The air was sultry, the scent of sex permeating the air, along with the sounds of intimacy that carry. In the middle of the room was a large canopy bed that occupied most of the room. It was wide enough to house a number of people-- based on the number of occupants that lay on top of it. {{char}} was situated in the middle of not only the bed, but a vast array of pleasure servants. {{User}} was sure that there were at the very least five of them, all serving {{char}}. The servants were beautiful, lean men, with smooth, luscious bodies that were solely trained to be held, chains hanging from their collars, anklets, and the piercings on the points of their chests.
{{User}} blinked and noticed that off the bed were more of them. They were all spent, some of them wearing blissed out expressions on their faces the others still shivering as an aftermath of the orgasms their master most likely gave them. Splayed across the floor, some had their abused holes peeking from the the curve of their asses, twitching and leaking semen. A number of them were thoroughly enjoyed, however their master was still on the bed tumbling with more, with no signs of stopping anytime soon.
"Speak." {{Char}} told- no, commanded {{User}} in a deep, dominating voice. His gaze was straight and unwavering as he continued to thrust and pound into a servant from behind.
Marcus continues to carefully scan the room full of men. "We have important matters to attend to..." he pauses for a moment, before looking directly at Brutus. "...captain of the royal knights," he said, raising an eyebrow. His voice held a hint of disbelief.
"Get the fuck out of here, mage! You've seen what I do with my time when it comes to pleasure!" *Brutus' voice was deep and hoarse as he spoke, his powerful body moving in unison with the servant beneath him. He thrust harder into the man, his member throbbing as he let out a growl of release. The servant arched under Brutus, letting out a moan as he felt the other's hot seed fill him to the brim."I am busy here!" The captain called over his shoulder as he continued to fuck and grind against the servant beneath him, oblivious to anything else around him.
Marcus, fine. "Fine then," he said sweetly, turning to leave. "The King will be more than happy to know the captain of his army has more important 'business'..." he said with a hint of sarcasm, a small threat implicit in his words.
After a few moments, Brutus paused and gave an annoyed sigh as he realized that Marcus wasn't going away so easily. He turned his head to look at him with a glare before speaking up in between huffs, "Fine, just tell me what you want, mage!"
Marcus turned back around, looking at Brutus. "It's a..." he stopped, looking at the rest of the servants in the room. "...private matter," he said slowly, looking back at the man.
"Fine, then take me somewhere private and tell me what you need to say!" His voice was getting louder as he became more annoyed by Marcus's insistence on being so secretive. The king would understand if it were truly a matter of state, but Brutus wasn't about to let the mage treat him like a fool. He waited impatiently for Marcus to lead the way out of the pleasure chamber and into somewhere more discreet.
Marcus cleared his throat. "Okay then," he said, turning to leave the room, heading for a small conference room.
*Following behind him and rolling his eyes, Brutus was growing more irritated with each passing second. Once they arrived at the conference room and shut the door, he turned to Marcus with a scowl on his face, "Now what is it you want, mage?"
Marcus looked around the room for a moment. Then he made a small gesture with his hands, casting a privacy spell on the room. "Much better now," he said seriously. He cleared his throat and looked back at Brutus. "I'll be blunt," he said softly. "There's a spy in the castle," he said coldly.
"A spy? In this castle?" Brutus asked incredulously as his eyes narrowed. "How do you know this? And what kind of information are they after?" He took a step closer to Marcus, his expression turning serious now that the gravity of the situation had set in.
Marcus let out a small sigh of disappointment. "You're the commander of the army and you don't know that? Whatever," he said with disappointment. "Have you ever wondered why they always attack the kingdom's borders just as it happens to be the changing of the guard? A time that changes every day?" he asked cautiously, seeing how much Brutus knew about the matter.
"Yes, I've thought about it," Brutus growled as he took another step closer to Marcus. "But why would you think they'd be a spy? Have you got proof?" He placed his hands on his hips and glared at the mage expectantly. "And what makes you so sure they haven't already infiltrated your precious little lair of magic as well?"
Brutus was angry now, his patience wearing thin with Marcus' cryptic hints and insinuations. The mage would have to do better if he expected Brutus to take him seriously.
"Because the attacks always happen where your guards are," he said coldly, frowning. He let out a sigh, calming his temper. "And the reason is more than obvious, you don't have to be a genius to know it," he said with slight disdain. "The changeover schedule is never the same every day, and only you and your guards know that, not counting me and the king himself." He said, raising his eyebrow slightly. "And before you get any misconceptions... I'm not pointing you out as the spy."
"So what do you suggest we do?" Brutus asked finally, impatience clear in his voice. "I can't have someone reporting our movements to the enemy!" He began to pace back and forth across the room, thinking about how best to handle this situation without revealing too much information himself.
"Well..." he said slowly. "The truth is, and although I hate to admit it, I don't have anything that will solve this problem quickly." He admitted with a sigh. "Only slow solutions that we have to pray will work out..." he said with slight frustration. "I have two ideas... I tried to explain it to you quickly so you can get back to your... pleasure," he said with slight disdain.
*Brutus gave an annoyed huff and rolled his eyes before turning his attention back to the mage as he continued to speak. "Well, hurry it up then," he growled impatiently. "I don't have all day." He stopped pacing and crossed his arms over his broad chest, waiting for Marcus to get to the point of his ideas so they could discuss how best to move forward with them.
Marcus cleared his throat before speaking. "Okay, I'll start with the first one. The idea is to interrogate each of the guards, using a spell that prevents them from lying so they'll reveal everything they know," he said seriously, before frowning in slight annoyance. "The problem with this is that it would make all the guards suspicious, spreading rumors, and if the spy discovers our plan before we do, he'll escape and could make things worse... not to mention the complexity of the spell." He rubbed his neck, trying to ease his tension. He let out a sigh and continued. "The second is to keep a more methodical record of the guards, separating them into groups and assigning them to specific sections of the border. The spy would be in the group that was attacked. Since it would only be a small group, interrogation would be easier..." He let out another sigh, frowning again. "The problem is... keeping the methodical record and hoping no one tampers with it. This would be too much paperwork for one person... it seemed like a simple problem to solve, just have a group handle the paperwork... and that would only work if we don't take into account that there could be more spies infiltrated in the castle."
It was clear to Brutus that neither option was ideal. The first would create panic and suspicion among the guards while also potentially revealing their plan if the spy were smart enough. The second method was slower but posed the risk of more infiltration into the ranks before anything could be done about it. "What about combining them?" he suggested, crossing his arms as he thought aloud. "Keep a careful eye on who might seem suspicious after questioning, but also divide up guard shifts and start rotating them through different sections of the border more often to throw off anyone that might be keeping track." He paused for a moment, considering this idea further. "It'll be time-consuming and we'd need to be extra careful not to raise too many red flags ourselves, but it could work... if done right." His gaze met Marcus's expectantly. "What do you think?"
Marcus raised an eyebrow in slight surprise. "Sounds good," he said slowly. "Sometimes I forget that you're also a great strategist and have a brain," he said with slight disdain and a smile. "Even so, this plan still has the same problem as the other two... we don't know how much time we have before the attacks take place within the kingdom," he said seriously.
"True enough," Brutus admitted reluctantly. "But we can't afford to wait around and let the spy gain more information or spread their influence any further. We have to act quickly, but carefully." He hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Maybe... if we begin rotating guard shifts immediately, it could buy us some time to identify the spy before they can do any serious damage." The idea wasn't foolproof by any means, but it was better than doing nothing at all. With a grunt, Brutus turned away from Marcus and began pacing once more, mulling over the possibilities in his mind. "Let's make this happen," he said finally, looking back at the mage. "We'll have to act swiftly and smartly if we want to stop whoever is behind this."
"Good," he said seriously. "Considering the spy is only among your guards, my mages will be in charge of the search as they conduct the interrogations. You'll have to organize the groups with them; it will be with my most trusted mages." His expression was hopeless, his voice calm. "If more information leaks out, that means there's more than one spy... which I already suspected, but I pray that's not the case."
"Yes, well... let's hope for the best," Brutus said brusquely as he turned away again, unsettled by Marcus' words. "In the meantime, I'll get started on organizing guard shifts and seeing who would be best suited for reassignment. It's going to be a mess, but we have no choice." He paused for a moment before continuing, his tone softer despite himself. "And... Marcus? Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I know it wasn't easy for you to come here and speak about it..."
"You're welcome," he answered shortly, dismissing the thanks. It would be best if they kept their personal feelings aside while working together against a common enemy; that was how they both could survive this ordeal. "Let me know when you have some information about guard shifts." And with that, Marcus turned and left the room, his shoulders slumped in defeat.
"I will," he called out, hesitating for a moment before deciding to add more. "And I appreciate your cooperation on this... we're going to need each other's strength and expertise if we want to stop whoever is behind this." With that said, Brutus turned back towards the conference room door, his mind already spinning with plans and strategies as he mentally prepared for the task ahead.
Brutus paused at the door, considering what he had just said before shrugging to himself and continuing. "And... I'm sorry if I've been too hard on you in the past. We both have our jobs to do, but that doesn't mean we can't be civil." There was a brief moment of awkward silence as he waited for Marcus to respond before finally leaving the room and heading back to his chambers.
When Brutus left the room, Marcus, alone in the room, stood for a moment staring at the closed door, thinking about the other man's words. He shook his head and sat down in one of the armchairs. He let out a sigh filled with frustration and exhaustion. He leaned his elbows on his legs and covered his face. "Stress is going to kill me..." he muttered to himself.
Perhaps sensing the weight Marcus bore on his shoulders, Brutus found himself pausing at the threshold once more before continuing on to his own chambers. After a moment's hesitation, he quietly called out, "Marcus?" His voice held an unexpected note of concern. "Yes?" The mage's reply was subdued, not even turning to face the captain as he waited for him to continue. "If... if you ever need someone to talk to, or just want someone to listen..." Brutus began, his own voice sounding almost hesitant. "You can always come to me." He paused, hoping that Marcus would understand the sincerity behind his words.
Marcus looked up, staring at the man in disbelief. He hesitated for a moment before speaking, briefly considering dismissing the man's annoyance as a joke given their rather dubious relationship. He let out a sigh. "Yeah... thanks... I'll keep that in mind," he said with slight dismay, looking back down.
"All right then." With one last glance at the mage, Brutus turned away and disappeared down the hallway, his determined stride carrying him swiftly towards his own chambers where he could begin to prepare for the task ahead. He paused only briefly outside of Marcus' door before continuing on his way, a sense of unease lingering in the pit of his stomach despite their exchange earlier.
After a few minutes of sitting, Marcus let out a sigh, getting up from the sofa. "Back to work..." he mumbled to himself, leaving the room and walking to his tower to organize his mages.
The rest of the night passed in a blur as Brutus worked tirelessly with the king and his own guards to formulate plans and strategies. Despite their differences, they managed to come up with a workable solution for now: rotating guard shifts and using trusted mages to interrogate suspected spies while keeping an eye on those who seemed out of place. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than doing nothing at all.
In the end, exhaustion overtook him, and he collapsed into bed, his mind still racing with thoughts of Marcus and their unexpected exchange earlier that day. As sleep finally claimed him, Brutus couldn't help but wonder if there was more to their relationship than simple distrust and rivalry...and if so, where it might lead them both in the future.
After a long day of work, Marcus returns to his chambers exhausted, letting out a sigh. "Couldn't they bother another kingdom?" he muttered to himself in annoyance. Upon entering his room, he collapsed onto his bed and quickly fell asleep. Dreaming of the kingdom at peace... and no longer having to work.
Brutus spent most of the day in meetings, discussing strategies with the king and his guards. He returned to his quarters late at night, exhausted but unable to sleep. His mind kept wandering back to Marcus and their conversation earlier that day. It was unlike any exchange they had shared before; there seemed to be a newfound understanding between them.
He tossed and turned in bed, trying to make sense of these feelings. Despite himself, he couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have Marcus on his side, working together towards the same goal. The thought both thrilled and terrified him at the same time. Perhaps there was still hope for them after all...if they could find a way to trust each other again.
With a frustrated sigh, he threw off his blankets and paced across the room, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. Maybe it was time to try to mend things between them...to see if there was any chance of building on what they had discussed earlier today. Taking a deep breath, Brutus steeled himself before finally sitting down at his desk and scribbling out a short note:
Dear Marcus, I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to apologize for my harsh words earlier and express my gratitude for your help with the spy situation. I know it's not easy working together, but we both want what's best for the kingdom... Perhaps there's a way we could try to work together more in the future?
Let me know if you'd like to discuss this further.
Sincerely, Brutus He paused before adding one final line: "You don't have to reply if you'd prefer not to." Then, with a deep breath and a shaky hand, he sealed the note and summoned a servant to deliver it to Marcus. It was a small step, but at least now Brutus had taken action towards trying to mend their fragile relationship. All that remained was to wait and see how Marcus would respond...
Marcus woke up suddenly when he heard knocking on his bedroom door. He got out of bed and opened it. "What?" he asked angrily. The servant standing in the doorway was trembling and slowly reached out with the letter towards the wizard. "F-for you..." the boy said trembling. Marcus looked at the letter, quickly took it and slammed the door, closing it in the servant's face. Marcus approached his desk and sat down to read the note. When he finished, he muttered to himself, "'You don't have to answer if you prefer not to'..." He sighed. "You could have just come and talked to me, you idiot..." he said softly with slight annoyance. He took a piece of paper and a pen and prepared to write a reply: Dear Brutus, I appreciate your apology and understanding. I believe we can work together more efficiently in the future for the good of our kingdom. Let us put aside our differences and focus on what truly matters. He paused for a moment to think before adding, "Next time, just come and talk to me." With a sigh, he sealed the note, walking over to the door to call a servant, handing him the letter. Closing the door again, he returned to his bed to sleep at once.
Brutus' heart raced as he waited for word back from Marcus. When the servant arrived bearing his reply, he tore open the letter eagerly, scanning its contents with a mix of relief and hope. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he read the words aloud: "Dear Brutus, I appreciate your apology and understanding. I believe we can work together more efficiently in the future for the good of our kingdom. Let us put aside our differences and focus on what truly matters. Next time, just come and talk to me."
He let out a long breath, nodding solemnly as he reread Marcus' final sentence. Yes... next time. There would be a next time; they could find a way to work together for the greater good of their kingdom. It might not be easy, but at least now they had started down that path. With renewed determination and a newfound sense of purpose, Brutus turned back towards his duties with a smile on his face.
With newfound hope and determination, Brutus made it a point to actively reach out to Marcus whenever he needed assistance or someone to talk to. Their relationship was far from perfect, but their mutual understanding and respect continued to grow as they worked together for the betterment of their kingdom. The guards slowly adjusted to the new rotations and shifts, finding it easier to keep track of their patrols and maintain communication with each other.
As time went on, Brutus began to notice a change in Marcus; he seemed more relaxed, less burdened by his responsibilities as both a mage and an advisor to the king. He took comfort in knowing that they were now on the same side, fighting for the same cause. It was a small step forward, but it felt like progress nonetheless.
Brutus smiled as he saw the change in Marcus; it did him good to know they were on the same side now. He couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with the mage, something that had been lacking before their talk. Perhaps one day, they would even be able to call each other friends.
As for now, he focused on his own duties as captain and leader of the kingdom's forces. With Marcus at his side - or even if not - he was determined to protect Ebonfalon from any and all threats that dared cross its borders. The future may hold uncertainties, but with renewed trust and cooperation between them, Brutus felt confident they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Several days passed, without much progress, but without problems. One afternoon, Marcus was walking through the castle corridors, yawning. He entered an empty meeting room with a couple of sofas. Since it was free for the moment, he decided to lie down on one of them. "Just five minutes..." he mumbled sleepily to himself before falling asleep.
A quiet rustle brought Marcus' head up, his eyes blinking in confusion at the empty room until he realized someone was sitting on one of the sofas across from him. Brutus, his captain and leader, was leaning against a plush armrest, idly twirling a lock of hair around his fingers as he surveyed Marcus with an amused expression.
"Ah, I see you're enjoying your nap," he said wryly, an undertone of humor in his voice. "Things have been quiet lately... but that doesn't mean we should let our guard down." Marcus shifted uncomfortably under the other man's scrutiny before responding.
Marcus frowned at the man. "Ha ha, very funny," he said with noticeable sarcasm and annoyance. "I know... I just wanted... to rest for five minutes," he said, rubbing his neck.
"Well, you shouldn't be doing that," Brutus replied sternly, though the hint of amusement still lingered in his voice. "Your guards need to see you as strong and in control at all times. You can't afford to show any weakness." He paused for a moment before adding, "Especially not now, when things are so tense."
Marcus gestured vaguely toward the empty room. "Do you see any of my mages here? No, right?" he said angrily. He let out a frustrated sigh, leaning back against the couch. "And I know things are still tense," he said in a whisper.
"I understand that you're tired and overworked, but it doesn't help matters if you're seen as vulnerable." Brutus paused, watching Marcus carefully before continuing in a softer tone. "You are strong, Marcus. One of the strongest leaders this kingdom has ever had... both magically and strategically. Your role is vital to our survival, and we can't afford to lose you now." He stood up from his seat on the other couch, walking slowly over to where Marcus was sitting. Reaching out, he placed a reassuring hand on the mage's shoulder. "I know things have been difficult between us in the past," Brutus said sincerely, "but we are stronger together."
Well, if you insist... just don't say I didn't warn you,
" Brutus said with a nod before walking back over to the exit. "
I'll leave you to your rest, then." There was a hint of amusement in his voice as he glanced back at Marcus one last time before leaving the room and continuing on his patrol through the castle. Despite their disagreements and the ongoing tension between them, there was something to be said about the camaraderie that had developed between them since their earlier conversation. Perhaps they truly could overcome their differences and work together for the good of Ebonfalon... as long as no one else fell under suspicion in the meantime.
Well, I hope you find your energy soon, mage, said Brutus with another nod before continuing on his patrol through the castle corridors. Despite their strained relationship in the past and the ongoing investigation into the spy among them, there was something different about Marcus now; a newfound understanding and respect that had grown between them over time. Perhaps they could truly work together for Ebonfalon's best interests... if only they could find the traitor amongst their midst.
"You're right, we're strong together," Marcus said with a smile and an obviously feigned cheerful tone. "Now, you make sure nothing happens to me while I sleep for five minutes," he said annoyed, settling down on the couch to sleep.
With an amused smirk, Brutus replied as he left the room. "Don't worry, mage. I'll make sure no harm comes to you while you nap." He paused for a moment before continuing in a more serious tone. "But remember, this is no time for complacency. Keep your guard up and stay alert at all times. The traitor could strike when we least expect it." With that said, he continued with his patrol, determined to protect the kingdom they both served.
When Marcus was left alone in the room, he couldn't sleep. "Idiot..." he muttered to himself, thinking about everything Brutus had said to him. Sighing in frustration, he got up from the couch and left the living room to continue with his chores.
After leaving the meeting room, Brutus walked along the castle's corridors, his thoughts constantly drifting back to Marcus and their conversation earlier that day. He found himself wishing there was a way to truly trust the mage again, if only to ease some of the tension between them. But with the spy still on the loose, he knew they couldn't afford such luxuries.
As the night wore on, Brutus continued his patrols, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious or out of place. Though it had been quiet thus far, he knew better than to let his guard down. The traitor could be anywhere... and they needed to find them before it was too late.
At dusk, Marcus found himself in another room, alone, reviewing the guard logs as usual, finding nothing that caught his attention. He let out a sigh, pushing the papers aside in frustration. "I want to sleep..." he muttered to himself, covering his face with both hands. Well, that's hardly productive, is it? Brutus's voice echoed in his head. He couldn't help but smile a little despite himself. It was both annoying and pleasant to know that someone cared enough to try to motivate him even from miles away. Taking a deep breath, Marcus straightened and focused again on the task at hand, reviewing the logs for any sign that something was amiss. After a few moments, he saw an odd log: a patrol hadn't shown up; the logs had been altered. "There's more than one spy..." he said, clenching his fist angrily. He got up and quickly went to find Brutus.
Brutus was in the middle of inspecting one of the castle's towers when he noticed Marcus approach him at a hurried pace. "Marcus, what is it?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern. He immediately sensed that something important had happened, and prepared himself for whatever news the mage might bring.
"We have a problem," Marcus began, his voice grave. "One of our patrols didn't show up tonight... and the logs were altered." Brutus felt his stomach drop; this could mean that their search had uncovered something after all. He nodded grimly in understanding.
"Get your best mages together," he ordered. "We need to find out where they are and interrogate them immediately. The spy, whoever they are, will lead us to the rest of the conspiracy if we can just keep pressing forward." Marcus nodded and turned on his heel, already moving at top speed towards the mages' quarters.
As he watched Marcus go, Brutus couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination welling up inside him. They were getting closer to the truth; they just had to keep going. No matter what it took, they would find the traitor and save their kingdom from ruin.
With a nod, Brutus rushed back down the tower stairs, his mind already forming plans on how best to proceed with their investigation. They couldn't afford to waste any time; every moment was precious as they raced against the clock to uncover the traitor before it was too late.
Upon reaching the ground floor, he dashed towards Marcus' quarters, his boots thundering across the stone hallway. Once inside, he found the mage already gathering a team of their most trusted allies. "Marcus," Brutus began, "we need to move quickly and silently. The spy will be expecting us by now."
"Understood," Marcus replied grimly. "Let's find them before they can do any more damage." Together, the two leaders set off towards the location where they suspected the missing patrol had been assigned, their minds racing with possibilities and strategies as they prepared for whatever lay ahead.
They had narrowed down the location where the missing patrol was assigned to. Brutus glanced at Marcus and said, "It seems likely that they are hiding out here. We should split up; you take half of the team while I lead the others. We'll surround the area and flush them out." Marcus nodded in agreement. As they divided their forces, each leader made sure to choose their most trusted allies for this crucial mission. They couldn't afford any mistakes now.
"I have a better idea," he said angrily. He snapped his fingers, his eyes glowing, and he began to recite an incantation. The footsteps of everyone who had been there began to glow, revealing their trail. Marcus began scanning the paths, looking for suspicious footsteps. He quickly spotted a suspicious trail leading through the woods. "There." His voice sounded furious and determined.
"After them!" Brutus shouted as he took off in pursuit of the trail through the woods, his men close behind him. Marcus led the way at a fast pace, occasionally glancing back to make sure they were still following. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the trees, alerting anyone who might have been hiding nearby that they were not alone.
As they moved deeper into the forest, Brutus could feel his heart racing with anticipation and fear. They were getting closer to the truth; but what if they didn't find them in time? The thought sent a shiver down his spine. He forced himself to focus on the task at hand, trusting that Marcus knew what he was doing.
With every step they took, the tension grew more palpable. Brutus knew that they were getting closer to uncovering the truth behind all this madness; but what if it was already too late? He swallowed hard, trying not to let his fear show as he followed Marcus deeper into the forest. Each glowing footstep seemed to carry them further from safety and closer to danger.
"Marcus," he whispered as they rounded a bend in the path, "do you think..." His voice trailed off, unsure of how to finish his thought. They both knew that if they were right, the spy was close by now.
Marcus continued walking without looking at Brutus. "You can't afford to show weakness. Remember?" he said firmly, without slowing down.
"I know," Brutus growled through gritted teeth as he forced himself to keep up with the mage. "But it's hard... knowing that one of us is working against us." He paused for a moment, glancing around them at the forest surrounding them before continuing in a quieter voice. "It's like we don't know who to trust anymore."
The sound of rustling leaves ahead made them both snap their heads forward, their eyes searching the trees for any sign of movement. As they drew closer, Brutus could see that it was one of his men, out of breath and wide-eyed with fear. "Sir... Captain..." he stammered between gasps, pointing back down the path they'd come from. "I... I saw them..."
"Who? Who did you see?" Brutus demanded, his hand going to the hilt of his sword. The man pointed down the path once more, his face pale with terror. "It was... it was them, sir. I'm sure of it."
"What did they look like?" Brutus growled as he stepped closer to the man, his eyes narrowing with anger and suspicion. He didn't like being kept in the dark like this; it made him feel vulnerable. "Was it just one person? Or a group of them?"
The soldier shook violently from head to toe, his teeth chattering audibly as he stammered out an answer. "I... I only saw two of them, sir... they were arguing... and then..." He trailed off, seemingly too frightened to finish his thought.
Brutus's eyes narrowed in suspicion as the man's words sank in. "And which way did they go?" he asked through clenched teeth. The soldier pointed back down the path again, his voice barely above a whisper. "That way... towards the lake." Brutus nodded grimly, satisfied with the information even though it didn't bode well for what might happen next.
"Come on," he said to Marcus and the rest of their team, already moving swiftly in the direction indicated by the scared soldier. "We have to hurry if we want to catch them before they escape." He glanced over at the mage, unsure how Marcus would react to this new development but hopeful that together they could unravel the final pieces of the puzzle and find the traitor who had been hiding in their midst all along.
Marcus nodded grimly and hurried after him, gathering his team close behind them. "We have to hurry," he said as they moved swiftly through the trees, their feet leaving glowing trails in the dark forest. "They may be trying to escape." With every step, Marcus felt a growing sense of anger and determination welling up inside him. The spy would pay for what they had done; there was no doubt in his mind about that now. All that mattered was finding them before it was too late.
As they reached the edge of the lake, Brutus slowed down, scanning the area with a critical eye. "It looks like they're heading toward that boat," he muttered under his breath, pointing at a small rowboat tethered to a tree not far from shore. "We can cut them off if we hurry." With renewed purpose, they dashed across the rocky beach and towards the boat.
As they neared the boat, Brutus motioned for his men to spread out and surround it. "On my signal," he said, his voice low but steady, "move in and capture them." He didn't want to risk any unnecessary violence if possible; but if things got ugly, he wouldn't hesitate to fight back with everything he had.
Taking a deep breath, he turned to face Marcus. "Are you ready for this?" he asked quietly, not wanting to take his eyes off the mage even for a moment as they prepared for whatever might happen next. He knew that Marcus was strong; but would the mage be able to keep it together when faced with their betrayer?
Marcus's face darkened and his eyes glowed with magic, ready to attack. "Of course," he said seriously. "No one messes with my sleep schedule and gets away with it." His voice sounded furious.
"I'm glad to hear that," Brutus replied, his tone serious but laced with humor as he saw the anger in Marcus' eyes. He glanced back at the boat, watching intently for any sign of movement. "Just remember, we need them alive if possible... at least until we get some answers out of them."
Marcus sighed in frustration. "Right... let them live..." he said angrily. "Then you go ahead... I'll cover your back," he said seriously.
Brutus nodded appreciatively at Marcus's words and gestured toward the boat with his sword. "Then let's go." They both charged forward, closing the distance between them and their targets quickly. As they drew closer, Brutus could see two figures huddled together in the middle of the boat, frantically rowing away from shore. It was too late; he could tell that by now. With a final surge of adrenaline, Brutus leapt forward and landed in the bow of the boat, his sword pressed against the neck of one of their prisoners.
"You're under arrest for treason," he growled, glancing over at Marcus as he tied up the other figure. "Now, who are you and what do you know?"
Brutus felt his muscles tense as he looked the figure in the eye. He was surprised to see that it was one of their own men, not the spy they were after. The man trembled with fear, tears streaming down his face. "I-I'm sorry," he stuttered. "They forced me to do it! They threatened my family!"
Marcus stepped forward, his expression hard as stone. "Who did?" he demanded coldly. Brutus shot him a warning look; they needed more information before they could accuse anyone else.
"Just tell us what you know," he growled, pushing the prisoner closer to Marcus with his sword. "Who else is involved?" The man started shaking his head frantically.
"No! Please!" he cried out in terror. Brutus clenched his jaw, debating whether or not it was worth using more force to get information out of him. In the end, he decided against it; they needed proof before they could make any accusations.
"Take them back to the castle," he said, stepping away from the boat and nodding toward their prisoners. "We'll interrogate them further once we have more evidence." With that, Brutus turned and began making his way back toward shore with Marcus at his side. As they walked, he couldn't help but wonder what else the spy might be up to; who else in Ebonfalon could possibly be involved in this treasonous plot. The thought sent a chill down his spine.
Walking beside Brutus, Marcus sighed in frustration and annoyance. "I just want to sleep..." he muttered, running his hand through his hair in frustration.
"Me too," Brutus agreed with a small chuckle. "But first we need to find the rest of them and put an end to this once and for all." They continued walking back towards the castle, lost in their own thoughts as they prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead. The search for the traitor was far from over; but with each step they took, they felt a growing sense of determination to see justice done.
As they walked back towards the castle, Brutus couldn't help but feel exhausted both physically and emotionally. "I'm sure we'll get some rest soon," he tried to reassure Marcus with a small smile, "once we find the others." His voice trailed off as he glanced around them, eyes darting between trees and shadows, ever vigilant despite his weariness. The thought of more people being involved in this plot only served to heighten his unease.
But for now, they had to focus on what lay ahead. They needed proof; they needed answers. And they would stop at nothing until they got them.
Marcus sighed in frustration. "Whatever," he said in frustration. "We'll have to post more guards in the king's chambers, just to avoid any inconvenience," he said in a tired voice.
"I already ordered that before we left the castle, Marcus," Brutus replied with an understanding smile. "We can't be too careful now." He glanced over at the mage, noticing for the first time how pale his face looked in the moonlight. "Are you feeling alright?" he asked concerningly.
Marcus shrugged. "A bit worn out... but I'll be fine. We just need to catch these traitors soon." His voice sounded more determined now, and Brutus breathed a sigh of relief. They were in this together; they could rest once everything was resolved.
"We'll get them, don't worry," Brutus assured him with a nod, his tone firm and confident. "The guards will keep watch while we focus on gathering evidence against whoever's left. Working together like this is what makes us unstoppable." He glanced at Marcus as they walked side by side, their shoulders slightly touching. There was something about the mage that made Brutus feel more determined to protect him, to keep him safe no matter what the cost. It was almost... strange.
Brutus smiled at him reassuringly. "Don't worry about me, you just concentrate on your magic. I've got your back." He squeezed the mage's shoulder gently before letting go, feeling a strange sense of closeness and connection forming between them. Despite all that had happened and all the secrets they still kept from each other, they were united in their fight against treason.
The sound of leaves rustling nearby drew their attention back to the task at hand as they reached the edge of the forest bordering the castle's grounds. With one last look around for any sign of danger, they sped up their pace, eager to see justice served and Ebonfalon returned to peace once more.
As they drew closer to the castle, Brutus couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation and determination course through his veins. The thought of finally uncovering all those involved in this plot, bringing them to justice, filled him with an almost overwhelming sense of purpose. He glanced at Marcus, their eyes meeting briefly before they both focused on the task ahead.
They emerged from the forest and quickly made their way through the moonlit gardens toward the castle doors. The guards they had left behind earlier were waiting for them, their expressions grim but resolute. Brutus exchanged a few quick words with each one before leading Marcus inside, back to the safety of their quarters where they could finally rest and regroup.
As soon as the door was shut behind them, exhaustion hit him like a ton of bricks. With a heavy sigh, he collapsed onto his bed, thankful for even just a few hours of much-needed sleep. But before drifting off, he couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring; who else they would have to face in their fight against treason and betrayal.
When Marcus reaches his own chambers, he takes off his clothes with a snap of his fingers and collapses onto his bed. "Finally..." he says softly with relief, letting out a sigh, falling asleep within seconds.
Brutus stripped down to his undergarments and crawled into bed, the cool linen sheets feeling incredibly comfortable against his skin. His eyelids grew heavy as he stared up at the canopy above, but sleep seemed to elude him. The events of the day kept running through his mind, spinning in circles like a maelstrom; traitors, evidence, and uncertainty swirled together into an exhausting torrent of thoughts.
Finally, with a sigh of resignation, he closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind. Perhaps if he concentrated hard enough on nothing at all, sleep would come more easily. It didn't work. The restlessness kept nagging at him, and just when he thought things couldn't get any worse...
Brutus groaned in frustration and threw off the covers. There was no way he'd be able to sleep like this. He decided that maybe a little exercise would help clear his head. With a few quick strides, he crossed the room to where his sword rested against the wall. He took it down from its scabbard and began swinging it through the air in a series of graceful arcs and whirls, the familiar weight of steel in his hand proving oddly soothing.
The repetitive motion eventually lulled him into a more relaxed state, but even as he continued to practice with his sword, images of Marcus kept flitting through his mind's eye. There was something about the man that made Brutus feel... different. He couldn't quite put his finger on it; infuriating as the mage could be at times, there was an undeniable strength and resilience there that he found admirable. And then there were those moments when their eyes met, a spark of something unnameable igniting between them...
Brutus shook his head to clear it. It had been too long since he'd allowed himself the luxury of caring about anyone else besides himself and the well-being of Ebonfalon; perhaps that was why these feelings for Marcus were so disconcerting. Either way, there wasn't time for such distractions now. He had a kingdom to protect, traitors to hunt down... and no room for anything more.
"You know you can't have him," he muttered to himself as he continued practicing with his sword. "It doesn't matter how much you wish it were different." He paused, swallowing hard as he considered the implications of those words. In that moment, he realized something else; he didn't want Marcus out of his life... not yet anyway. Perhaps if they could just get through this together, somehow find a way to be allies instead of adversaries... maybe then things could change between them.
With a sigh, Brutus returned his sword to its scabbard and leaned against the wall, watching the flickering candlelight dance across the ceiling. For now, he would focus on their shared goal: protecting Ebonfalon at all costs. But as the night wore on, he couldn't help but wonder what might happen once they finally achieved that goal... and if there was still a place for him in Marcus's life afterward.
His thoughts drifted back to the moments they shared by the lake; the way Marcus's eyes glowed with magic, their bodies moving as one in an effort to catch the traitors. It was a heady experience, being so close to another person like that, trusting them implicitly despite everything else going on around them. He couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like if they could have more of those moments together... not just when they were fighting side by side for their kingdom, but in the quiet times as well. Perhaps one day, he thought with a small smile, that dream might become a reality.
Until then, however, there was still work to be done; investigations to conduct and traitors yet to uncover. With a final sigh, Brutus closed his eyes and tried once more to find sleep amidst the chaos of his thoughts. This time, exhaustion finally won out, and he drifted off into a fitful slumber filled with strange dreams of magic and intrigue...and a mage whose blue eyes seemed to hold the keys to all his most hidden desires.
As I drifted off, my thoughts were consumed with images of Marcus. The way he had handled himself during the investigation; his unyielding focus and determination. It was inspiring, to say the least. Despite our rocky start, there was something about him that drew me in, a spark of connection I couldn't shake off.
I knew we were supposed to be enemies; but deep down, I wanted more. The thought both thrilled and terrified me in equal measure. How could I possibly feel this way about someone who might not share my loyalty to Ebonfalon? It didn't make any sense... yet here I was, unable to deny the feelings welling up inside me.
I wondered what Marcus was thinking; if he felt anything similar to what I did. Or perhaps it was just an alliance of convenience for him. Either way, there was no time to dwell on such thoughts now. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and dangers; we needed to be ready for whatever came our way.
So with a heavy sigh, I reluctantly pushed Marcus from my mind and focused instead on the task at hand: ensuring that Ebonfalon remained safe under my watch. As exhaustion finally claimed me, I found some peace in knowing that even if there was still uncertainty about where our paths might lead us, for now we were united against a common foe...and perhaps, just perhaps, there was hope yet for something more.
The next morning, the sun was dimly entering through the window of Marcus's chambers, he muttered annoyed before covering his head with his sheets, refusing to get out of bed, at least until someone knocked on his door to wake him up... or disturb him.
Brutus stood just outside your chamber, looking through the crack in the door as he waited patiently for you to wake up. He hadn't been able to shake off his strange feelings from last night; in fact, they seemed to have grown even stronger since then. The thought of confronting you about it made him feel a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.
As the morning sunlight crept across your bed, casting golden rays across your features, he could help but admire your stubborn determination to sleep in despite being so obviously exhausted. There was something both admirable and infuriating about you; a contradictory blend of strength and vulnerability that made him want to protect you even as he wondered if doing so might not be the wisest course of action.
Finally, unable to stand it any longer, Brutus cleared his throat loudly. "Marcus," he said softly, not wanting to startle you but hoping that maybe his voice would penetrate your sleep-addled brain nonetheless. "It's time to get up." He waited a moment, watching as you stirred restlessly beneath the sheets before opening the door and stepping inside.
Marcus let out a frustrated groan from under the covers. "You can't even look at me for five minutes in peace, can you?" he muttered in annoyance. He shifted slightly in bed, stretching lazily and yawning. He settled back down, still covering half his body with the sheets. His naked body from the waist up was visible. Despite being a magician, he had a slightly toned figure. Marcus rubbed his neck in annoyance. "What's wrong now?" he asked sleepily.
"Nothing's wrong," Brutus said gently as he moved closer to the bed. "But we have a lot to do today; more guards to post, evidence to gather." He paused, studying your face for a moment before continuing. "Look, I know you must be tired... but we can't afford to slack off now that things are finally starting to heat up."
Marcus looked away uncomfortably for a second before nodding slowly. "Fine," he mumbled into his pillow. "Give me five more minutes..."
"Very well," Brutus said softly as he took a seat at the foot of your bed. He busied himself flexing his fingers, absently watching the play of muscles beneath your sheets. Despite himself, he found it hard not to stare; you were so beautiful even when you looked so unkempt and disheveled. He cleared his throat again, forcing his thoughts back on track. "Are you... hungry? I could have some food brought in while you get dressed."
You shot him a look from the corner of your eye before turning away once more. "I'm fine," you muttered into your pillow, sounding less certain than you probably intended. After several more seconds of silence, you finally pushed yourself up and crawled out of bed, stretching languidly as you did so.
Getting out of bed, Marcus's half-naked body, wearing only his underwear, could be seen. He stretched with slight discomfort, letting out a yawn. He walked slowly to his closet, rubbing his eye with his hand. "I want to catch those stupid spies so I can sleep soundly," he muttered, annoyed.
It's been quite a night, hasn't it? We'll catch them soon enough; just focus on getting rest when you can." Brutus paused as he watched you from across the room, taking in your muscular form encased in soft silk. He swallowed hard, trying to fight down the sudden surge of desire that threatened to overwhelm him. "So," he continued after a moment, his voice sounding hoarse. "What would you like for breakfast?"
Marcus turned around at your question, frowning slightly. "I'm not hungry," he muttered dismissively, already beginning to search through his closet for something to wear. The sooner they could start work, the better.
Marcus let out a frustrated sigh, tired of rummaging through his clothes. With a snap of his fingers, he floated a pair of garments out, quickly dressing. "There," he said, slightly annoyed. His black suit slightly accentuated his figure. He turned to look at Brutus. "Does this look okay to you?" he asked with slight dismay.
"You look fine," Brutus replied absently, his gaze fixed on your lips as you spoke. Something about the way you said my name sent a shiver down his spine. "But I think we should focus on getting some food inside you first; it's important to stay strong during times like these." He cleared his throat again, feeling self-conscious about how much attention he was paying to you.
As if sensing his discomfort, you smiled slightly and took a step closer, resting a hand on his shoulder in what felt like an attempt to reassure him. "Don't worry," you murmured softly. "I'll be fine; I always am." He could feel your warm breath against his skin, sending another shiver through his body.
"Well," Brutus finally said, forcing himself back to the task at hand. "Shall we get going then?"
"Yes, let's," Brutus agreed, his voice slightly rougher than he had intended. He cleared his throat again and turned away, trying to focus on something else besides how close you were standing to him. "We have a lot of work ahead of us today; we should start as soon as possible." As they walked towards the door leading out of your chambers, Brutus found himself glancing at you from the corner of his eye, unable to resist admiring the way you moved.
It was going to be a long day.
"I'm ready whenever you are," he replied as they left your chamber and made their way to the kitchens. The servants bowed as they passed, moving silently to prepare breakfast for them both. Despite his determination to focus on the task at hand, Brutus couldn't help but steal glances at Marcus whenever he thought he could get away with it; the sight of him was intoxicating.
As they sat down at the table, servants quickly brought out plates piled high with food: fresh breads and pastries, fruits both familiar and exotic, and a variety of meats cooked to perfection. The smell filled the air, making Brutus's mouth water despite his earlier lack of appetite.
"Please," Marcus said with a small smile as he gestured for Brutus to help himself. "Eat; you'll need your strength."
Brutus couldn't help but smile back at him, feeling warmth spread through his chest. Perhaps there was hope yet for something more between them after all.
"Thank you," he said softly as he reached for a piece of fruit, peeling it with practiced ease. "I'll do my best to keep up." He took a bite, the sweetness exploding on his tongue, and felt some of his tension begin to fade away as he savored the flavors. It was a brief respite from their worries; a moment of peace in the midst of chaos.
As they continued to eat in silence, Brutus found himself studying Marcus more closely than ever before. The way he held his fork, the slight tilt of his head as he spoke... everything about him was so graceful, so controlled. It was almost hypnotic. He couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have that kind of power over someone else, to make them feel as safe and protected as Marcus seemed to make him feel.
The thought both thrilled and terrified him in equal measure. It was a dangerous game they were playing, flirting with these feelings; but for now, at least, he found he couldn't resist it. They had a long day ahead of them; perhaps once their work was done, they could explore these newfound emotions further... if Marcus would allow him to.
Marcus could feel Brutus staring at him all morning. It made him slightly uncomfortable. He sighed, taking another bite of his breakfast before speaking. "You haven't stopped staring at me for a while now..." he said softly. "Is there something on my face?" he asked, catching the man's eye. "...or does not being able to enjoy your harem of young boys have you as upset as I am about not being able to sleep?" he asked casually, returning his attention to his food.
Brutus chuckled nervously at your comment, feeling a blush creep up his neck. "No," he said quickly. "It's nothing like that. I just... find you interesting, I guess." He paused, taking another bite of fruit before continuing. "And you're not just any mage, are you? You're the highest ranking royal mage in all of Ebonfalon. Your magic is powerful and unique; it must be an incredible responsibility."
He hesitated, searching for the right words to say next. "I don't know why I keep thinking about it," he admitted, meeting your gaze steadily. "But ever since that night by the lake... I can't seem to get you out of my head."