of the gift Rule had given him by allowing him to use his water. 

Satisfied with his upper body, Harper began scrubbing his legs one at a time, being sure to get every inch and even between his toes. Once that was done, he lifted his hands to his face and scrubbed, then moved his fingers up to wash his dirty hair. 

“How adorable do you look?” 

Harper ducked his head so quickly at the same time that he’d gasped from the shock of hearing Rule’s voice so suddenly that he drew in a mouthful of water. He was about to scramble out of the tub, but then remembered Arthur was there and would likely be right behind Rule. So instead, he leaned over the edge and coughed as a firm hand hit his back repeatedly. 

“I don’t recommend drinking the bath water, Hari.” Arthur stated, his dog grumbling somewhere nearby in likely agreement with its master. 

At the sound of the man’s voice, Harper sunk further down into the water. “Careful, the soap burns when it gets into your eyes.” Rule mumbled as he poured some water from a cup along Harper’s face, washing the soap on his face away.

“There.” 

Slowly, Harper allowed his eyes to open and take in what was going on. Rule was kneeling before the tub, setting down the empty cup he’d used to clean around Harper’s eyes. Arthur was standing back by the washbasin, arms crossed over his chest, head tilted slightly. Kite sat panting at his feet, his attention on nothing in particular that Harper could identify. 

 “Thank you, master Rule.” Harper said, trying to sink even further beneath the bubbles, but he couldn’t without nearly drowning himself again. 

Rule offered him a small smile, but instead of leaving like Harper had hoped, he reached over the edge of the tub and began to scrub the soap woven into Harper’s hair. “You’re cute, even for a…” Rule cut his words off abruptly, then glanced sideways at Arthur. 

The other lord was staring at them as he settled beside the tub, leaning his right arm over the edge, just barely above the water. “Boy? Girl? Now would be a great time to figure that out, don’t you agree, Rule?” He asked, though his attention was solely focused on Harper, as if the question was no longer relevant to ask Rule. 

Taking in the man’s fancy, black long-sleeved shirt, red tailcoat and brown slacks, Harper silently hoped that he cared about the clothing getting wet more than he cared about finding out his gender. 

“True.” Rule replied, earning Arthur’s attention. 

“You already know. That’s why her lips are far more damaged than I had left them.” Arthur stated as he leaned back against the wall near the tub. Kite curled up beside him, his large body somehow managing to fit in the space without making it too cramped. “I’m going to assume that she’s a female, considering that.” 

Harper wasn’t sure how either lord could seem so calm when they had him trapped, naked, in a bathtub. His mind was turning into mush, and Rule taking care of him by rinsing his hair while humming quietly, likely goading Arthur on, wasn’t helping one bit. 

The lord watched them silently, his eyes moving from one to the other. “Don’t you want to just get this over with, Hari? I’ll find out when it’s my turn for you to come live on my property, anyways. You can tell me now… or show me, or I’ll figure it out then. Wouldn’t you like all of that stress off your chest?”

Yes, but no at the same time. If I tell him, and he reacts like Rule had, then I wouldn’t know what to do. I also don’t want to think what Rule would possibly do in response to what Arthur would do… my head hurts. 

He was about to reply when Rule dumped water over his face, forcing him to close his eyes. “Ready to get out, sweetheart?” Rule asked, reaching off to the side to retrieve a large towel. 

Harper didn’t like the idea of showing Rule anything, but his worried gaze turned to Arthur. He couldn’t get out with him sitting right in front of him. Rule might not have liked what he’d found out about his gender, and was still likely deciding what to do about it, but Harper had no doubt that Arthur would be far more strict with his decision. 

“Arthur, you need to get out.” Rule stated as he stood up, opening the towel to shield Harper from view. 

Harper waited to hear the man’s footsteps leaving, but when he only heard the sound of him standing up, he swallowed nervously. Rule scowled and leaned forward, winking with his left eye to signal the only thing Harper could think of. 

While it terrified him to do it, Harper jumped into Rule’s arms at that moment, his body shaking from the stress of the situation as the soft fabric draped over his hair and wrapped around him till about halfway down his legs. 

“Rule.” Arthur warned as he followed them out, Rule easily carrying Harper’s weight in his arms as he hunched into the towel as best he could.

“You’re scaring her.” Rule responded quietly as he carried Harper all the way into his borrowed room. The only problem, besides Arthur following them, was the fact that Harper had nothing left to change into. His clothing, both new and old, were in the washroom. 

When Rule began rummaging through the dressers, however, Harper realized that he might just have some older clothing stored in the room. He ended up pulling a large shirt out after searching two more drawers. “This will do.” He mused as he settled Harper on the bed, both of them making sure that the towel was secure around him before Rule lifted the shirt to tug over his head. 

“Now you’re going to rest, as I’m sure you’re probably too nervous to eat what you’d brought up. I’ll save the food for when you feel more comfortable, alright?” Rule said as he grabbed one of the drawn-back blankets and began tucking Harper in without offering much of a choice. Not that Harper would decline. He gladly ducked beneath the blankets, completely ignoring his wet hair and Rule’s hand as the lord reached beneath the blankets and retrieved the damp towel. 

“Arthur, we have some things to discuss. Leave her be.” Rule stated, his tone not brooking any room for argument as Harper heard his footsteps head for the door. There was a pause in the sounds in the room, besides Arthur’s dog’s panting, but after a few moments and a deep sigh, the second lord made his way to the door.

When the room was finally sealed, leaving him alone in his bed, Harper gave up on trying to hold back his shaking beneath the heavy blankets. He had no one left to fool in that respect.

Disagreement

(All her baby teeth on one side fell out almost at once. Now she looks funny, even laughs at herself) 

Harper was getting used to waking up not feeling well. His head hurt and his nose was running a little, likely because of stress and having not dried his hair properly before falling asleep. Glancing around the dark room, he noted two candles burning on the nightstand, the only illumination present besides the moon shining in from the window. 

I slept too long.  

Slipping from the bed, he felt a cold draft between his legs and blushed, uncomfortable in just the large shirt he’d been given. He dug through the dresser drawers in the room hoping to find something useful, but only found a few articles, all of which being far too big. 

He searched the room for a short while longer before a soft knock sounded on the door. “Little Hari…” 

Looking down at himself, Harper sighed, figuring that he was stuck with what he was wearing until he got something else from Rule. Might as well answer the door. He was just reaching for the handle when the knob turned and the door opened. He expected to see lord Rule, but when Arthur stood staring at him in surprise, Harper quickly ducked behind the door. 

“I-I apologize my lord, my clothes…” Harper stuttered. 

Arthur seemed frozen for a moment, then stumbled over his own words in response. “It’s, I can. I’ll get them, one moment.” 

He disappeared, returning a few moments later with Harper’s freshly cleaned maid’s uniform. Harper eyed it for a second longer than he likely should have before reaching for the outfit, because Arthur seemed to notice something was off, and retracted his hand. 

“Would you prefer something else…?” He asked, raising an eyebrow as Kite wandered over and began to try and sniff up the shirt Harper was wearing, making him awkwardly nudge at the giant dog to try and get it to stop. “Perhaps the outfit Rule was to have you wear?” Arthur continued, stepping into the room and forcing Harper to push himself closer against the hardwood door. 

Kite grumbled and pushed his nose right up the shirt, making Harper jump back, then crouch down. He didn’t want to be closer to the giant beast, but he couldn’t just let it give him away by lifting his shirt too high, either. 

Ducking his head, Harper waited for the beast to try something again, but when nothing happened, he peaked up at it. Why is he just sitting in front of me? Looking up at Arthur, he noticed the man’s left hand formed into a simple signal. Turning his attention back to the dog, Harper realized what was going on. He gave him a signal command. That’s why he stopped. 

“I know that you are a boy, Harper.” 

Wait… my real name. But how? 

“Rule let it slip while he was talking to you earlier.” Arthur said as he knelt down beside him, making Harper duck his face into his folded arms. 

“I thought, at first, that he was just giving you a cute nickname. But then I realized that Hari would likely be considered more of a nickname for Harper, than the opposite.” Arthur mused as a hand settled on top of Harper’s hair, though it did nothing to settle his nerves. 

“Also, If you weren’t trying to hide something, you wouldn’t have changed your name, yet you clearly switched it to Hari from Harper.” Arthur’s warm hand slipped between his chin and his arm, forcing Harper to lift his head and look at him. “Are my words not correct, Harper?”  

Panic settled in Harper’s stomach as he tried to figure out a way to discredit the facts Arthur was stating. Normally he could figure something out quickly, but his head still hurt and his mind just wasn’t processing as fast as he needed it to. 

“Your silence is answer enough for that line of questioning. I have something else I’ve been curious about for nearly as long, however…” 

Swallowing down his nerves, Harper looked down, then back up to meet Arthur’s eyes. The lord tilted his head slightly as his hand lifted to sift through Harper’s hair. When it stopped, Arthur’s fingers were gently tugging on one of the braids woven within Harper’s dark hair. 

“Why the braids?” 

Without thinking, Harper reached up and snagged the braid from Arthur’s fingers, only for the lord to grasp his hand instead. “I want an answer, Harper. Rule mentioned about being curious of them as well, so I know that you haven’t told him yet, either. Although, he seemed hesitant to agree to ask you together.” 

Because he saw me before…

Looking down at Kite, Harper sighed. “Some stories aren’t meant to be told, my lord.” He said, his voice holding only exhaustion. 

Silence stretched between them until Arthur’s hand released Harper’s, only to press against his forehead. The action drew Harper’s eyes back up to Arthur’s, confused as to what he was doing. He didn’t feel sick. Or, at least, not as sick as he had been. 

“Idiot. You didn’t dry your hair before you fell asleep.” Arthur grumbled, making Harper raise an eyebrow. 

“Master Rule took the towel I was using.” Harper replied quietly, averting his eyes. He had been expecting Arthur to get mad at him for deceiving him and Rule for so long, and probably call the magistrate back, but he wasn’t expecting him to question his braids, nor worry about his health. 

Harper was at a loss for words, so when he heard footsteps enter the sitting room, he sighed with both relief and trepidation. When Rule appeared beside Arthur, Harper couldn’t help but stumble to his feet and fall into the lord’s arms. He wasn’t sure how Rule would handle the situation and he didn’t want to pit the lords against each other, but he desperately needed a hug, so he stole one while the man had been too busy processing the situation. 

“Honestly, you should have figured it out the moment Kite decided he didn’t like him a long while ago.” Rule whispered as his arms wrapped around Harper gently. After a soft squeeze, he lifted him easily into his arms. 

Rule’s attention remained on Arthur as the other lord stood back up. Harper ducked his head against Rule’s jacket when Arthur looked at him, not wanting to give the man any reason to try and ask questions again. 

“You’re holding him like he’s a child. Rule, you know we have to speak with lord Marksworth and the magistrate about this.” Arthur said as Rule carried Harper from the room. He dropped down  into one of the overstuffed chairs, not letting Harper move from his lap once he’d settled. 

“Somehow, I don’t believe that the magistrate will see this issue as something too serious.” Rule said distractedly as his fingers messed with a few strands of Harper’s hair. 

Hearing the second seat depress with weight, Harper spared a glance sideways to see Arthur sitting in it, watching him with narrowed eyes. “Lord Marksworth would want to know, and the magistrate will surely find issue with this.” 

Harper felt Rule take in a breath to respond, but Arthur continued. “Wait. Lord Marksworth is no fool. I bet you my fortune he knew all along.” A groan followed his words, drawing Harper’s gaze to the man. He’d let his head fall back, eyes half-lidded as they stared up at the ceiling. 

“This is not how this situation was supposed to play out.” Arthur murmured, drawing a chuckle from Rule before Harper felt lips press against his neck. Startled, he gave a shocked yelp and pulled away, but Rule easily held onto his waist, keeping him in his lap as Arthur turned his head to stare at them. 

“Are you actually flirting with a nearly naked boy sitting in your lap?” 

The actual question, and confusion, in Arthur’s voice made Harper try, and fail, to stifle a giggle. He felt Rule’s body shift but couldn’t react fast enough before he felt teeth nip at his neck, making him yelp again, then scowl at the older man. 

“So very scary, little Hari.” Rule cooed before leaning in and pressing his lips to Harper’s. 

The kiss didn’t last more than two seconds because Arthur was pulling him out of Rule’s lap by the back of the shirt he was borrowing, dragging him back toward his room. “Enough of this. Rule, you know as well as I do that this is not something that can be swept under the rug!” Arthur yelled before shoving Harper into his room and slamming the door shut. 

The sound of a key turning in the lock had Harper hunching where he’d landed on the hard floor. The situation had been inevitable, but he’d hoped for at least a little more time… even if just to see lord Marksworth off when he passed. 

He knew. They said that he would have known the whole time. 

It was hard to consider, at first, but Harper knew that the man was no fool. He was sharp, even at his old age, and he’d gotten him out of trouble in the blink of an eye when they’d first met. Of course he would know. Perhaps that’s why Harper had always felt comfortable living with the man. He always felt proud to work for him.  

Eventually, he found himself leaning against the frame of the door, listening silently to the two lords converse in the sitting room. Their voices were hushed by the walls, but whenever one of them got frustrated, their words grew in volume, allowing him to pick out bits and pieces of what they were saying. The conversation was definitely about him, which was no shock. They seemed to go back and forth about calling for the magistrate, lord Marksworth, or punishing him themselves. Harper liked neither of the three options, but he supposed that lord Marksworth would definitely be the safest of them. 

He was just nodding off a while later when he heard the key turn in the lock again. It took him a few moments to wake fully, so when he finally looked up, the two lords were already standing before him. 

Not wanting to seem rude, he hurried to his feet and bowed his head. “Good evening, my lords.” He mumbled after a few moments of awkward silence. The two men looked at each other, both seemingly tired, though they normally stayed up far into the night most times they’d visited his master’s home. 

“I’m sure you’re worried about your situation and how us finding out that you are, indeed, a boy, is going to change it.” Rule said as he crossed his arms over his chest at the same time Arthur tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. 

These two are so different but at the same time, they react almost as if they are one person. 

“Well, we’ve decided that you’re going to return to Arthur’s home with him tomorrow morning.” 

Harper’s disbelief must have shown on his face, because Rule’s lips began stretching into a smirk. When Rule turned to look at Arthur, Harper followed his gaze, only to see the other lord staring at Rule with a similar expression to his own shocked one. 

“That is not what we had agreed upon!” Arthur growled, getting a chuckle from Rule as the man clapped the other on the shoulder. “That’s what I’ve agreed upon. Besides, what could one short week with him do? We know where he lives. He has no transportation and it’s winter. If he left, he’d be dead.”

Arthur still didn’t looked pleased, in the least, but when his cold eyes turned back to Harper, they seemed to soften just a little. “So you want me to hold him for a week before we make a final decision? Is that really necessary?” He asked, glancing sideways at Rule. 

After a quick yawn, Rule nodded and leaned forward, taking Harper’s hand as he began tugging him across the sitting room toward his own bedroom. “Master Rule?” Harper questioned as he stumbled behind the man, quite tired, himself. 

“You’ll be staying with me tonight. Arthur, you can use his room.” Rule said as they stepped into his bedroom. 

Harper wasn’t really against staying in Rule’s room, as long as the man didn’t try to attack his mouth again. Granted, he hoped that being a boy would curtail that issue from reoccurring, but he’d done it after he’d known of his gender, so Harper wasn’t too sure. 

“Get in bed. You can change into your new clothing tomorrow.” Rule stated as he tugged off his own clothes, leaving just a pair of loose undergarments. 

The amount of skin the man was showing warmed Harper’s face, making him dart beneath the heavy blankets to hide his blush. Footsteps echoed from the other room, across the sitting area and into Rule’s, stilling Harper beneath the blankets as he heard the sound of more clothing being removed. The atmosphere in the room seemed to grow more tense as the sound of the door being shut met his ears, but when he felt the bed depress in several spots as someone got in, then climbed over him to drop onto the other side, Harper realized that Arthur must have decided to leave without causing more of an issue. 

He was just about to poke his head back above the top of the blankets when he felt the bed press down on his other side, stilling him abruptly. 

“I never said that you could sleep in my bed.” Rule mumbled as his weight, which Harper could only assume had gotten in bed first, moved far too close to him for comfort. They were practically pressed against each other, though Rule was only beneath one blanket while Harper had at least two on him. 

“And I never said I would listen to you.” Arthur retorted as he got comfortable, his weight shifting  a small amount before silence took over the room. 

Neither lord spoke again, though Rule shifted around quite a bit before Harper could hear them both calmly breathing in their sleep. He settled in a long while later, letting his nerves finally push his mind into the darkness. 

I have no idea what’s going on, or what will happen tomorrow, but at least I’m okay tonight.

Up in Flames

There’s a hand on my belly. Was the first thought that managed to get through Harper’s hazy mind come morning. Or was it afternoon again, as it still seemed dark? Either way, the hand had to go. 

Harper shifted his weight a little, trying to move away slowly without waking the owner. He only got a few inches, not nearly far enough to remove the hand, when he felt something firm block his retreat. 

Rule? Wait, no, Arthur? 

His cloudy mind couldn’t remember which lord was on which side of him when he’d fallen asleep. 

“Darn it, Art. Will you get out of my bed already?” Rule’s sleepy voice mumbled from the body he was pressed against. Immediately, Harper jerked away, only to be pulled right back by the hand he’d thought was coming from the other direction. “Where are you going?”  

“Rule, let the poor kid sleep. It’s not even midnight yet.” Arthur said, his voice sounding a bit more awake than Rule’s. It wasn’t much of a surprise that both lords were up considering all of the times they’d remained awake until dawn conversing on visits. 

“Go sleep in the other room.” Rule grumbled, pulling Harper closer, to the point of being uncomfortable. 

A slightly audible exhale was heard from the other side of the bed, followed by the sound of a book being set down. “What are the chances of our little Hari losing his virginity before morning, if I go sleep in the other room?”

There was a coughing sound from Rule and his arm around his waist suddenly disappeared. Harper took his chance and scrambled closer to Arthur, not stopping until he felt the man’s body against his left side. 

“That was cheating.” Rule growled as the bed shifted, letting Harper know that he was likely sitting up. “Besides, you kissed him first.” 

A scoff sounded from Arthur before the blankets were suddenly pulled back, making Harper squint at the light. It wasn’t much, likely just from one candle, but after sleeping under the covers for hours, it felt nearly blinding.  

“That mistake won’t be happening again.” Arthur stated as he stared down at Harper with indifference. 

The look made him nervous, but not enough to move away. In fact, when he felt the bed dip and saw Rule moving closer, he scooted even closer to Arthur. “Really, Rule. Stop stalking him like some kind of animal. I’m taking him in the morning, then he’ll be going to the magistrate in one week.” 

Harper pulled the covers back over his face, only to hear Arthur give a quiet laugh. “Hiding won’t do you any good anymore, Harper. Things are going to happen now, whether you want them to or not.” 

The bed depressing next to him made Harper fidget, but when a gentle hand settled on top of the blankets on top of his head, he relaxed a little. 

“Don’t scare him like that.” Rule said, moving his hand softly over the blankets to try and soothe Harper’s nerves. It pretty much had the opposite affect before being swatted away by Arthur. 

“Just go find one of your mistresses in town if you need attention that badly.” Arthur said, earning a grunt from Rule as his weight on the bed shifted. “You’re always such a bore.” Rule replied.

Another chuckle sounded. “Is that why you’ve stuck by my side for so many years?” 

The bed shifted for several seconds before Harper felt Rule’s searching hands on his bare skin. He tried to move away, but Arthur’s body blocked any hope of escape. Harper squeezed his eyes shut as the hand began to wander. 

“Enough of this.” 

Before Harper realized what was happening, Arthur was rolling onto him. Even though he couldn’t see with the blankets over his head, he knew that it couldn’t be Rule, because he had been the one touching him, until Arthur’s body forced him to retract his hand or get hurt. 

“Oh, I don’t like him, but I’m just going to pin him down with my body so that you can’t touch.” Rule mocked angrily. 

Arthur ignored him completely, however, and just got comfortable so that a portion of his body was blocking Rule and the other half was holding Harper down, but not to the point of being painful due to weight. 

“Arthur, come on. Get off him. You’re acting childish.” Rule chided, only to yelp when Arthur rolled off of Harper.

Hesitantly pulling the blankets away from his face again, Harper’s eyes widened when the faint light from the one flickering candle in the room illuminated just enough of the two lords for him to realize what was happening. 

He’s actually pinning Rule down…

“What’s wrong, Rule? Don’t like being forced to allow someone else to touch you?” Arthur cooed, though his expression showed the exact opposite of what his tone and words hinted at. 

 Tilting his head, Arthur leaned closer as Rule struggled. With little effort, he caught the lord’s wrists and pushed them down against the pillow he was using. “Are you done, Rule? You are being quite the bore .” 

“Arthur.” Rule warned, narrowing his eyes as he scowled up at the other man, who simply smirked. “Get off of me, now.” 

With a final chuckle, Arthur shrugged one shoulder, then moved to Rule’s side. The other lord sat up immediately, only to lunge forward. Harper nearly fell off the bed trying to get out of the way when Arthur grabbed Rule’s wrist and swung his body around, pinning the other man again with, what appeared to be, little effort.

“Dammit, Arthur!” Rule yelled, making the other lord clamp a hand down over his mouth abruptly. “Stop screaming. You want someone to come in here and see you like this?” 

Rule’s eyes narrowed before reaching up to try and punch Arthur with his recently freed hand. Arthur leaned back to dodge, but in order to do that, he had to release Rule’s other wrist. Harper wasn’t sure if he should try to stop them or run, but when Rule just fell back down against the blankets and Arthur grinned down at him with a raised eyebrow, still sitting on the man’s waist, Harper realized that they weren’t really fighting. 

“Well, this brings back memories.” Rule said before yawning. 

Arthur mirrored the yawn as he fell to land beside Rule on the bed. Harper wasn’t sure how the situation had diffused so quickly, but his attention turned away from them abruptly when his stomach growled with the ferocity of an angry beast. 

Both lords turned to look at him, making Harper duck his head to hide his blush in the dim light. “Oh. We forgot to feed him again, didn’t we?” Rule said as Harper saw him start moving closer. 

He fidgeted as Arthur moved to follow, only for Harper to move a little too far against the edge of the bed and drop to the floor. A moment later, both lords were looking down at him, grins on their faces as Harper did his best to make sure he was covered by the oversized shirt he wore as he stumbled to his feet. 

“Does he remind you of a rabbit, Rule? Is that why you stalk him?” Arthur questioned. 

Harper frowned, taking a step back as he watched the two lords laying at the edge of the bed, propped up on their arms like two young children. 

Rule tilted his head slowly, licking his lips. “Something like that.” He said before pushing himself up and getting off the bed. 

Harper pursed his lips and took another step back, only to hear Kite growl as his ankle brushed the dog’s fur. He hurried to jump forward and spin around, apologizing to the animal, though it didn’t even bother to raise its head after its warning. 

“It’s pretty late, so I’m not sure what the kitchen will have, but we’ll get you some food, Harper.” Arthur said as he got up and made his way over to the call bell. He tugged the rope once, then headed out into the dimly lit sitting room to drop into one of the large armchairs with another yawn. 

Rule took the second chair, leaving Harper to stand by the door. He knew that Rule would want him to sit with him, or near him, but he was hesitant to get close to him again after what had happened when they’d woken up. 

A maid appeared before he could make a decision on where he should go. 

“Is there anything left over from dinner?” Arthur asked, earning a head shake from the maid. 

He nodded, then asked. “Can you please bring up water, three cups, and some fruit and bread?” 

The young maid nodded right away, then disappeared back out the door. She returned not ten minutes later, a large tray in her arms as she tried to get the door open. Harper hurried to help her before either lord could get up. He took the heavy tray with a smile and got a confused, yet appreciative one in return. 

“Thank you, Hari.” She said, bowing her head before excusing herself. 

Err, hopefully she didn’t think something was odd with me just wearing a large shirt…

Harper carried the tray over to set between the lords, then stepped back. He knew that they had gotten at least some of the food for him, but he wasn’t used to just taking things. 

“Come here.” Rule said as he tapped his right leg. 

Awkwardly, Harper shuffled forward, only to drop to his knees to the right of Rule’s right leg. The lord’s eyes jerked open wide and his mouth dropped slightly, but Harper didn’t seem to notice his reaction as he got comfortable on the floor, then leaned his head up against the chair to stare at Arthur, who was chuckling for some reason. 

“He got you without even realizing it. I think I’m starting to like him.” 

Harper frowned, looking up at Rule with confusion. The lord was scowling down at him before he crossed his legs and grabbed an apple from the tray, only to hand it down to him. “Eat. Then get back in my bed.” 

Stealing a glance at Arthur, Harper reached up and took the apple, but barely tasted the sweet fruit as he bit into it. He nibbled at it for a few more moments before Rule suddenly dropped down from the chair to sit beside him, then snatched the apple from him to take a large bite. 

“That’s how you eat an apple. Why are you just picking at it when you’re clearly hungry?” He asked before chewing and swallowing the piece he’d bitten off. 

He offered the apple back to him, but when Harper just stared, biting his lower lip, Rule leaned in closer, trying to catch his downcast eyes. “Hey, what’s wrong?” 

Sniffing, Harper shook his head. He really didn’t know exactly what was wrong, just that he felt exhausted and couldn’t keep the saltwater from running down his cheeks. 

“Hey now. It’s okay, Harper.” Rule whispered as he brushed away a tear, only for it to be replaced with another. 

For once, Rule seemed to be at a loss for what to do. He made a move to try and pick him up, but Harper flinched, making Rule sigh and sit back on his heels. 

“You pushed him too far tonight. Again.” Arthur said as he moved to kneel beside Harper. With gentle fingers, he took the apple from Harper and set it back on the tray, then carefully lifted him into his arms as he sat back against the chair.  

The only reason Harper hadn’t reacted like he had to Rule was because Arthur had never been the type to be so physical. Besides when he’d forced a kiss on him. It had always been Rule who had invaded his space. After a few tense moments, he actually found himself relaxing against Arthur’s chest as he wrapped one of the large throw blankets around them both like a cocoon. 

Warmth spread through his shaky body, calming his nerves until he was able to take a steady breath again. “There. Now, let’s eat a bit, hm?” Arthur said as he reached back up to the tray, grabbing a handful of purple grapes. 

“Open.” He mused with a hint of a smile on his lips. 

Without a reason to say no, and because he honestly was really hungry, Harper did as told. He ate the entire handful before Arthur reached for more. While he was getting them, Harper glanced over at Rule. He had been surprised that he hadn’t tried anything else, but when he saw him, he realized why. 

He fell asleep against the chair. 

“He might be an ass most times, but he stayed up when he was really tired. He was worried you might have caught a cold.” 

Harper looked back to Arthur. He opened his mouth to respond, but Arthur just pushed a grape between his teeth. “That’s all I’m going to say on that matter. Let’s finish eating, then get to bed. We don’t want you getting sick.” 

Harper was going to question why it would honestly bother Arthur, if he planned to be rid of him soon anyways, but held his tongue. He was tired, and really hungry. Neither issue would be solved by talking, so Harper agreed that he should just finish what he was offered, then get some rest. 

When he finished a few more grapes, then split an apple with Arthur, he felt much better. The lord unwrapped the blanket from around them, suddenly cooling Harper’s skin with the chilly temperature of the room. 

“Go back to the bed. I’ll get Rule.” Arthur said as he stood, helping Harper to his feet before nudging him toward Rule’s open bedroom door. 

Harper was hesitant, but Arthur just pushed him again gently. “You know that he’ll find his way into your room if you bother to try and go there. Humor him. He’s asleep and I’ll be between the two of you.” 

Uncertain, but still unwilling to argue, Harper nodded and hurried into the room and beneath the heavy blankets, if only to chase the chill from his bones. Arthur appeared a few moments later, an out-cold Rule slumped in his arms. He managed the man’s weight easily, maneuvering him into bed after Harper got out and pulled the blankets back for him. 

Once Rule was settled, Arthur climbed in, then patted the spot beside him. Harper hesitated, but his need to sleep made him step forward until he slid in beside the lord. He unintentionally scooted closer to Arthur for his warmth as the man got the blankets back over them. When his arm slipped around Harper’s waist, he fidgeted, but Arthur just chuckled. 

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to do anything. I just don’t need you trying to disappear.” 

The fact that the lord actually thought he would run away after everything he’d been through, hurt. He has no reason to trust me though, so I can’t blame him. Harper thought as he sighed, getting comfortable against the man. It didn’t take him long to fall asleep, even with the faint feeling of warm breath brushing against the back of his neck every few seconds. 

As fast as he was able to drift off, he awoke in half the time. His lungs burned and his eyes stung when he tried to open them. What’s going on? His brain couldn’t process that he couldn’t get in a full breath of air without feeling like he was choking on glass. 

Pushing himself up and shoving the blankets away from his head, Harper sat up in the darkness as heat buffeted his face like he had just stepped into a fire. Wait. Fear shocked him into moving. He shoved toward where Arthur should be. When his palms connected with what felt like his shoulder, Harper pushed, slapped, and shook him as hard as he could… but got no response. 

Hacking as smoke filled his lungs, Harper scrambled over Arthur’s form and practically began punching Rule to try and get him to respond. It took a moment, but Rule shoved himself up with a horrible cough of his own before jumping out of bed, dragging Harper with him. 

The sound of crackling timber and roaring flames was far too loud to hear anything else, but as he was tugged blindly toward the door, he knew that he couldn’t let Rule take just him. With as much strength as he could, he yanked Rule back, making him stumble until they were by the bed. 

Harper hurried to reach with his free hand, grasping at the covers until he caught Arthur’s upper arm. He could barely move the man’s dead weight, so he yanked Rule again, then lifted Arthur’s hand toward Rule until he felt it touch him. 

The other lord seemed to register what he was trying to get him to do, because he quickly released Harper and took Arthur. Harper held onto Rule’s arm just to be able to make it out of the rooms and into the burning hall. The fire was worse in the narrow passageway, but thankfully, the smoke rose far above, making it a little easier to breathe and see. 

Rule started running, but each time he glanced back at Harper, he slowed. You can’t slow down! “Go!” He rasped, then coughed as he stumbled, but managed not to fall. “I’m coming!” 

The look on Rule’s face was torn with terror lurking in his gaze, but one look down at Arthur, whom they both knew sometimes had breathing problems under extreme stress, made him act. 

“I’m coming back!” He yelled as he darted for the stairs, disappearing down them in seconds. 

Shaking his head hard, Harper pushed himself forward as fast as he could manage. His steps were becoming uneven, but he managed to make it to the stairs right as ash began to rain down from the ceiling. Gathering his courage, he began down the stairs carefully, not trusting his wobbly legs as he clung to the banister. 

He was about halfway down when Rule ran back inside, immediately spotting him up on the stairs. Harper felt like he could actually breathe again as the lord sped toward him, only for a loud explosion, followed by a roaring boom sounded overhead. The ceiling began to drop in giant chunks down into the foyer at the same time fire erupted from beneath the stairs. 

Rule skidded to a stop just in time to avoid a chandelier, but Harper couldn’t afford to watch him any longer. The ceiling was caving in, heading directly for where he stood. Summoning up what remained of his strength, he staggered up the steps and back into the inferno in the halls. He lifted his shirt to his face and took in as good a breath as he could manage, then ran. He swiped the walls a few times and tripped more than once in the near-pitch blackness that surrounded him, but when he found his feet suddenly floating in the air and a sharp gust of frigid air hit his body, he realized that he had just run through the window at the end of the hall that must have been burst from the heat. The window on the second floor. 

His landing was less than graceful, but thankfully there was a store of spare hay bails behind the estate. There weren’t many, but the few that had been placed there had saved him from a harsher exit. When he slid down from them, his left foot sent a shock to his system and nearly made him fall.

Broken, then. 

He could also feel his skin beginning to send pain through his system, letting him know that he had quite a few burns, but he knew that he had no time to cry over them. Flames were already starting to lick at the grass outside of the giant house, but running wasn’t an option any longer. His heart thundered in his chest as he watched the fire grow around him. 

Not this way. I don’t want to die like this! 

It wasn’t until the fire was raging in the woods around him, only stemmed from where he stood by a thick patch of mud and rainwater left over from a previous storm, that he saw someone approaching from the one side where the flames had yet to grow too high. 

Rule? 

He was on horseback, Arthur’s form unconscious as he held him. 

“Harper, get on!” He yelled as he pulled his horse, and another he had been leading, to a halt and jumped down after balancing Arthur. 

Without even getting a chance to reply, Rule threw Harper up onto the other horse, then jumped back onto his. Harper knew the basics of how to work the reigns and he was just getting his horse to turn and follow Rule’s when the wall to his left blew out, sending splintered wood, burning hay, and ash shooting out in front of them. 

The events that happened next were impossible to anticipate or respond to. The horse jerked back, the rope Rule had been holding to help guide it, whipping free of his hand. It reared back, nearly throwing Harper, had he not already gotten a death-grip on its neck when the wall had blown out. 

When the animal dropped back down to its hooves, eyes wide and nostrils flaring, it turned, then bolted into the woods, away from Rule, where the raging inferno was already eating away everything and anything in its path. 

(Uh, well, there was a little bit of cuddling? Kinda? >…>)

Stand

A wet, rough tongue swiped across his burnt cheek in one long, painful stroke. Harper knew that something was licking his face, as he could hear it breathing and smell its horrible breath. When he managed to open his eyes in the dim light of morning, he was surprised to see Kite leaning over him, tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth and drool dripping from his panting jowls.  

“I never thought that I’d be glad to see you.” He said as he slowly pushed himself up on the thick bed of moss he found himself on. 

The horse was nowhere to be seen, but if Kite was there… With nervous excitement, Harper looked around, expecting to see the stoic lord pacing somewhere nearby. When he scanned the swampy area several times, but still saw not a single soul besides Kite, he felt his hope deflating. 

“Arthur’s not here. I guess it’s just you and me.” 

The dog pinned its ears back and growled, making Harper frown. “You can be as mean as you want, there’s nothing I can do about you out here.” He said calmly as he used a nearby tree to get to his feet. Well, to his foot. His left one was definitely broken, but thankfully there didn’t seem to be any bone sticking through his skin, saving him the risk of it getting infected. 

Once he was steady, Harper turned his attention to the sky. He’d hoped that he could at least see smoke from somewhere, but no matter what direction he turned, nothing stood out. Alright, I need to find my way out of here on my own, then. It was a daunting idea, but he knew that he should just be happy that he was alive, and in all honesty, he was worried that the horse might have gotten caught in the flames after dropping him where it did. 

“I guess there’s nothing I can do about the horse, at least.” He mumbled, watching Kite as he stopped several paces ahead of him, then turned to lick his muzzle. 

“Hey, you better not have eaten him. He was a good horse.” 

The beast just huffed, earning one right back from Harper before he continued hopping after him. He wasn’t sure why he was even following the evil dog, but Kite didn’t seem stressed about their situation, so perhaps he knew where he was… or at least had some idea of how to navigate the muggy landscape. 

They traveled for quite some time, Kite rarely slowing long enough for Harper to rest for more than a minute or two. After half the day had come and gone, the dog finally flopped down beside a huge tree and yawned. 

Harper was just barely able to see Kite from where he stood, leaning against a much smaller tree, trying to catch his breath. After a few moments, he decided to just sit down. He could still see Kite, and it looked like the dog was finally going to rest for a while, so he needed to take the opportunity to relax, too. 

His foot throbbed, but as time had worn on, it had become a dull ache in the back of his mind. 

“Abel! Don’t wander too far!” 

The sudden shout had Harper stumbling to his feet and Kite jumping up, his hackles raised and he bared his teeth. They both looked in the direction they’d heard the voice coming from. No. Before Harper could think to try and stop him, or even consider that Kite would even bother listening to him at all, he saw the dog bolt for the two men on horseback several yards away. 

“Whoa!” 

Kite’s size and ferocity had the horse nearly bucking as he stopped before it to roar a bark. Abel, the young man Harper had met at the ball, did his best to keep his horse still, but Kite refused to let up on the poor creature. 

“Hey! Get back!” The magistrate shouted as his horse barreled toward Kite with far less fear than the panicked one. It reared up, trying to stomp on the dog, but Kite managed to just-barely dodge, before redirecting his barking, snarling assault to the slightly larger animal. 

Arthur will be horribly upset if his dog gets hurt…

He didn’t like the dog, at all, but Harper knew that if he let it get hurt, he’d hate himself for not doing anything. Biting his lip, he hesitantly hopped out from behind the tree and put his hands up to either side of his mouth. 

“Kite! Halt!” He yelled. 

The dog’s ears twitched, but it didn’t show any signs of slowing down its assault. 

Darn it. 

Mustering up as much energy as he could, he then took in a deep breath. 

“Kite! You stupid mutt! Halt this instant!” 

The dog stopped. In turn, after a few tense moments, both horses settled. Kite remained still as he panted, then looked over his shoulder at Harper. He looks… offended. Harper wasn’t sure how that even made sense, but he wasn’t going to worry about it right then. Especially because the magistrate was now dismounting his horse and heading toward him, his friend, Abel, right behind him, though they both kept glancing back at Kite to be sure that he wasn’t going to try and attack them again. 

“Hari?” Abel asked as he ran around the magistrate, stopping in front of him with wide eyes and a worried expression. “Oh my god. Lord Rule has been out of his mind looking for you! He thinks that you perished in the fire!” 

Harper would have tried to run from them, but there was no way he could manage such a thing with his broken foot. “I am quite well.” He lied instead. The looks on both of the men’s faces as the magistrate stopped beside Abel made Harper feel more than a little bit dumb. He was wearing a torn, scorched, muddy shirt… and nothing else besides several burns. Thankfully, it still covered the important parts, but he was clearly not in good shape. 

“We’re going to forget you just said that. Come on, we’ll take you back to our home for now and get you cleaned up. Then we’ll send a message to Rule.” The magistrate said as he stepped forward, offering a hand that Harper refused to touch. 

“No.” He stated with as much determination as he could muster. Which, honestly, wasn’t much. He was exhausted, hurt all over, and felt like he could eat as much as a horse. Keeping said food down, however, was unlikely considering the man standing before him. “I’ll just be on my way.” He said. 

When Harper didn’t move, the  Magistrate tilted his head, seemingly trying to hide a smile as the edges of his lips twitched up. “I do believe you’ll get nowhere at your current speed, Hari.” He stated as he crossed his arms. 

“Um, please just leave me alone.” 

Abel frowned, stepping closer to take Harper’s hand. He wanted to pull away, but the look in the young man’s eyes made him hesitate. “I know you’re worried about something you might have done in the past.” 

How…? 

“I’m going to assume that whatever that is, it’s the reason you don’t want Rule to know that you’re alive.” 

Harper looked down at the soft mud his toes were kneading into, unwilling to answer. 

“Honestly, I feel like that’s horrible, and unless you somehow killed someone in the past, or did something else of equal negativity, you need to let him know that you’re okay as soon as possible.” 

It hurt to be told such a thing. He knew that Rule was likely panicking about what could have happened to him, but if the magistrate standing before him was anything like the last one, he would be dead if he confessed what he did… and if Arthur or Rule found out that he was alive, he’d be sent right back to the man and would have no choice but to confess. 

“Please don’t tell them I’m alive.” 

When there was no response, Harper peeked up at the two through his lashes, worry twisting his stomach into knots. They were looking at each other, somehow communicating, though he had no idea how. 

After a few more seconds passed, their eyes returned to him. “Alright. We’ll make you a deal. We won’t tell Rule what’s going on, as that is your decision.” Harper sighed with relief, his shoulders sagging as some of the stress left his body. 

“But, you have to come back with us, and you won’t be permitted to leave the property until you tell us what you’ve done in the past to make you so nervous about this entire situation as to make us remain silent when someone is desperately searching for you.” 

Harper’s head spun with dread, but he managed to swallow his worry enough to nod. 

“And don’t think that this will be permanent. You’ll have one week to think things through. If you don’t come clean by then, we’ll personally bring you to lord Rule.” 

The fear that had left him a few moments ago came back full force. He would have just let himself drop to the ground, but the idea of knocking his broken foot on the way down kept him upright, but barely. 

“Alright, let’s get you home. Whether you agree to our decision or not, you can’t stay out here. We won’t let you.” The magistrate said as he walked forward and easily picked him up. 

Harper knew that resisting would only get him hurt worse, so he relaxed himself against the man’s chest and allowed himself to be carried back to his horse. The ride back to their home was quite short, or perhaps, it passed quickly because he passed out shortly after they began their journey. 

The home they came upon wasn’t grand by any means, but it was well maintained and upon entering, he noticed that it was kept very well cleaned. Where are the servants, though? He wondered right as an elderly woman came around the corner. She looked young in some ways, but older in others. Her grey hair was the easiest feature to determine her age, but the hawkish look in her eyes confused him. 

“Who’s this, Kirin?” She asked as she took a step toward them, thumping a cane on the ground beside her, though she didn’t seem to be in actual need of it. 

So that’s his name. Harper thought. It might have passed in conversation around him before, but he had likely been too worried about who he was to pay attention to what his name had been. 

“Someone who will be staying with us for a week.” Kirin stated as he carried him past the woman with haste. 

Kite sauntered up to the woman and they seemed to share a glare with each other before she reached down and swatted him on the nose. “There will be none of that in this household, and you best be trained well, dog, or you’ll be sleeping with the horses.” 

Wow, she’s a spitfire.  He didn’t understand why Kirin was trying to avoid her, though, but when he was set down in a strange metal tub, Harper returned his attention to the man above him. Kirin leaned over and tugged Harper’s dirty shirt off of him, then tossed it behind him before starting to pump cold water into the tub. 

“Sorry, it’s going to be cold. Lighting the fire beneath the tub would take too long to be worth it. Just bare with it so that you can get cleaned up, then I can tend to your foot and burns.” He said as Harper fought back shivers while the water grew higher around him. He was worried about being naked in front of the man, too, being so used to being a female, but as he was handed soap, he shrugged away his nerves and scrubbed himself as well as he could manage. Kirin got his back for him, then pulled a strange plug at the bottom of the tub so that the water started draining out. 

When the water was mostly gone, Kirin wrapped a towel around him and lifted him from the bath. Carefully, he settled Harper on his good foot, then turned and pointed. “Relieve yourself if you need to. You can put on the shirt on the counter when you’re done. I’ll be right outside the door.” With that, Kirin left and Harper did what he needed to. 

He opened the door about ten minutes later, having taken most of his time alone to try and calm himself down. He had a week to figure things out. It was enough time. After all, he’d kept his secret most of his life. It wouldn’t hurt, hopefully, to finally be rid of it. Whether that meant telling the truth or running away, if he could possibly get himself up onto a horse with a broken foot by himself. He’d figure it out. 

“Hey there. Kirin is making dinner with lady Lelynn.” Abel said as he took Harper’s arm and helped him get to the sofa in the other room to sit down. 

Once he was settled, his broken foot up on a small padded stool, Abel disappeared off to where Harper assumed was the kitchen. He could hear them moving around in there and a bit of chatter, but couldn’t see anything. He was just closing his eyes when he heard the woman speak. 

“Get your lazy arse out of here and go tend to that poor boy! What fool forces such an injured person to bathe before tending their wounds?” The sound of, what Harper could only assume was her cane, echoed throughout the room as it likely connected with some part of Kirin, considering he yelped. 

“Christ woman. You’re going to be the death of me!” He growled as he stomped from the room, rubbing his left shoulder. 

His glare softened when it landed on Harper. “I’m sorry if I pushed you to bathe first. I’m a bit of a clean freak recently, and you looked like you’d appreciate it…” 

Harper offered the man a hesitant smile. “I did.” 

Seemingly relieved, Kirin nodded, then gathered up a few supplies stored in a container on the small table to Harper’s left. Kneeling in front of Harper’s foot, he set the items down, then began checking it. Thankfully, he didn’t move it too much. 

“The break isn’t too bad. You got lucky. How did it happen?” He asked as he put a small splint of wood against Harper’s foot, then began wrapping a bandage around it. 

“I jumped out of the second story window. There was nowhere else I could go.” Harper mumbled as he stared down at his covered lap, glad that the shirt was very big on him. 

“Dinner will be ready soon!” Abel called as he ran around the corner from the kitchen with dishes in his hands. 

The table was set in a few minutes, then food was brought in. By the time his foot was done, his burns tended to, and he was helped into a pair of loose shorts, then to the table, it was loaded with more food than he’d ever been allowed near. Sure, he’d been fed well enough as a servant, but never such high quality food, and never so much at once. 

He waited until everyone filled their plates before awkwardly taking a few small pieces of meat, a biscuit, and a few vegetables. It all smelled amazing, but when he picked up his fork to start eating, more suddenly appeared on his plate. Two scoops of potatoes, a large helping of steak, and several more vegetables joined his previously minuscule portion, making his jaw drop. 

“Lady Lelynn will beat me, again, if I don’t make sure that you eat. No small portions here. I even fed the dog more than what you took, so you best eat.” Kirin said before returning to his own meal. 

Harper wasn’t sure what to say, or do. He looked down at his full plate, then back up to Kirin, then back down, and back up. “Keep doing that and your head will fall off, child. So, tell me, what did you do that was so bad that it’s got you tongue tied and afraid to return to your previous master?” 

Rule isn’t technically my master, and I’m not a child. 

He remained silent for a few moments before turning to Kirin. “Is… is lord Arthur alright?” 

Lady Lelynn huffed at the sudden change of topic, but let it slide as she looked toward Kirin. 

“He’s alive, but is having trouble breathing. They took him to a hospital to watched over for a while.” 

Blinking back tears he hadn’t realized were about to fall, Harper quickly shoved a piece of meat into his mouth and focused on chewing. There was silence among them for several minutes as everyone ate, but then lady Lelynn broke it again.

“I can’t think of anything, except for murder, that you could have done to make you so nervous. Kirin is a very lenient magistrate. He does his best not to remove body parts from others.” 

Harper’s stomach twisted with the small amount of food he’d eaten not sitting well within it. 

“Why, you should hear dear Abel’s story!” 

Abel blushed and looked down, running a hand through his messy hair as the woman continued. 

“His father tricked him into being a girl his entire life to steal money through marriage, but lucky for him, the man who fell for him was none other than our gullible, overly-sexually active, dolt and magistrate, Kirin.” 

Harper’s mouth opened slightly, looking between the two as he put the pieces together. 

“When he found out that Abel was a man, and most definitely not a woman, he was slow to realize that he wanted him in his bed, and not dead in a cage being pecked to death by birds.” 

His stomach soured again. 

“But, anyways. The old magistrate would have seen pretending to be another gender as something mortifying and worthy of death, but Kirin tends to think differently. Why, I have to beat him nearly daily to keep him away from my dear prodigy for more than a few hours.” 

A quiet laugh slipped from his lips at the image of the woman beating such a strong looking man as Kirin. “His thick skull broke my last cane, you know.” She said with a smug look of satisfaction on her face as Kirin ducked his head further, ignoring her to continue shoving food into his face.

“And I have no idea where you got that new one from, but plan for it to disappear soon.” He said in a hushed voice a few moments later. 

Harper looked around the table as everyone fell into a comfortable silence. He slowly filled his belly as his mind worked on a course of action. It was a relief, somewhat, to hear Abel’s truncated story, but he was still hesitant to believe that he could be so lucky. 

Oh well. Only time will tell. Take the story for what it’s worth and tread carefully come morning… especially around the strange old woman and her weapon.

Punishment

(Thanks for your patience :3 I had to get another story out of my mind before I could get my focus back on here. If you have a moment, please check it out. It’s called Mimic and already has three chapters on it ^^. Happy holidays!)

The next morning was a bit of a blur. He thought that because he had a broken foot and several burns, that he’d be able to relax for at least a day or two. He was wrong. There was evidently a lot of things a crippled person could do to help out around the house. 

His first task was to fold laundry. You’d think that with only three people living in the home, that there wouldn’t be too many garments to deal with, but it would appear that they had, for some reason, been saving up folding the items until they could find someone else to do it. 

Lucky me. 

Thankfully, he didn’t have to retrieve the piles or put them away, but it took him a good two hours to get everything done well. His next task was helping prepare lunch. He was given a wooden board and a knife, along with two onions, carrots and apples to chop.

He cut the apples and carrots first, but the entire time he was dreading the onions. Also, he couldn’t figure out a single dish that required all three ingredients together. 

Still, he didn’t want to cause any problems and if he was staying with them without doing any of the important chores, he wanted to at least complete the simple things he was asked to do. 

The onions, for some reason, were the worst he’d ever had the displeasure to be around. His eyes were watering before he even got halfway through the first one and by the time he started the second, they were stinging pretty badly. 

“Could you maybe cut those a bit smaller, hun? Kirin doesn’t like them much so I have to hide them in his food out of spite.” Lady Lelynn said as she came inside and checked his work, having taken a stroll through the garden. 

This is torture. 

“Of course, ma’am.” He said, returning his attention to the diced onions. He wasn’t very quick with the knife, so cutting them even smaller took nearly twenty more minutes, and by the time he was done, he desperately needed to wash his eyes out. 

As soon as Lady Lelynn came and took the tray, Harper hopped up onto his good foot and hurried to the washroom. The water he pumped from the bathing tub was still freezing, but he didn’t even consider it as he splashed it on his burning eyes until the sting slowly diminished.

Breathing out a relieved sigh, he finally stopped pumping water and slid down against the wall near the tub, closing his eyes to let himself relax for a few minutes. 

“Harper?” Kirin called a short while later, drawing him from his rest. 

Rubbing at his left eye, he used the wall to help himself stand, then hopped out of the bathroom. “Here, sir.” He said, earning a raised eyebrow from Kirin before the man blew out a breath and looked toward the kitchen. 

“My lady, if you are mad at someone, you could always use actual words to express yourself, instead of attacking them with a cane, yanking their chairs out from under them, or forcing them to cut onions you have no intention of using because you think they are as vile as I am.” 

Wait. What?

Lady Lelynn came around the corner a few moments later with Abel trailing her, carrying a large bowl of mixed greens. 

“Ma’am, why are you upset with me?” Harper asked, unsure of what he did to offend her. 

Kirin helped him to the table as Abel finished setting it and Lady Lelynn took a seat. When everything was done and they were ready to eat, she crossed her hands over one another on the old wood before her and turned her attention to him with eyes that felt closer to that of a predator’s as opposed to a sweet old grandma. 

“I am disappointed in you a great deal, Harper.” 

Disappointed? Had I not folded something well enough? Did I say something improper? 

He couldn’t think of a single thing that he had done while in their home to warrant dislike. 

“It seems that you are confused, so I shall enlighten you, and pray that you see the error in the path you have chosen. I asked you to cut those onions because of the pain and discomfort it would cause you to do so. The ones that grow around here have a strong pungency to them that forces even the greatest of men to bawl, yet they tastes absolutely vile.”

Harper nodded slowly, understanding that she had wanted to teach him a lesson, but it still escaped him exactly what the lesson was. 

“My dear boy, you have caused much greater pain, and are causing even more by the minute, to the lords you have left behind. They likely believe they have lost you to a fire, yet here you sit, enjoying a meal worried about your own circumstances. I know for a fact that lord Rule searches tireless for you, and if lord Arthur were allowed to leave the hospital, he would be riding right along with his friend.” 

She paused for a moment to take a sip of water, then cleared her throat to continue. 

“I will not allow you a week to figure out your decision.” 

As if her words had signaled someone outside, a frantic knock sounded on the door. Before anyone could even get up to answer it, the heavy wood was shoved inward on its hinges, hitting the wall as it swung. Kite strode in with a haughty saunter, and behind him…

Harper’s body froze when his eyes locked with Rule’s. The man looked as if he hadn’t slept in days. There was still ash in his dark hair and considering that he was panting heavily, he must have come the second Kite had reached him. 

“Oh come now. Best come get him or I’ll put him to work. I have plenty of onions and still more than enough ire to make him chop them, my lord.” Lady Lelynn taunted with a smirk. 

Rule didn’t even seem to acknowledge her words, but he did finally move. His steps slowed as he got closer to Harper, his last few visibly barely holding up his weight until he dropped to his knees beside Harper with his arms and head in his lap. 

He looks absolutely exhausted. 

Without a second thought, Harper settled his hands on Rule’s dirty hair and cheek, trying to give him comfort. The lord’s eyes remained closed for several long minutes as everyone sat quietly, besides Kite, who was pulling chunks of meat from a plate too close to the edge of the table. 

“I’m sorry, my lord.” Harper whispered eventually, trying hard not to let his aching eyes loose tears. 

He sniffed a few times before leaning down to press a kiss to the man’s hair, then straightened, only to see lord Rule slowly lean back and look up at him. Harper felt the man’s eyes as they moved along his body, taking in his burns and his broken foot. The appraisal brought a slight blush to his cheeks before the man’s eyes returned to his, shining with such a large amount of relief that Harper instantly felt ten times worse than he had when Rule had shown up looking half dead. 

“I am forever grateful that you are well.” Rule said with a wide smile before turning his attention to Kirin. “Would it be possible to send a message to lord Marksworth and the hospital, for Arthur, to notify them that he is alright? They are both worried to sickness.” 

Harper’s stomach sank at the idea of either lord in such a state over him, but especially lord Marksworth, whom he knew was already not faring well. Now I feel like an absolute cad. 

“Of course, my lord.” Lady Lelynn said as she nodded to Abel. “Eat up, then go deliver that message, lad?” 

Abel smiled and nodded, turning his attention to his meal. Harper knew that his wouldn’t sit well if he even thought to take a bite, so he calmly scooted back his chair and stood with help from the table. When Rule didn’t rise with him, he turned to the lord and reached down. 

“I am sorry, again, my lord. Come please, you need to rest.” Harper said as Rule took his hand and he helped the man back to his feet. 

It clearly took effort for Rule to move, but he managed to take slow steps, with Harper’s limping help, until they were steadily climbing the stairs. They somehow made it to one of the spare rooms before they both fell onto the bed. Harper’s broken foot ached from having to help catch some of Rule’s weight on more than one occasion, then the jarring from getting up the stairs, even with the railing to help. 

Several minutes later, and only really at the sound of Rule’s quiet snores, did Harper stir. He forced himself to climb from the bed, but couldn’t manage to leave the room. Rule was face down on the bed, and while he was mostly on it and would likely not roll off, he looked like he could be quite uncomfortable if he slept in that position for any decent period of time. 

Sighing, he began tugging the lord into a more comfortable position at the head of the bed. It took a good amount of effort and by the time he had finished, his foot was radiating pain throughout his whole leg, but as he looked down at the young lord, he couldn’t help but smile. 

“I truly am sorry for what I put you, lord Arthur and lord Marksworth through by disappearing.” 

Shaking his head, he crawled forward and dropped down against Rule, snuggling into him. He must have dozed off at some point, because the next time he opened his eyes, he was wrapped up in Rule’s arms and his head was tucked beneath the man’s chin. He tried to get up again, but the arms around him only tightened, then he felt Rule’s chin brush against his hair. 

“I’m not letting you disappear again.” Came Rule’s gruff, sleep-heavy voice. 

He was asleep again in a matter of seconds, the tell-tale signs of his slowing breathing giving him away. Harper considered getting up at that point, but the man’s warmth made his body disagree with his mind. 

No harm is coming to you or him… 

Resigned, Harper yawned and allowed his eyes to close. He would rest, and hope that the next time they opened, things would have all settled into place. 

One can dream.

Close

(Kinda the second half of the last chapter lol Meant to put them together but ran out of time last time.) 

The sound of the door creaking open several nights later had Harper stirring from a deep sleep. He was wrapped in Rule’s arms, but the blanket he’d been tucked in with was long gone, likely having been kicked to the floor with how much both of them tend to move at night. 

Rolling over, Harper tried to blink some of the sleep from his eyes in order to see who had come in, but with only a faint few rays of moonlight to illuminate the intruder, he couldn’t figure out who it was. 

It wasn’t until he felt the bed shift in front of him as the man knelt on the edge, that he realized who it was. “Lord Arthur.” He whispered in excitement right before the lord’s hand clamped over his mouth and he gave a quiet “Shhh.”

Confused, but not wanting to disobey, Harper remained quiet and let himself be gently pushed down into the sheets, then watched silently as Arthur climbed over him to get to Rule. 

Uh oh. Is he trying to start another fight? And so soon? 

He was just reaching over to tug Arthur back when Rule jerked up and grabbed the other lord in a tight hug. Arthur froze for a moment, then sat down in Rule’s lap and returned the gesture, albeit a bit slower and with more hesitation. 

“Didn’t realize you were awake.” Arthur mumbled as Rule pressed his face into the crook of his neck. 

Harper couldn’t help but grin as he sat back up, watching the two lords in the dim light. They were mainly just shadows, but he could tell that they had greatly missed each other, even if they didn’t say it very well. 

“Are you feeling okay, lord Arthur?” Harper asked as he scooted a little closer. 

He noticed one of Arthur’s arms moving up and down Rule’s back slowly and smiled wider. 

“What’s that look for, kid?” Rule mumbled, drawing Harper’s attention to where he’d moved his head to be tucked beneath Arthur’s chin. While he couldn’t see his face, he could definitely feel his eyes on him.

Jerking his head down, Harper shrugged. “Nothing, sir.” 

A deep chuckle resonated in the room, though Harper didn’t look up to see which lord it had come from. He felt his chin being lifted a moment later, anyways. Arthur ran his thumb over his cheek, his eyes now on Harper as well. Having both lord’s attention made his stomach fill with butterflies, but when he tried to avert his gaze, Arthur grasped his jaw. 

“I owe you an apology, little Hari.” Arthur finally stated in the darkness. 

Harper wasn’t sure what exactly he needed to apologize for. Mainly, because lords had no reason to do such a thing unless they were speaking with another of high status, but also, Harper couldn’t think of any reason he needed to be sorry. 

“I shouldn’t have pushed you to go to the magistrate, or in general with your gender.” 

Unsure of how to respond, Harper just gave a slight nod. Besides, his jaw was still being held, so talking would be awkward. 

“Also, I owe you my life, and my thanks.” 

Harper’s eyes widened as Arthur leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead as his hand fell from Harper’s jaw. Before Arthur could pull away, Rule’s head nudged his upward, giving himself enough space to steal a kiss on Harper’s lips. 

A growl that had definitely not come from Kite slipped from one of the lords as Rule was pulled away and pushed down by Arthur. “I thought we’ve been over what happens in this situation, Rule.” 

Harper reached out, trying to think of a way to stop them while separating the pair, but Arthur caught him by surprise, and soon he was lying between Arthur’s arms right beside Rule. 

“Looks like I’ve caught two troublemakers.” Arthur murmured with a lopsided grin. 

Fidgeting, Harper shook his head a little. “I haven’t started any trouble, my lord.” When he looked toward Rule, wondering what Arthur was talking about, the lord was already waiting for him, and stole another kiss. 

Before Harper could react, Arthur was grabbing Rule’s jaw and yanking him up until their mouths crashed together. Harper flinched at the sound of their teeth hitting, but neither lord seemed to be affected by it, as they had both frozen in the position. 

When the silence grew awkward, Harper hesitantly pushed himself up. “My lords?” He asked, his voice sounding far too loud in the dark room all of a sudden. At first, neither of them moved, but after several long moments, both lords began to slowly turn toward him. 

Rule’s head tucked beneath Arthur’s jaw slightly, as Arthur leaned forward just enough to nuzzle against Rule’s hair as their heads turned. For some reason, Harper’s heart jumped in his chest and began pounding as if he’d just run a mile. 

“M-my lords?” He asked again with a slight catch to his voice. 

Rule chuckled, drawing one from Arthur, too. 

“I like the sound of that.” He said, then turned his attention Arthur. “Though I don’t know how I feel about sharing.” 

Arthur ducked his head as his laughter grew for a moment, then cut into silence before he lifted his head and spoke. “We’ve shared quite a lot , Rule.” 

When Rule only grunted in response, Arthur leaned down and nibbled at his ear, earning a moan and shove that barely moved him an inch. “Still just as sensitive there as I remember. Harper?” Arthur said, turning to look at him. 

Leaning away a little more, Harper replied with a quiet, “Yes, my lord?” 

“Bite his ear.” 

Without thinking about the repercussions of his actions, Harper shook his head and scrambled off the bed and hopped out the bedroom door. Before he could get to the stairs, however, strong arms wrapped around his waist, easily halting him from moving another step. 

“Now now, I was just messing with you.” Arthur mused, though his tone didn’t sound so much amused as it did worried. 

It wasn’t that Harper was afraid to do what he’d been asked, but it was just not something that happened. Sleeping next to a lord like Rule was already hard for him to handle, as he was still a servant, even if they disagreed, but to touch one so informally… he couldn’t, especially without Rule’s consent. Not to mention, they were all males.

“Hey, I’m sorry, Harper.” Arthur said as he released him and stepped back. 

Harper turned to face him, but couldn’t lift his eyes. 

“Are you doing something you might deserve a beating for, my lord ?” Came Lady Lelynn’s voice from behind Harper, making him jump and whirl around to face her. 

Wait. Where did her cane go? Why does she have a shovel now? Did Kirin take her cane? 

Stepping around him, Arthur stood between Harper and Lady Lelynn. “I’m afraid I’ve come close, though I do hope my apology will be accepted and we can get back to bed without anyone being assaulted by your new walking shovel, my lady.”

Biting back a smile, Harper reached forward and took Arthur’s wrist, then gently tugged. “I accept your apology, my lord. May we go back to bed? I am quite tired.” 

He could see Lady Lelynn scowling at Arthur’s back as he began to tug him toward their room, but when Harper gave her a warm smile, she huffed. “You lords better behave. I don’t take kindly to pushy peacocks.” 

Nodding, Arthur stopped at the door, handing Harper off to step into Rule’s arms, who was hiding just out of view. “We understand, ma’am, and thank you for your hospitality. We will behave ourselves.” 

 With a final huff, Lady Lelynn disappeared back down the stairs, leaving the trio to their rest… though Harper had no doubt, as he settled in between the two lords, that she’d be listening for anymore disturbances as she looked for more weapons to store away for when Kirin confiscated her new cane .

Discussion

(This chapter was unpublished for some reason, so reloading it) 

Hot. 

The room had gotten warmer and warmer as the night went on, though Harper couldn’t figure out why. His eyes also refused to open, making him even more confused until the sun finally began to rise through the dusty window. 

“That crazy granny is going to kill us if we stay in here too much longer.” 

Rule’s voice…

“Okay, you can go. I’m still recovering, so I don’t think she’ll mind if I stay in bed a while longer.” 

Arthur. 

Feeling warm fingers press against the smooth skin of his chest felt a little strange, but Harper couldn’t place why. When another set of fingers began to slip beneath the waistband of the shorts he was borrowing, he knew that there was something up. 

Sitting up abruptly, he felt both hands flinch where they were… but then the one on his chest, beneath his shirt, if he actually thought about it, shoved him right back down and held him there. 

“What are you guys doing?” Harper mumbled sleepily as he finally made his eyes open. 

Both lords were staring down at him. Rule was on his right while Arthur sat on his left. 

Arthur’s hand slowly slipped out from beneath Harper’s shirt, but Rule’s grin just grew into a smirk as he gently began rubbing Harper’s thigh. 

“Hey, that’s not your leg to rub,” he mumbled awkwardly as he reached down, grabbing Rule’s wrist to remove him from his shorts. 

The lord let him. Harper knew that he could easily keep it there if he wanted to, but thankfully Rule didn’t fight him on it and let him remove his hand. 

“It could be… all you’d have to do is ask and I’d be glad to rub you anywhere you’d like.” Rule purred, earning a chuckle from Arthur as he slid from the bed to begin getting dressed. 

Wait. I thought he had on at least a pair of undergarments last night… 

Turning his attention back to Rule, Harper looked down his body, then up. The blanket was hiding the important part of his lower half, but it was clear that he, too, wasn’t wearing anything. 

“Why are you both naked?” He asked, nervously looking down at himself to check that he was, indeed, at least still wearing his shorts. 

At least they didn’t undress me. 

“Just in case.” Rule said, tossing him a wink before he, too, got up to get dressed. 

Harper felt his cheeks heat and hurried to spin around, burying his face in one of the pillows. “Is that a silent invitation, Harper?” Rule asked in a low, husky voice right next to his ear as the bed dipped in several places and his back suddenly became much warmer than it should have been. 

“I don’t think you should be trying anything else with the magistrate next door.” Arthur noted, making Harper hurry to nod his agreement into the pillow. 

Expecting the heat to disappear after Arthur’s words, Harper slowly began to inch his way up, only to bump against a firm body looming over him. He immediately dropped back down with a quiet noise, then glared over his shoulder at a smirking Rule. 

“True, we should leave for your estate soon, Arthur.” Rule said as he finally got off the bed and began looking for something to wear in the small bag he’d brought. 

Harper hurried off the bed, too, but frowned when he remembered that he had nothing to change into. “Don’t worry, we’re going to leave soon and we can stop at a tailor on the way to my estate.” 

The door swung open the moment Arthur finished speaking, drawing everyone’s attention to Lady Lelynn, standing in the doorway. “Really? That’s as good as you’ve got? And yet you seem so cocky.” The woman said, taking a good look at Rule’s still very-much naked body. 

“Both of you get your lazy arses outside and help Abel with the chickens and harvest some vegetables for breakfast. Harper, our royal Pain in Abel’s Poor Backside wants to speak with you before your two peafowl cart you away to do unspeakable things to your own poor self. He’s waiting downstairs for you.” She said before raising her eyebrows at the two lords. 

“Both of you better get a move on. I won’t move from this spot until you’re dressed and outside.” She said, tapping the sharp tip of her heavy shovel against the hardwood floor for emphasis. 

The group of three looked at each other, then back to her before the two lords hurried into clothing and darted from the room. Arthur was a bit more lethargic in his movements, likely because of his condition, but the sound of the door shutting downstairs echoed up to the two remaining people a few moments later, drawing a smirk across Lady Lelynn’s lips. 

“Quite the birds you’ve found for yourself, Harper.” Lady Lelynn said as she walked into the room and handed Harper a clean shirt and trousers. “Take your time getting ready.” 

She disappeared a moment later, leaving Harper to get himself dressed. His foot was hurting quite a bit, likely from having used to by mistake the previous night, but he managed to change without much issue by sitting on the edge of the bed. When he felt presentable, he carefully hopped downstairs. 

Kirin was easy enough to find where he sat on the couch in the main living space. Lady Lelynn was perched on a chair opposite him, but far enough away to not purposefully intrude on the conversation… unless necessary. 

Instead of taking the other chair positioned a decent ways away from Kirin, Harper took a deep, calming breath and settled himself beside the man. He couldn’t bring his eyes up to meet his, but at least he wasn’t being too stand-offish. 

“Good morning, Harper. I hope you’ve slept well?” Kirin asked as he turned his body enough to face him while speaking. 

Harper gave a nod, exaggerating the gesture a bit because of nerves. 

“Alright, Harper. Tell me your story. I know those two lords personally, and you’ve got them so wrapped around your fingers that they’re acting like fools… and I love it. So please tell me what’s got you so stressed out from your past, so that I can gladly send you, and them, on your way.” 

Harper didn’t understand what he meant about the lords being wrapped around his fingers, at all, but he knew that he had to tell the man his story. It started off very scattered as he pieced together some of the worst memories of his life as a child. He hesitated when talking about his sisters, but when Kirin simply sat beside him with an understanding smile on his face, he allowed the information to leave his lips. 

By the time he got to the point where he actually met the two lords, Lady Lelynn had found her way to the cushion to his right, the shovel settled in her lap like a cat and Kirin had scooted a bit closer, seemingly enthralled by the odd tail of Harper’s life. 

He twisted one of his braids around his finger as he continued about his awkward encounter with Rule, Arthur, and lord Marksworth. Mentioning the older lord made Harper’s heart hurt with worry. He hoped that the man was doing alright. 

Tugging at the braid, he spoke about growing up with lord Marksworth, and how the other two lords had visited on several occasions to torment him. Lady Lelynn didn’t seem happy about that part, but Kirin chuckled more than a couple times. Harper wasn’t sure what was funny, but he pressed on until he came to the fire at Rule’s, figuring that the story had gone on long enough for Kirin to understand the rest considering he already knew about the most current events. 

“That was quite the story, young man.” Lady Lelynn finally said, right before Kirin tugged Harper into his arms for a too-tight hug. “No wonder you’re so worried about everything.” He said as he reached up with one hand and mussed up Harper’s hair. 

“And if those picky lords ever try to cut your braids, you can tell them that I’ll castrate them.” He said, earning an applause from Lady Lelynn. “You may use my walking shovel for the task. It is so  nice to find something we agree upon, too.” She said cheerfully, drawing an awkward laugh from Harper as the front door opened. 

The sound of two pairs of boots thumped toward the living room area, then stopped abruptly nearby, drawing everyone’s attention up to lord Rule and Arthur’s shocked expressions. Harper couldn’t understand why they looked surprised, then upset, until Rule stomped over and promptly grabbed him from Kirin’s lap and hauled him up into his arms. Arthur stepped in front of him, arms crossed with a scowl on his face. 

“What exactly did we just interrupt?” He asked, glaring at Kirin. He looked a bit funny, though, since he had his arms crossed with handfulls of zucchini, but Harper bit his lip on a laugh. 

Kirin leaned back and shrugged with a taunting smile. “I just felt like he deserved a hug, so I gave him one. As far as his crime goes, I believe that the information he has told me about it makes sense, and thus, I have decided to make my judgement based on what he’s said.” 

The room went silent and Harper felt Rule’s arms tighten around him a fraction. Offering the man a hesitant smile, Harper wrapped his arms around his neck and snuggled in. He wasn’t worried anymore. If Kirin was going to punish him, he would have told him so before the two lords had walked in. He believed that he was just playing with the two now. He made sure to keep an eye on the situation, however, just in case. 

“And?” Arthur said, his voice sounding anything but like its normal patient tone. 

Chuckling, Kirin stood from the couch and walked over to Rule. He began to reach up toward Harper’s hair, possibly to tug on a braid, but Rule took a large step back, putting him out of reach. Kirin laughed again, then sobered as he stared from one lord to the other. 

“He is free to go. There will be no charges pressed so long as he remains as a lad and does not pretend to be a lass any longer. There will, however, be charges pressed against both of you if you ever think of cutting his hair without his approval.” 

Both Rule and Arthur looked dumbfounded, but Harper was silently thankful. The two had come close to doing so in the past, though only in jest. Still, he would have been heartbroken to lose the tokens of his sister’s memories like that. 

“We won’t…?” Arthur said as Rule nodded awkwardly. 

Clapping his hands together once, Kirin turned his attention to the door as Abel stumbled in with an armful of eggs. “And now, breakfast.” He said, licking his lips as he hurried toward Abel, only to be tripped by a certain walking shovel. 

“Down, dog. I don’t want all those eggs going to waste because you feel the need to fornicate like a rabbit. Now let the boy help me with breakfast so that we can feed our guests, because I believe that they’ll be leaving as soon as possible to do unfavorable deeds of their own soon.” Lady Lelynn said as she easily bent over and picked up the shovel, then gestured for Abel to follow her into the kitchen. 

Harper still wasn’t exactly sure what she was getting at with her inappropriate jabs, but he decided to just ignore them for now and relaxed against Rule as the lord dropped down onto the sofa with a loud sigh. Arthur joined them a moment later, his hand settling on top of Harper’s hair. 

“So glad everything worked out.” Rule mumbled as he leaned down and pressed a kiss to Harper’s cheek, earning an embarrassed grin. 

Arthur leaned over a moment later and stole a kiss from Harper’s lips for a brief moments before getting up. “I’ll go help them with breakfast. The sooner we eat, the sooner they’ll let us be on our way.” 

“So… I’m invited?” Rule asked with a knowing tone. 

Arthur glared over his shoulder with a scowl, making Rule grin before he stalked off into the kitchen with his zucchini. “I’ll take that as a yes.” Rule yelled with a cocky grin.

“Alright, little Hari. We just need to survive breakfast and then you’re all ours.” Rule cooed with a slightly scary grin. 

Is that a good thing? 

He wasn’t exactly sure.

On Your Back

“We really should give him a break.” Arthur said from behind him as they road on horseback across the countryside. 

They’d left right after having lunch, much to Lady Lelynn’s disapproval. She had wanted to kick the lords out but keep him. Staring down at the shovel in his hands, Harper couldn’t help but grin. She’d gifted it to him in case he was ever in need of it, but he doubted that he’d be doing any gardening anytime soon with his broken foot. 

Ahead of them, Rule finally slowed his panting horse. Arthur’s came to a stop beside it, both beasts gasping for air as they began to walk. 

“We don’t need to rush, my estate isn’t going anywhere.” Arthur noted as his arm loosened around Harper’s middle, allowing him to move forward a bit and get a little more comfortable since they weren’t galloping anymore. 

“Must you bring that shovel with you, Harper?” He asked as he leaned over his shoulder, his hair brushing softly against Harper’s cheek. 

Turning his head, their noses bumped each other as Harper replied with a smile. “Of course. She said I might need it, and gifted it to me. It would be rude to just leave it along the side of the road.” 

“I think she would actually love it if you left it on the side of the road.” Rule says as he reaches for the shovel, only for Harper to move it out of his reach. 

He earned a scowl for taking it away, but he wasn’t going to let them get rid of one of the few presents he’d ever gotten. 

“Alright, keep it. Just uh, leave it outside, okay? Shovels aren’t made to be inside.” Arthur said, earning a nod from Harper. He could settle with that. His shovel could live outside. 

They traveled in a calm silence for a while until Arthur’s home finally came into view. It was large, like Rule’s, but where the other lord’s estate was a maze of trickery and humor, Arthur’s was classy and simple. The hedges were all in line. Everything was trimmed and proper. The building was clean and there was a soft scent wafting through the area that couldn’t have been anything but the beautiful beds of flowers Harper could see even from so far away. 

“Do you like it?” Arthur asked, offering him a small smile when Harper looked up with one of his own. 

“It’s beautiful.” He said.

Arthur reached up before Harper could turn back around and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. “Not as beautiful as…” He bit his tongue, making Harper tilt his head, confused. 

“As what?”  

Arthur ignored him, making Harper eventually turn back to face forward. As they approached, several people appeared from the house. Two of them took the horses after they dismounted. Thankfully, Arthur reached up for him, catching him as he slid down so that he didn’t have to land on his bad foot. 

“Thank you.” He said as Arthur set him down, then offered him an arm so that he could hop inside without having to balance much. 

Once in the house, Harper looked around as they moved. He noticed several maids from Rule’s place, and stepped a little closer to Arthur. “Is something wrong?” He asked, earning a hesitant head shake from Harper. 

The lord didn’t look like he believed him, but thankfully he dropped it. “Would you like to get cleaned up before an early dinner?” Arthur asked. 

Harper nodded quickly, holding onto the lord’s arm as they began heading up the stairs to the left. Unlike lord Rule’s home, the stairs for Arthur’s were smaller and place off to the left of the entrance, leaving the foyer more open. 

It was also carpeted, making it easier to hop along. Rule followed hot on their heals, ignoring any servants that tried to take his coat or offer him any assistance with the small bags they had brought. 

When they stepped into a giant room at the end of a short hallway, Harper couldn’t help but stare at everything. The door opened into a sitting room that was tastefully decorated with soft greys and light blues. Instead of having two rooms, though, there was only one off to the right. 

Where there would have been another room at Rule’s home, instead, there was a large fireplace that was already lit and held several logs. Harper hadn’t realized how cold he was until he felt the warmth the fire had created in the room. 

He hopped over and carefully sat in front of the protective grate, sighing as the heat warmed his chilled skin. “Just want to relax here?” Arthur asked as he sat down beside him a moment before Rule did the same right behind Harper. 

Why isn’t he sitting next to me on the other side? 

He was about to ask him that exact question when Rule reached forward and pulled him back into his lap. It wasn’t exactly comfortable… and something was poking him that he really didn’t want to be near. 

“Lord Rule…” Harper mumbled awkwardly. He tried to climb off the man’s lap, only to be tugged over to Arthur’s. 

It’s still not comfortable, but at least nothing’s poking me. 

“Arthur.” Rule growled, earning a smirk from the other lord as he wrapped his arms around Harper’s middle, tugging him closer against his chest. 

Harper wasn’t sure why they had started getting angry at each other again. It was like they couldn’t just both be around him without one of them trying to stake claim. Over what, though, he had no idea. Neither should want to claim him. 

“If you don’t like it, go back to your estate, Rule.” Arthur said, making the anger in Rule’s eyes flare, but then slowly subside to something that looked almost like uncertainty. 

That was pretty mean. 

Looking over his shoulder, Harper bit his lips, then nudged Arthur with his elbow to draw his attention. “Apologize. That was mean.” 

Of course, he didn’t need to, as he was a lord and Harper was just a servant, but it felt wrong to say something so hurtful to someone who had just lost about everything they had. Sure, he still owned a lot of land and would eventually build up his home again, but still. 

Arthur sighed and looked over at Rule, who honestly did look pretty hurt. His shoulders were hunched and he was leaning back on his hands as he stared into the fire, unblinking. 

“Dammit, comere.” Arthur grumbled as he gently set Harper aside, then reached over and pulled Rule into his lap. 

The two lords were nearly the same height, but Rule somehow managed to fit against him pretty well. He looks like he’s about to cry. 

“Hey, look at me, Rules.” Arthur whispered as he wrapped one arm around Rule’s middle while the other lifted up so that he could gently grasp the man’s chin and turn his head enough so that he could look into his eyes. 

“I’m sorry, hun.” He said as he leaned forward and placed a soft kiss against the other lord’s lips. 

Harper fidgeted at the gesture, but when Arthur pulled away and they both saw tears running down Rule’s face, he couldn’t help but scoot over and get up on his knees to wrap his own arms around Rule’s shoulders. 

“It’ll be okay.” He said. 

Of course, he could promise nothing, because he had nothing besides himself, but Harper hoped that somehow, that would be enough.

“Sit back for a moment, Harper.” Arthur said, gently pressing against Harper’s chest until he was back on the carpet. 

When Arthur winked at him, then took Rule’s face in his hands and leaned forward, Harper felt his face heat. Isn’t this an intimate moment? Shouldn’t I not be here? He wondered as he tried to look away while the two lords slowly kissed far longer than would ever be appropriate in the presence of another person. 

“Stay.” Arthur mumbled against Rule’s mouth right before he pushed the lord over onto his back. 

Stay? Surely he doesn’t mean me?

Harper covered his eyes with his hands right as Arthur moved to begin pressing kisses to Rule’s tear-stained cheeks. That wasn’t why he stopped looking, though. That reason was because of where his right hand was wandering. 

The sounds he soon heard coming from lord Rule’s mouth made his own body shake as his heart accelerated. I shouldn’t be in here during this! He started getting up, but was suddenly grabbed by Arthur and forced onto his back right next to where Rule was already panting heavily. 

Oh god. 

Harper tried to keep his eyes from the lord, but while Arthur kept one of his hands in Rule’s trousers, keeping him gasping and squirming, his other one reached up and grasped Harper’s jaw, forcing his head to turn. 

To his surprise, Rule was watching him as he panted. Arthur’s hand moved from his chin and returned to tend to Rule, but Harper couldn’t move his eyes from Rule’s until he noticed the man being pushed every few seconds, and Arthur’s grunts of effort, as if… 

He’s… Arthur’s…

Harper was about to get up and run out of the room, broken foot be damned, but Rule reached forward and pressed a hand to the back of his head, pulling him closer until their mouths melded together. 

Unsure how to respond, he just let Rule do as he wished with his mouth. The lord seemed to be extremely hungry for it, because his tongue never stopped exploring as his body jerked more and more frequently. 

When the man groaned loudly into his mouth, Harper forced himself away and to his feet. That’s when he knew that he was sure what had just happened. Arthur was leaning over Rule on his hands and knees, panting heavily just like the lord on his back… and they were connected quite snugly below the waist. 

They just… right in front of m-me…

Without another thought, Harper darted from the room, limping awkwardly, before his overheated body made him do something he’d definitely regret. 

(Not quite sure that’s how you comfort someone, Arthur…)

Unwise

Harper didn’t go far. He was painfully aroused, though he was absolutely confused as to why. Men were attracted to women, not watching to other men… do things . His face burned as the scene replayed in his mind and he ducked into a linen closet that barely fit him, then dropped to the floor. 

Unable to push away the images, Harper awkwardly slid his hand into his breaches. He got himself off as fast as he could, trying hard to be absolutely silent besides his needed panting. When he was finished, he wiped himself clean with a pair of socks he found in a small box with several other pairs, then shoved them to the back of the closet before standing back up and straightening out his clothing. 

Not a moment after he’d stepped out of the closet, someone was calling for him at the other end of the hall. Thankfully, it was a female voice, and when he turned, he noticed an unfamiliar maid walking toward him with a hesitant smile on her face. 

“Excuse me, but are you master Hari, that just arrived with lords Rule and Arthur?” She asked, drawing a small frown from Harper at the use of his old name. And he wasn’t sure why she was calling him master. He clearly wasn’t one. 

“Yes, miss?” He said, his words sounding more like a question than an actual answer. 

The maid looked nervous as she clasped her hands together in front of her modest black dress and bowed her head slightly. “I have been instructed to ask you for your assistance out in the stables, if you are available, sir.” 

Odd. 

“Uh, sure.” 

He carefully made his way down the stairs, then outside, being careful to keep an eye out for the two lords and keep as much weight as he could off of his leg. They seemed to have disappeared… or not left the room at all. Their perverted images began running through his mind again, but Harper forced them away. He couldn’t embarrass himself in front of others! 

As he stepped out the door, he paused, looking to the side where his shovel silently leaned against the wall. The sight of it reminded him of the fun old woman who’d given it to him. Well, I am outside. I might as well take it with me. Maybe it will be of some use. He thought as he picked it up, then headed off toward the stables. He began using it to help him walk, already smiling that it was coming in handy. 

There was only one boy working when he stepped into the large building. “Hello?” Harper called out as he approached, not wanting to spook the boy, who was loading a cart full of hay with a pitchfork. 

Ah, my poor shovel will be of no use for such a thing. 

The boy looked up a moment later, giving him an odd look. 

“You… asked for my assistance?” Harper pressed, suddenly feeling a bit awkward. If the boy had not asked for him, then who had? 

The boy’s expression changed abruptly as recognition lit his tired eyes. “Ah. Yes, master Hari?” He asked, earning a slow nod from Harper. 

He pointed over to a sturdy ladder built into the ceiling, that had been dropped down to allow for climbing up into the hay loft. “Two people were hoping you could give them a hand up there for a few moments.” 

In the hay loft? 

As a female, he’d never worked much outside. It still seemed odd to ask specifically for him, when they had no idea who he was, but having been a servant for so long, he couldn’t find it in himself to disobey. 

Holding his shovel firmly in his left hand, he carefully climbed the ladder upward. It definitely wasn’t a pleasant thing to do, but thankfully his foot wasn’t doing too badly. At first glance, the loft looked deserted as he used the shovel to help himself stand, but then a figure appeared from behind a large stack of bales at the far end. 

Lord Walters. 

How was he not surprised? Honestly, he got surprised by everything, but this trap just smelled fishy from the beginning, but if he hadn’t gone, they would have figured something else out, he was sure. So, where is Matilda? He wondered as he found a wall to press his back against, then took in the rest of the large loft. 

“She’s not here, yet. We were hoping lighting up Rule’s home would get rid of you and allow us both to go back to what we wished, but you just persisted, like an annoying fly buzzing about.”

The sound of someone climbing up the ladder drew their attention to it right before Matilda’s hair came into view. Harper tensed, but a sudden roaring snarl broke his focus and widened his eyes right as Matilda screamed and lost her grip on the ladder, disappearing. Harper heard her crash to the ground, then the snarling got louder, as well as her screams. 

Walters ran over to the opening and stared down, a look of horror on his face. He knelt by the opening, seemingly considering helping rescue Matilda from Kite, who Harper now knew was the one doing the mauling by the sound of his growls. I wouldn’t go down there if I were you, but…

Licking his lips, Harper carefully used the shovel and made sure to walk as quietly as he could up behind the man. Now, my shovel, make your new dad proud! He thought with a grin as he lifted the shovel, then swung it hard. It connected with a sound that made him wince, and lord Walter’s scream louder than Matilda. It also sent the evil man stumbling forward, right into the ladder opening. 

The snarling stopped after Matilda and lord Walter’s let out a scream together, telling Harper that he likely fell on top of her. Curiously, he carefully knelt down, then looked over the edge to see the two, indeed, lying atop each other. 

Blood was beginning to run in lines into the dusty ground, turning nearby bits of hay dark red. As if sensing him looking, Kite looked up, his expression seeming unimpressed. That’s okay, I’ll stay up here, but you enjoy your new toys. I promise I won’t take them away.  Kite gave him an annoyed quiet woof, then turned his attention to enjoying his new mauling target. 

The sound of several feet pounding away outside told Harper that several people were on their way to help. He waited patiently, grinning when Kite stopped attacking and sat down, panting like a good little puppy when Arthur appeared below. 

You are an evil demon, dog… and I owe you. 

Harper was considering not calling out to the lord, and just waiting for everyone to leave, but he knew that it would be stupid to do such a thing. It had been hard enough climbing up to the loft. Getting down wasn’t going to be safe, at all. 

“Lord Arthur?” 

The man looked up immediately, the two wounded people lying before him completely forgotten, left to the help of the others who had come. 

“Harper? How are you up there? Are you trying to break your entire leg now?” He asked, then frowned as he looked back down at the two on the ground. 

“Wait a moment. Did these two call you here?” He asked, looking up again. 

Harper shrunk back a little, but nodded. “A girl servant of yours told me I was needed out here. Then the stable boy told me to go up here.” 

Arthur squeezed his eyes closed and pressed his fingers to his head, shaking it slowly. “And you wisely thought that it was a good idea to listen to them?” 

Harper shrank back a bit more. 

“I don’t make the best decisions.” 

Rule stepped into his view at that moment. He was panting and looked a bit… uncomfortable? The idea for the reason why made Harper’s face burn, making the lords give each other a look before Arthur stepped forward and began climbing up the ladder. 

“Stay there.” He said as he moved, as if Harper could run off. 

Yes, let me just jump down. My broken foot would love that. 

Arthur got most of the way up the ladder, then turned to lean his back against the it and proffer his hands. “Come here.” 

Hesitantly, Harper leaned forward until Arthur was able to pull him into his arms. The lord squeezed him tightly for a moment too long, then shifted him so that he could use one of his arms to help him descend. Before the man’s feet even hit the ground Rule was there, taking him from Arthur’s arms. 

His hug was even tighter than the other lords’, but Harper just returned it and pressed his face against Rule’s neck for a few moments. They didn’t move until Harper felt something tap against his left shoulder, drawing his head up to see Arthur holding up his shovel with a look of pride. 

“I was pretty mad that you had been gifted with this thing at first, but I see that it does seem to have its uses. I believe, considering how badly lord Walter’s is complaining about his back, that you have a decent swing.” He said with a rare grin. 

Rule slowly set Harper back down. Arthur handed him his trusty shovel before nodding over at the two that were being carried away to be tended. “I’m assuming they brought you here.” Rule said, earning a nod from him and Arthur. “In a round about way,” Arthur said. 

“I shall have a very stern talk with my servants about listening to those who are not their direct masters or at least known servants.” Arthur said before Rule added. “And I will go deal with Matilda and lord Walters. I believe a brief trip to the magistrate is in order.” 

Harper nodded, but grasped Rule’s sleeve when he tried to turn away. “My lord, they told me that they were responsible for the fire at your home.” 

He hated telling on people, but there was only so much he could not say. They deserved to be punished. They could have seriously hurt someone… besides himself. In fact, they did. Arthur had been in bad shape, and he wasn’t sure if anyone else had gotten badly hurt. 

“Thank you for the information, Harper. I will use it well.” 

Rule leaned over and pressed a kiss to his lips briefly before turning and hurrying from the building. Harper remained where he was, blinking in surprise until Kite nudged his shirt with his bloody muzzle. 

When he looked down at the dog, it sat and gave a huff. “Oh, right. Thank you Kite, for your help.” Harper said as he gave the dog a pat on the head. It gave a loud snort and narrowed its eyes, making Harper frown. 

“I will give you a treat later? I have nothing at the moment.” He said, earning a glare from Kite before the large dog padded out of the stables. 

Harper got barely a moment before he was being lifted back into a set of arms. This time, Arthur scooped him up. When the lord began walking, Harper settled in, being careful not to let his shovel hit the lord’s legs by accident. 

“You can bring your shovel inside now. It has earned a space in my home… but it stays downstairs.” Arthur said, earning a quiet laugh from Harper. 

“Thank you, my lord. It has certainly become useful in such a short period of time.” 

When they got back inside, Harper set his shovel down against the wall by the door, then was promptly carried up the stairs to lord Arthur’s chambers. Wait. Why am I being brought back up here? Arthur didn’t stop until he was in his washroom. 

The bathing tub was already full with water. “Rule used it briefly…” Arthur mumbled as he let Harper down, then leaned over and stole a gentle kiss. 

“Get cleaned up, you have hay and dust all over you. I will be back soon.” He said before taking his leave. 

That… wasn’t so bad. I thought I was in trouble. 

The unmistakable sound of the lock being turned in the main door made his heart drop into his stomach. 

Ah. Punished later. Got it.

R

(Content warning)

Harper awoke later that evening to the sound of the key being turned in the door. He had found his way beneath the bed and was thankful that Arthur’s maids were quite thorough. There was not a speck of dust beneath the large bed, allowing him to relax enough to actually drift off for a while. 

The sound of two pairs of boots stepping inside made his heart jerk in his chest. One set slowly made its way toward the room he was in while the owner of the other remained to shut and lock the door before following after the other. 

When the two lords realized that he wasn’t in bed, Harper watched their boots hurry to the washroom. They stopped there for a moment, then slowly turned until both sets of boots were facing the bed. 

I suppose this hiding place was a bit obvious… but I didn’t exactly have many options. 

“Harper. You have to the count of five to come out here.” Arthur stated, no doubt crossing his arms and glaring down toward the bed as he spoke. 

Harper remained silent as Rule got himself situated on the floor, then leaned over to look under the bed with a small candle-holder lit in his left hand. 

“Best do as he says, or your punishment could get worse. “ He warned, drawing a nervous frown from Harper. 

Too bad you’re a servant, and they can definitely get punished. 

He still didn’t want to be. He was old enough to make his own decisions… even if they had been horrible ones. 

“You can’t punish me, my foots already broken. That would be really mean…” He mumbled as Arthur sighed, then began to count slowly. 

Rule chuckled as Arthur got down on the floor beside him, crossing his legs and leaning back on his arms. 

“You might just like this punishment.” Rule said as Arthur got to the count of three. 

Not wanting to find out what could possibly be worse than what was already in store for him, Harper hesitantly crawled out from under the bed enough so that Rule could lean forward and help him the rest of the way out. 

“Good boy.” He said right as Kite sauntered into the room and grumbled, drawing their attention to where he sat down by the doorway. 

“Not you. You don’t want to see this… it might scar you. Out you go.” Rule said, nodding behind the dog, hoping it would get the idea and leave. 

Kite gave him an uninterested look, then turned his eyes to Arthur. The man grinned, but then gestured for the dog to go back to the other room. When Kite left, Arthur got up and shut the door, then immediately turned and stripped his coat and shirt off. 

Harper’s eyes widened before he turned away, only to have his chin gently lifted by Rule until his eyes were meeting his. “What are you worried about, Harper?” He asked as he tilted Harper’s chin until he was forced to watch Arthur approach, then sit back down next to them. 

He wasn’t sure why, but he couldn’t help looking the man up and down. An odd feeling came with the observation, but Harper just pushed it aside and hurried to glance away. 

“You’re adorable, but I think it’s about time to enlighten you on a few things.” Arthur said as he leaned in and claimed Harper’s lips. 

Rule refused to release his jaw, so Harper was forced to wait until Arthur had thoroughly enjoyed himself before he was finally allowed to take a decent breath. 

“Breathe through your nose.” Arthur stated before leaning right back in and covering Harper’s mouth with his own. 

It took him another try before he was able to do what he was told. It was tricky, especially when Arthur nudged his tongue between his lips and began intruding his mouth. Honestly, he didn’t like that, at all. 

Harper reached up and, as gently as he could, nudged Arthur away by the shoulders. “I don’t like that, sir.” He mumbled awkwardly. Harper knew that his face was on fire, and that this entire situation was awkward, but he wasn’t going to do something he didn’t find any kind of pleasant. Sure, he was being punished, but at the same time, he wasn’t really sure if he was or not. 

“You don’t? Are you sure?” Rule questioned as he leaned in, his lips only an inch or so away from Harper’s. 

Not taking the bait, Harper shook his head. “I don’t want your tongue in my mouth. I don’t like it.” 

The lords looked at each other, then shrugged before turning their attention back to him. “Alright. We won’t do that again.” They said in unison, making Harper slightly uneasy. 

Is this another trap? They’re agreeing with me so easily. 

“We’d like to try some things out tonight, little Hari. If you don’t like something, tell us, but as part of your punishment, you have to try anything we ask.” Arthur said, earning a nod of agreement from Rule. 

Still feels like a trap. 

He didn’t have a whole lot of choice, if the looks on the lord’s faces were any indication, though. “Okay?” He said hesitantly. 

Nodding, Arthur glanced at Rule, then back to Harper. “Take your shirt off.” 

Harper’s mouth opened slightly, but he couldn’t find a plausible reason to disobey the simple request. Reaching over his head, he easily tugged his shirt off and let it drop to the floor beside him. 

As he looked back up to the lords, he felt firm lips press against his own, then something warm and wet press against his chest. His back met the bed, but his mind wasn’t processing fast enough to register anything but the kiss and the sensation it, along with whatever was happening with his chest, brought upon him. 

He realized abruptly what was happening with his chest when he felt teeth enclose on one of his nipples, making him yelp, even though it hadn’t been a hard bite. 

Arthur withdrew his kiss for a moment, allowing Harper to look down as Rule nibbled at his skin while his right hand settled gently on his waist. He watched for only a moment before his head was guided back up and Arthur leaned back in for a kiss. 

An odd shiver shook him when Rule’s mouth ascended to his neck. He couldn’t help but try to push him away, though he wasn’t sure if it felt bad, or really what it felt like. 

“You don’t like that?” Rule questioned with a smirk on his face and a lifted eyebrow, as if he already knew the answer to his own question. 

Hunching back against the bed once Arthur retreated his kiss, Harper shrugged. “I don’t know. It felt weird.” He mumbled as he wiped at the area where lord Rule’s lips and teeth had been. 

“Hmm. Let me try it with something else.” Rule said as he leaned back in. Harper wanted to ask him why he had to try it at all, but Rule didn’t allow him any time to pull the thought together. 

The hand Rule wasn’t leaning on slid beneath the waist of Harper’s trousers. Harper fidgeted as that hand quickly made its way around to grasp his backside, but Rule and Arthur made sure that he was sufficiently distracted in no time with their mouths. Rule had returned to his neck, but each time he nibbled or licked, he moved his hand along Harper’s backside. 

Arthur took his lips, too, making him have to focus what little attention he could break away from Rule, on keeping his breathing manageable. He sensed the lords moving around him, but couldn’t find it in him to open his eyes, which had slipped closed moments earlier. 

When he was turned and pushed onto his back gently, he did manage to peak open one eye, especially when he felt lord Arthur’s lips turn on his. Why is Arthur leaning over my head and Rule…

The memory of the two together earlier had him trying to get up fast, but a simple hand from both lords on either of his shoulders easily held him where he was. Arthur broke their kiss, allowing him some air.

“Does anything hurt?” He asked, his tone shockingly cautious and caring as he stared down at him, the lord’s face so close that their noses could brush if Harper simply leaned his head up just a fraction. 

No, nothing does… it’s just odd. Awkward. 

He slowly let his head rock back and forth on the rug he’d laid down on, earning a relieved smile from Arthur. “Good.” He said before reaching into his pocket and taking out a small bottle of something, then handing it to Rule. 

The other lord was panting and staring at him like he might possibly be dinner. “Lord Rule? Are you okay?” Harper asked right before he felt something prod at an entrance that he only knew as an exit. 

“Wh-what are you doing?” He stuttered, his face burning as he kicked his legs awkwardly, unsure what the man was doing with his fingers. 

Arthur chuckled as Rule opened the bottle he’d been given and tapped some of its contents, which looked like some type of oil, onto his hand after he removed it from Harper’s trousers. He worked the oil along his hands generously, then grinned down at him before Arthur took his mouth again. 

“Relax. It’s going to feel good. Just remember the look on Rule’s face when I took care of him earlier.” He whispered before covering Harper’s lips. 

The images flashed before his eyes, and there was nothing Harper could do to keep them at bay when he felt Rule’s finger begin to push inside of him. He gasped and felt his back arch without a single thought from him to do so. Another finger was added not a moment later and Harper moaned loudly. He was immediately embarrassed, but Rule started moving his fingers in and out of him, removing any kind of useful thought from Harper’s mind as his hips began to buck on their own accord. 

“I didn’t think he’d be so hungry.” Rule said, his voice gruff, as if he were struggling to control himself. 

Harper shakily lifted his arms and dug his fingers into Arthur’s hair, finally hesitantly kissing him back as odd sparks soared through his body. He felt strange. Sure, he’d gotten himself off a few random times in his life, but it had never felt like what he was experiencing right then. It never felt so intense. In fact, he couldn’t even consider what he’d done in the closet earlier to be anything even remotely close in comparison. 

“Spread your legs, sweetheart. Let me love you.” 

He hadn’t even realized that his trousers had been removed, along with his shoes, but Harper’s brain just wasn’t up to functioning for such simple things. He did, however, want to please Rule. After all, the lord was making him feel quite good. He spread his legs and immediately felt something begin to nudge at his opening after Rule removed his fingers.

“You sure, Rule? So soon?” Arthur mumbled against Harper’s lips, making his fuzzy mind try to question what was actually happening. 

“Mm. I can’t hold back. You see that he’s loving this. God, he loved my fingers in him. I need to be in him now.” Rule all-but groaned, drawing a moan from Harper as he unintentionally lifted his hips. He wanted the feeling Rule had been giving him seconds ago, back. 

The pressure near his backside continued abruptly, spreading him before pushing inside him. Harper’s eyes jerked open wide and he squirmed, but strong hands grasped his hips as Rule hurried to push inside. 

“It’s okay, just relax. I promise you’ll love it. It will be good.” Arthur said in a comforting tone. It was hard to take his word for it right then, because Harper felt like he was being stretched to nearly breaking. 

He whimpered, but Rule didn’t pull out of him. Instead, he pressed further, until Harper could feel the faint brush of the dust of hair around the base of Rule’s length against his own skin. 

“Damn.” Rule said as Harper felt a shudder pass from the lord’s body and into his from where they were now connected. “We needed to do this earlier. So much earlier. Dammit.” Rule groaned.

Arthur moved away suddenly, making Harper feel a little lost, before Rule’s body weight sunk down onto him. The man’s mouth took over where Arthur’s had left off, then his hips began bucking forward. The first few movements had Harper raising his hands to Rule’s shoulders, trying to get him to stop, but he just couldn’t find the words because there was something else, along with the pain, that he was starting to feel. 

His body shook with an intense shiver as Rule picked up his pace. His motions brought up the images from earlier, with him and Arthur. Harper jerked his head back and arched his body into Rule’s, moaning his name far louder than he intended. 

That seemed to have been what Rule had needed, though, because not a moment later he felt Rule shudder hard, heard him call his name, then a wet heat filled him before the man collapsed his remaining weight onto him. Both of them were breathless, their bodies shivering as they slowly began coming down from their high. 

I didn’t know something like that could happen. It felt, so odd, but somehow, amazing. 

“I see that smile.” Arthur said with a chuckle as he gently brushed a few strands of hair away from Harper’s face. “Did you enjoy your punishment?” 

Harper was going to reply, but he only managed a moan as his hips bucked and a shiver shook him, likely from the fact that Rule was still buried inside of him. 

Does he want to do that again? It hurts some, now that I’m thinking straight, but… 

“Rule.” Arthur said, earning the other lord’s attention after a moment. 

The man slowly pushed himself up after giving Harper a soft kiss, then carefully pulled himself out. “Damn, I want to be back in. This is going to be torture. Just glad that we remembered to bring the good oil, he doesn’t look like he’s hurting much.” 

What? What’s going to be torture?

Arthur leaned over and scooped Harper up, then settled him in the middle of the large bed. The crisp sheets were cold against his sweaty body, but when Arthur climbed overtop him a few moments later, his clothing completely gone, a wave of heat sent a cold shiver down his spine. 

“You want me, too?” He asked, surprised and a bit hesitant. 

He wasn’t sure what was normal, but people didn’t normally take two wives. 

Not that you’re a wife. 

That made him wonder what he was. Before he could question himself and worry, Arthur lifted his hand to his lips and kissed the two rings that rested on his finger there. 

“We both will always want you, Harper. You accepted Rule… may I have you, too?” 

Arthur’s eyes were so serious. Their color darkened and the irises dilated with the same hunger that Harper had seen in lord Rule’s eyes. He could only nod after licking his slightly bruised lips. 

There was no hesitance when Arthur entered him. He had expected the calmer man to be more gentle than Rule, especially after he’d already taken the other man, but he was rutting faster than Harper’s hips could even keep up with. 

Rule appeared at his side as Arthur worked his body, stealing a kiss since the other man was focused more on his task, his hands gripping Harper’s hips tightly as he thrust into him. 

“He gets very distracted sometimes. Moan for him, love. Watch what it does to him.” Rule whispered against his lips. Just the mention of doing it had the sound slipping from his lips. 

Arthur groaned immediately and leaned forward, pushing faster and harder. His backside was beginning to really ache, so Harper decided to try and help Arthur finish before he got himself in too deep and couldn’t get out of bed the next morning. 

Pushing himself up, he carefully moved himself forward enough to make Arthur lean back just enough so that he could slide onto his lap. The lord barely slowed enough for him to get situated before he began thrusting hard again, just upward instead of forward. Harper wrapped his arms around Arthur’s neck and buried his face in the man’s neck, smelling his heady scent as he did what Rule had done to him earlier, nibbling at the lord’s neck. 

Arthur’s arms hugged him to him like a vice as he made love to him until they were both screaming each others’ name. When they had finished, Arthur dropped his forehead to Harper’s shoulder and they both panted heavily until their breathing managed to calm. 

“I agree, that needs to happen more. Much more.” Arthur whispered as he took Harper’s mouth in a kiss briefly, then gently lifted him free of him. Rule took him without a word and carried him into the washroom as Arthur followed. 

They all bathed, but neither got in the tub with him when he was set inside first. He was curious as to why, but when both lords quickly got visibly hard again, he realized that they were saving him from not being able to get up the next morning. 

Instead, they both took turns scrubbing and kissing him, until he was deemed clean and lifted from the tub to be dried thoroughly. The moment he was clothed, though with only a soft, large shirt from Arthur’s dresser, and settled beneath the covers of the bed, he was out cold. At some point later, he awoke to the rustling of the blankets and the press of the lord’s warm bodies against his, but he didn’t stir for more than a moment. It was just enough time for him to feel Arthur and Rule press a kiss to his forehead and cheek before he slipped back off to sleep.

Ego

The bed was uncomfortably cold when Harper awoke the next morning. He was only a little upset when he sat up, wincing as his backside throbbed. Leaning back against the pillows, he looked to the side, following a scent his nose had caught. 

Oh. They brought me breakfast? 

Glancing around, he confirmed that neither lord was present, then carefully scooted to the edge of the bed. A letter sat on the silver platter with the plate of eggs, sausage, and bread on it. Picking it up, he opened it and pulled out the folded piece of paper within it.

Apologies for leaving, love, but Arthur started having trouble breathing after you fell asleep last night. I am taking him back to the hospital so that they can check on his condition. We will return as soon as we are able. Please rest today and take care of yourself.

Harper frowned at the note. He wished that they had woken him so that he could come… but he wasn’t sure if he would be able to ride a horse very well for a day or two with how sore he felt. 

Perhaps it was for the best that they didn’t try to bring me along. 

Deciding that he was going to be lazy for likely the first day in his life, Harper stretched beneath the blankets, then pulled the tray onto his lap to enjoy his meal. I wounder if they cooked this or if the chef did. It would have been interesting seeing the lords try to make something. He knew that they weren’t the best in the kitchen after knowing them for so long. 

He finished eating about twenty minutes later, then made himself get out of bed. The pain intensified when he stood, but Harper wasn’t going to laze away in bed all day. Stiffly, he walked into the washroom, careful of his foot, and was relieved to see that a fresh bath had been drawn. 

The water was cool, but he didn’t want to light the logs beneath the tub to warm it, so he climbed in after shedding the shirt he’d slept in. He took his time washing himself thoroughly, even though the lords had done quite a good job on him last night. Mainly because the lords had done a good job  on him last night. 

Memories flooded his mind, immediately making him uncomfortable. He shifted awkwardly, but thankfully the water was cold enough to make him calm down quickly. 

“That was almost bad.” He mumbled as he hurried to get out and dry off. 

Harper got himself dressed in some clothing he’d been given by Abel, then made his way to the door of the chambers. Okay. Just take a deep breath and be yourself. No one needs to know that you slept with them last night. No need for awkwardness. 

Sighing out a stressed breath, Harper grabbed the door handle and slowly turned it until the large door swung lazily inward. After one more quick pep talk, he slipped from the room. 

“Oh my! Um, s-sir, you um…” Harper jumped at the sound of the maids voice from a few feet away. She was carrying fresh linens, likely going to store them in the closet a bit further down the hall. 

Hopefully she doesn’t find… 

Pushing away the thought about the sock, he forced a strained smile. “Yes, ma’am?” He questioned hesitantly, already feeling very awkward. 

She pointed to her neck stiffly, then pursed her lips before replying. “You may wish to, um, dawn a scarf, sir.” The maid mumbled before hurrying on her way, leaving Harper standing there with a face more red than the apples he’d seen hanging about the trees at the magistrate’s home. 

Ducking back inside of lord Arthur’s chambers, he hurried to the medium mirror hanging in the washroom. When he saw his reflection, his mouth dropped open. 

Oh gods. No wonder she was scared! Darn it, Rule! 

The man had definitely nibbled at his neck, but he hadn’t realized it would leave such horrible marks! His throat was dark red, purple, and even had small bits of yellow skirting the edges of the bruises. 

Grumbling in frustration, he stalked out of the room and dug through Rule’s belongings until he could find a suitable scarf that would cover all of the marks. He looked a bit odd, since it was a winter scarf and he was not wearing a coat, but at least it matched what he had decided to wear for the day, which was just a pair of brown trousers and a faded white shirt. 

Just to add a bit more to the outfit, he took Arthur’s favorite top hat off the stand by the door. It was a tad big, tilting a little on his head, but he could make it work. After one final check in the mirror, he made his way back out into the hall. The maid was nowhere to be seen, which was a relief. 

Since he’d already eaten, Harper carefully made his was down the stairs and out the front door after pulling on his one pair of shoes. His foot, surprisingly, didn’t ache nearly as badly as his backside did as he moved. 

He arrived at the stables right as two large mares were being brushed. The beasts were panting, so he figured that they had been used for a morning ride. “May I try?” Harper asked as he approached one of the grooms. 

He noted that he didn’t see the boy who had told him to go into the hayloft the other day, and hoped that he hadn’t gotten into too much trouble for being deceived. 

The groom looked at him a bit oddly, but when his eyes widened with possible recognition, he stepped away from the animal and gave a slight bow of his head. “Are you master Harper?” He asked, making Harper raise an eyebrow. 

“I… suppose so?” He said, not sounding too sure. He didn’t like having such a title. He was used to being a servant, after all. 

The grooms face lit up and he bowed in earnest this time, the gestured to the beautiful blonde horse in front of him. “Lord Rule left early this morning with lord Arthur on his horse, and the other one being taken care of is one of Rule’s, but they had asked me to find you one, and I believe that this girl would be perfect for you.” 

Harper’s mouth fell open. 

My. Own horse? 

“I, believe you might be mistaken. They… they are giving me a horse?” He asked, still shocked. 

The groom nodded with a bright smile and gestured to the animal. “Would you like to try her out now, master Harper?” 

Oh no. My backside is not ready for that adventure. 

“I believe another time, but she is very beautiful. I uh, actually came to ask if I would be allowed to help you with her?” He questioned quietly, looking down at his shoes for a moment. 

The groom was silent for a moment, probably surprised he’d even want to help work a bit, but when Harper looked up, the guy replaced his frown with a smile. “Of course, sir. What would you like to do?” 

Harper gestured to the brush and the groom quickly handed it to him after showing him the correct way to brush the horse’s coat. It was actually pretty fun seeing the animal slowly calm down from the attention, then begin flicking her tail and nudging him with her head a few times when he stepped around her to brush her other side. 

“You’re a bit of a brat, aren’t you?” He told the horse, who snorted and flicked her ears, as if she knew he’d insulted her a little. 

“That’s okay. I like a horse with personality. I hope that we’ll be good friends.” 

The horse, who he found was named Riot, allowed him enough time to get her coat decently brushed before she started swinging her head and stepping away from him. 

“Ah, she wants to be put up and get fed. I’ll take care of that, master Harper. I believe the cook is making lunch about now.” The groom said as he took the horse’s reigns and began leading her to a stall in the middle of the stable. 

Harper hadn’t thought he’d be tired already after only brushing the horse for about thirty minutes with one item, then switching to a comb for her tail and main, but perhaps the lords had taken a bit more energy out of him the previous night than he’d thought. 

“Alright. Thank you for introducing us. I look forward to riding her sometime soon.” He said before turning and carefully making his way back to the house. 

His foot was aching by the time he got there, the throbbing almost in time with his backside, both likely smarting because he was standing and walking around so much. 

“Hello, hun.” 

A surge of happiness flooded his system as he turned around to see Rule sitting in the driver’s seat of a small carriage. He pulled his horse to a stop and quickly jumped down, pulling him into his arms the moment he got close enough. 

“Lord Rule, welcome back!” One of the servants who had noticed the carriage said from the doorway. 

Rule looked up, offering the man a smile. “Thank you. Arthur is resting in the carriage, I’ll take care of him. Please have three meals sent up to his chambers in about fifteen minutes.” 

The servant nodded, then disappeared back into the house. Before he turned to go get Arthur, Rule stole a kiss from Harper. “I do hope that you will forgive us for leaving so suddenly. Are you feeling alright?” He asked as he pulled away just enough to look Harper over. 

Nodding, Harper looked worriedly toward the carriage. “Is lord Arthur alright?” He asked. 

Rule chuckled and stole one more kiss before nodding and heading toward the carriage. “Yes. Wait right there, I’ll get him out. The doctors said that he’d just overexerted himself a bit too much. They gave him some medicine and he’s been out for the entire ride back here.” 

Harper felt relieved as Rule went and retrieved Arthur, easily carrying the man’s weight in his arms. “Let’s get him to bed, then we can eat in the sitting room.” Rule said quietly as he carried Arthur into the house, Harper following him as quickly as he could with his bad foot. 

As they made their way upstairs, Rule told him that he’d gotten news of lord Marksworth’s condition through a friend who happened to be visiting a friend in the hospital. He was doing surprisingly well, and had asked after him. 

I’m glad he’s still well enough. Of course, he knew that the time would come eventually, but Harper was relieved that the lord was still present in this world. 

They worked together to get Arthur mostly undressed once they entered the bedroom, just leaving his undergarments, before getting him into the bed to continue resting. He looked pale, but Rule had assured him that he was just exhausted and would recover with the medication’s help. 

“I feel bad. Maybe we shouldn’t have… done things last night.” Harper said as he watched Arthur sleeping from the doorway between rooms. 

Rule tugged him away and closed the door, then turned him around to place his hands on his shoulders. “Don’t let him hear you say that. He’ll put you under him in a heartbeat, even if it would cause it to be his last.” 

Harper felt his face heat up immediately. Thankfully, there was a soft knock on the door a moment later, stopping Rule from leaning any closer. He hurried over and opened it, thanking the maid for the food as he took the tray from her. It was heavy, but Rule was there when he turned around, nudging the door closed before he took the tray from Harper. 

They both walked over to two of the armchairs and sat down after Rule put the tray on the small table between them. “Eat up. Arthur won’t be up for a while, and I doubt his stomach will handle this.” 

Not wanting to argue, Harper started working on a small sandwich. There were many on the tray, so he doubted that he’d make a decent dent in them, but he was willing to try. They were absolutely delicious. 

“The face you’re making right now was the same one you made for me last night.” Rule said out of nowhere, making Harper inhale a piece of bread and cough several times before managing to swallow it down. 

“Lord Rule!” Harper hissed as he coughed a few more times, trying to catch his breath. 

Rule leaned back in the chair with a smirk on his lips. “Don’t worry, I’ll behave. As much as I don’t like sharing, I know that I owe Arthur. So, while we were at the hospital, we decided upon something.” 

Uh oh. 

“What was that, my lord?” Harper asked hesitantly, not bothering to grab another small sandwich, in fear that he might choke himself to death. 

Rule crossed his legs and his smile turned to one of complete determination. 

“We are going to share you.” 

Harper swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. 

“Like… last night?” He asked, not really understanding further than that type of situation. Yes, he’d been asked if he’d accepted Arthur last night, but he hadn’t exactly been briefed on what that meant, besides sex. 

When Rule licked his lips, Harper swallowed again. 

“Yes, absolutely like last night… but, there are other things that fall under the sharing category, too.” Rule said, making Harper frown in confusion. 

Nodding toward his hand, Rule reached over and lifted the one with the rings on it. “These rings are both the crests of our families. They are normally given to the one we intend to spend our lives with.” He said, remaining quiet as his words sunk in to Harper’s confused mind. 

I knew they were trying to claim me from each other with the rings, somehow, but they actually put them on because they want me… forever? 

“That. My lord, our lives are likely to be very long.” Harper said in a hushed voice as he stared down at the crests gracing the beautiful rings. If Rule hadn’t mentioned them, he probably wouldn’t have noticed, because they were so perfectly woven into the designs. 

Rule patted his leg. Harper hesitated for only a moment before finding his way into the man’s lap. It was odd, but he was content when the lord wrapped him in his arms. “I pray that they are, Harper. I want no wife. No heir. I just want my best friend, and my love… and if I have to share my love with my best friend, then I believe that I can push aside my attitude most of the time, and do so.” 

Harper snuggled against him a little more. “My lord, does that mean I am able to say whom I wish to… do things with at certain times?” He asked. 

Rule tilted his head and looked down, making Harper drop his gaze nervously. “That depends, Harper.” He whispered as he brushed his lips against Harper’s hair. “On whom you wish to sleep with more.” 

He will say no if I say Arthur. 

“I believe that Lady Lelynn would say that you have quite an… ego? I think the word was.” Harper said with a small grin up at the lord. 

Rule scowled, then quickly leaned down to press a kiss to Harper’s lips. “It’s okay. I can back it up, as I’m sure you know now. I’m quite big enough to be confident.” 

Harper ducked his head beneath the man’s chin and grumbled as a blush turned his face red. 

“As fun as it is to pick on you, love. We should eat. Arthur is going to need us to watch over him for a bit. Let’s not let him down, alright?” Rule said as he leaned down to steal one more kiss, this one on the cheek, before he reached over to the platter and took a sandwich, offering it to Harper. 

Taking it, Harper nibbled on it until Rule leaned over and took a big bite of it. “Eat properly, Harper.” He said after chewing and swallowing the food. 

Narrowing his eyes, Harper jerked his head up and bit Rule’s lip. That’s what you get for taking my food. Rule remained motionless for a moment before he swiped his tongue along his lower lip, tasting the tiny bit of blood that welled from the small cut Harper’s tooth had made. 

When the lord looked back down at him, Harper felt his like he was suddenly about to become lunch, instead of the sandwiches. 

“I do believe that these chairs are the perfect height for certain activities. “ Rule noted as his expression grew more and more hungry. 

And now I’ve dug my own grave. I’m sorry, backside. Your sacrifice will likely be in vain.

Wrapped Up

(Final chap and kinda Epi. There will be a third book in a bit (I’ll post a notice as a chapter in this book to let you guys know when it’s up), similar stand-alone like this one. These characters might return in it, depending on how the storyline plays itself out) 

Sitting up in bed the next morning, Harper knew that he was going to be miserable. I really should learn not to instigate lord Rule. Ever again. He flopped back down to the bed and groaned, the sound seemingly drawing Arthur’s attention because one of his eyes slowly opened. 

“I could hear you two being quite busy in the other room yesterday.” He mumbled before stretching like a content cat beneath the blankets. 

Harper felt his face heat, but he was honestly getting used to the idea of mentioning sex around them more. He did hope, however, that he got a chance to heal his backside before they decided to make use of it again, though. 

Speaking of which. 

“My lord, what exactly are we?” He asked, not sure how else to phrase the question. 

Arthur slowly pushed himself up against the stack of pillows, then gestured Harper forward with his arms. The man didn’t look too capable of much at the current moment, with his tired eyes and careful movements, so Harper settled himself in his lap and relaxed as Arthur’s arms encircled him. 

He was quiet for a long while, drawing Harper’s puzzled gaze up to meet his. “I’m not sure.” Arthur finally said on a sigh. The lord lifted a hand to sift through his hair before sighing again. 

“Most couples are made by their parents, or the woman is offered to a man as a wife.” He mumbled awkwardly, then stared down at him. “But you are definitely not a woman, nor a wife.” 

Harper frowned, trying to figure out what they could possibly be considered. Were there such things as male mistresses? It was worth asking…

“Am I a mistress, of sorts?” He asked, drawing a chuckle from beside them as Rule pushed himself up. 

“No.” 

The simple answer didn’t help his conundrum much. 

“Well, what do you want to be, Harper?” Arthur asked as he eyed Rule, who was inching closer. 

Harper noticed the man’s line of sight and turned his attention back to Rule in time to feel the other lord tug him partially onto his lap. They seemed like they were about to consider pulling him until one of them won, but thankfully they both glared at each other, then reluctantly just decided to wrap one arm each around his waist. 

“Well, for one, I don’t want you two fighting over me.” 

Boy did it make him feel strange to say such a thing.

Rule huffed, but after another look at Arthur, he dropped his head to the guy’s shoulder. “We’ll work on it.” 

Harper was surprised that neither of them argued about doing something a servant asked of them. Granted, he didn’t appear to be a servant any longer, but that just left another question he needed an answer to. 

“So, what am I? Like, my status.” He asked. 

Arthur and Rule both smiled at that as Arthur pressed a hand to the top of his head and messed up his hair a bit more. 

“You are to be treated as a master here. A lord of the estate.” 

Harper’s mouth dropped open in shock, but Rule just took that opportunity to cover it with his own. He let the kiss go on for a minute, then Harper nudged at Rule until he reluctantly retreated and leaned back. 

“That… can I ask that you not do that sometimes? Am I allowed? And the uh, other stuff we did yesterday?” 

Rule scowled, but Arthur elbowed him in the side, changing his expression slightly. 

“Yes, you may. You are now considered equals to us, so yes, you may decline something we request.” 

I hope they don’t mind me using that information today. My backside can’t handle anymore right now. 

“So, that brings me back to what I actually am to you two. What are we?” He asked, looking from one lord to the other. 

Arthur and Rule looked at each other, both of their brows creased in thought. When Rule’s head tilted slightly and they both grinned, Harper raised an eyebrow. 

“Lover. I believe that is the word that we can use to describe our relationship. If we could, we’d make you our husband, but such things are not possible in this day and age, unfortunately.” Arthur said before Rule took over. 

“Don’t think that we won’t fight for you, though. You are more important than any wife to us. We don’t want a woman, or any other man.” Rule stated with a sincerity that made Harper tuck his face against his chest, trying to hide that he was blinking back tears. 

He’d never honestly heard that someone wanted him in such a way. Yes, he knew that the lords wanted him physically recently, or as a servant or person that would stay by their side, but he’d never thought that they would consider him similar to what a husband would a wife. Someone that they wanted to spend their lives with. 

I have two people who… love me? 

“I love you.” He whispered before looking up at Arthur, then to Rule. “And I love you.” 

Harper licked his lips and hunched a bit, biting his lower lip. “But that’s all I have to offer…” 

Rule’s familiar chuckle drew Harper’s attention up, along with the man’s hand grasping and lifting his chin as he leaned forward. “Can I kiss?” Rule asked, making Harper stutter an approval. 

Before he could comprehend what Rule was doing, he felt lips against his own, but he was also being gently pushed back against the blankets. Harper expected the man to try and get him out of his simple sleep shirt and then do other things , but he simply enjoyed the slow kiss, then leaned away and tugged Harper back up and into his arms. 

“I’m sorry we pushed you a bit with the sex.” He said, making Harper blush. 

Arthur leaned over and pressed a kiss to his hair. “Yeah, we should have been more careful. I’m sure you’re not feeling the greatest right now… especially after someone decided to do it again yesterday.” 

Rule grumbled and got up at the sound of a knock on the sitting room’s door. Arthur followed him after a moment, when he didn’t return right away. I suppose I should go too. Harper pulled on a pair of trousers first, wincing at the ache his backside sent throughout his body. 

Definitely going to say no the next few times they try. I want to eventually be able to ride my new horse.  

He fought himself not to limp to the door where the two lords stood speaking to one of the maids. Harper was only there for a moment before they sent her on her way, then returned to the bedroom to dress quickly. 

They returned a minute later, dressed far nicer than he was. “Don’t worry, we’ll be getting you some clothing soon. You will look adorable.” Rule said, making Harper scowl. 

“I want to look handsome.” He said, then pursed his lips and looked down. 

Both lords chuckled as Arthur lifted his chin with a warm hand. “Alright. If you would like clothing that would make you look handsome, then we shall get that for you… but will you allow us a few cute outfits, too?” 

I suppose that is fair. 

“Yes sir.” Harper replied. 

“Arthur.” He responded, making Harper fidget nervously. 

“A-Arthur.” He said, earning a smile from the lord that made him relax a little. 

Rule took his hand and tugged him toward the door. “The magistrate is here to talk to us about Matilda and lord Walters.” He said, making Harper frown. He’d hoped he had heard the last of them. 

He tried to hurry after Rule as Arthur paced ahead of them a bit, but his foot wasn’t exactly fully healed, and with his weight shifting from the ache in his backside, he was having trouble keeping up. 

Harper did his best until he ran right into Rule’s chest, having been so focused on his own feet. “Sweetheart, say if you need help, alright? We want you to be able to lean on us.” Rule said as he reached down and lifted him up into his arms. 

Sagging against Rule in relief, Harper caught his breath quickly, then looked up as they descended the stairs. “You’re grabbing my backside…” He mumbled, embarrassed and worried that someone might see. 

Rule’s chuckle vibrated through his chest. “Do you wish for me to stop, Harper?” He asked, making Harper’s embarrassment paint his cheeks a faint pink. 

“…no.” 

Rule grinned as they got to the bottom of the stairs. 

“No, what?” 

Harper almost said no sir, but then quickly corrected himself. 

“No, Rule. I do not mind.” 

Kirin was waiting for them in a sitting room beside the kitchen with Arthur. He seemed far more relaxed than Harper would have thought considering the information he had come to share. When Kirin noticed them walk in he uncrossed his legs and stood, offering an outstretched hand. 

Rule shook it after carefully setting Harper down. “Good morning, Kirin. What information do you have for us?” He asked as he dropped down into a large armchair while Harper took the seat beside Arthur on the sofa. 

“Well, Abel and I have decided upon a punishment we believe is proper, but because of the damage to your property and Harper, to your leg, I believe that you two should have a say in the issue.” Kirin stated, making Harper’s mouth drop open. 

Rule seemed much less surprised as he leaned back and tilted his head slightly with curiosity. “What did you have in mind?” He asked, a mischievous glint already shining in his eyes. 

“Well, for lord Walters, I believe that because he was a participant in burning down your estate, that you should, in turn, acquire his, including all of his wealth and lands.” 

Rule’s mouth dropped open then, but he quickly recovered clearing his throat behind his hand. “You, I mean, I’m going to get everything that was under his name?” He asked, honestly surprised. The old magistrate would have just sentenced Walter’s to death, but something like this? 

“Wait. What will keep him from destroying his former property, or finding and burning this one?” Arthur questioned exactly what Harper was thinking. 

Kirin grinned at that, seemingly having been waiting for that question. “He’s going to jail. I’ve remodeled the building a bit, that the old magistrate had been using. It’s nowhere near as disgusting or overrun. I do believe that he will enjoy his ten year stay.” He stated with a smirk that Rule soon matched. 

“What of Matilda?” Harper asked, hoping that he didn’t get scolded for talking. It would take him time to get used to being allowed to act and speak as someone of status. 

Kirin turned his smile to him and nodded. “I have news of her punishment, as well. Lady Lelynn actually came up with the idea.” He said, making Arthur and Rule look at each other for a moment, then back to Kirin. 

“She is to work in a brothel.” 

Harper choked on air as both Arthur and Rule stared at each other again, then burst out laughing. “Oh, I suddenly love that woman.” Rule said as he leaned forward and offered his hand for Kirin to shake again. 

“I agree on those punishments. They suit them both quite well.” He said, earning a chuckle and a nod from Kirin as he leaned forward to shake his hand. 

All eyes turned to Harper after Arthur added his agreement. He wasn’t too sure if he was okay with Matilda’s punishment, though. Yes, he thought that she, perhaps, deserved it. 

I don’t think I can agree. 

“I think… that maybe instead of having to work sexually, that she should be responsible for cleaning all of the soiled linens.” He said hesitantly, looking down at his hands folded in his lap. 

There was silence in the room for several moments before Kirin leaned back into his chair and nodded his head toward Rule. “Well? What do you say?” 

Rule copied Kirin’s posture and shrugged. “If that’s what Harper wants, then I agree with it.” He said, making Harper whirl his head around to stare at him in shock. 

“Very well. I will adjust that punishment. Thank you for your time, gentleman, and I bid you farewell.” He said as he got up, followed by everyone else. 

Kirin was just stepping out of the front door, having been escorted by the small group, when Harper tugged his shirt lightly to get his attention. “Um, what happened to the back of your neck?” He asked, a bit worried. 

The look on Kirin’s face made Harper frown. “My lady has found a new walking stick… and it packs quite a powerful punch.” He said before bowing slightly, then hurrying off to his horse, which was being held a few paces away by one of the stable grooms. 

Harper walked to the top of the small set of stairs, smiling and giving the magistrate a wave before turning at the sound of his two lords stepping out onto the porch. They both wrapped him in a hug using one arm, giving each of them enough space to show affection without getting in each others’ way. Harper thought that they might think it was weird and not want to show him attention in front of their servants, but he didn’t seem to have needed to worry. Neither lord hesitated or withdrew until they were content. 

“I believe there is still some breakfast cooking in the kitchen. Shall we, love?” Rule said, earning an “Of course,” from Arthur before he gave him an abrupt kiss and nudged Rule as he walked inside.  

Rule rolled his eyes, but when Harper gave a quiet laugh, the man shook off his slight frustration and took his hand. “Shall we, love?” He said as he turned and tugged Harper gently, being careful to not rush him because of his leg and their previous activities. 

Harper paused before they got to the kitchen, however, making Rule stop just long enough for him to reach over and grab his shovel. “I’d like to bring it upstairs.” He said with an innocent smile. 

Rule stared at the shovel as if it were a bag full of bees, but then sighed and shrugged. “Sure, that’s fine. Just… it’s going to stay outside of our bedroom.” He stated, his tone brooking no argument. 

Harper grinned and nodded, using his lovely walking shovel to help him toward the kitchen with one hand while Rule held the other. 

“I think that I could get used to this.” Harper noted as they stepped inside and the smell of fresh bread and cooked meats met his nose. 

“What?” Rule wondered aloud. 

Harper turned and pressed a kiss to the lord’s cheek, then smiled over at Arthur, who was lounging comfortably at a large table at the far end of the room, out of everyone’s  way, yet still very intently watching them. Looking back up at Rule, Harper let his grin widen as he squeezed his hand. 

“Being loved by my two lords.” 

End-

(I’ll be putting my Ko-fi link at the bottom of the final chapters of my books from here on. It’s totally optional, of course :) See you guys on the next story!)

Tips always appreciated :) https://ko-fi.com/theorykierei

Book 3

I put up a Coming Soon chapter to Recall :) I recommend glancing at the first book (Reverse) before reading it, but it can be a stand-alone.