Fake Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered Illusions ❯ Forbidden Desire ( Chapter 8 )

FAKE

 

Shattered Illusions

 

by Lady Dragonphire

 

Summary: When Ryo, a vengeful assassin, is sent to kill Dee, the sovereign of a kingdom, can they discover love amongst the driving forces that rule their hearts?

Disclaimer:  FAKE and its characters are the property of Sanami Matoh.

 

A/N: Well, the pieces of the puzzle have finally fallen into place with where I want to take this story. Thank you so much to the readers for all your support and for sticking with this fic. Special thanks goes to those who encouraged me to resume writing and to my awesome beta Nightstalker. Enjoy!

 

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Chapter 8. Forbidden Desire

 

`An angel', Dee thought wistfully as he gazed at the form of the man sleeping on the bed before him, deep purple satin sheets that seemed to intensify Ryo's pale coloring draped across his injured body. Ryo was definitely an angel, his beautiful soul embodied in the most gorgeous form of a man that Dee had ever laid eyes upon. Dee absentmindedly ran a hand through his disheveled ebony mane as he stretched wearily. He had fallen asleep in the chair stationed next to Ryo's bed in the healer's quarters, remaining by his side with steadfast devotion and maintaining his vigil ever since he had found Ryo's body two days ago. Ryo sighed softly and shifted in the bed, his breathing deepening as his chest continued to rise and fall with every breath that he took. A rare look of peaceful surrender adorned his exquisite features which was present only in the respite of sleep.

 

Ryo had been under the care of the best apothecaries and healers of the land. His numerous wounds had been cleansed with loving care and treated as he laid still and silent, his mind fading in and out of altered states of delirium. Ryo never once protested as various medicinal salves and cloth bandages were applied to his wounds and elixirs were given to him to drink in order to aid his slow and painful recovery. The shy honey blond had borne it all with trusting eyes and a brave smile as Dee held his hand reassuringly, Ryo's courage and resolve triumphing over his body's protests. All of the trials and tribulations were worth it - they were together at last. However, everything came with a price. Although Ryo was alive, his mind was plagued with emotional turmoil from the wounds of betrayal that would never heal.

 

As Dee sat contemplating the vast inner strength residing within the gentle assassin's serene features, Ryo's long eyelashes fluttered slightly before sweeping up to unveil his beautiful dark, expressive eyes. His mind registered a dull throbbing sensation of pain as his eyes reluctantly came into focus, his swirling thoughts fully coherent for the first time in days. He tried to move his hand from where it rested beside him to brush a wisp of hair away from his eyes. A slight tremor of pain coursed through his body in protest from the simple motion and he whimpered slightly.

 

Ryo felt the presence of someone nearby as a warm hand closed over his, pushing his hand back down onto the soft bed as another hand caressed his cheek before he felt fingers threading through his tousled hair and pushing it gently aside. A gorgeous smile that resonated from the depths of tired emerald eyes greeted his weary gaze and a handsome face framed by raven hair leaned down closer to his. Ryo reveled in the simple caress filled with so much kindness as he smiled back at the man above him. Dee was in fact sitting beside him, the raven-haired sovereign not one of the fabrications of his mind as the other deceiving hallucinations had been. Relief was evident in Ryo's voice as he murmured, “Dee.” That one word contained so much longing wrapped within hope as Ryo once again closed his eyes, his body exhausted from the gauntlet that he had been through.

 

Dee squeezed Ryo's hand tenderly and continued to stroke his cheek, whispering softly to him as he let go of Ryo's hand. Dee gently rested his hand against Ryo's forehead, satisfied that his fever had finally broken. “Shhh, Ryo. You need to rest if you want to get better. Your body has been through an ordeal. You will still be in a lot of pain even though you have regained consciousness.”

 

Ryo opened dark eyes and observed Dee's weary features closer, his dark disheveled hair and dulled emerald eyes accentuating the tightly drawn lines of worry that framed his mouth. It looked as if Dee had not gotten any sleep for the past two days. Ryo's eyes widened at this stunning realization. “You stayed by my side all this time, didn't you?” he whispered, amazed that someone had done something so caring and selfless for him without wanting anything in return. He put a hesitant question to the raven-haired man. “Why?”

 

“I was worried about you,” Dee said simply as he leaned in closer to look into Ryo's beautiful dark eyes. “One time when I was younger I became very sick. The head of the missionaries, Mother, had to sit and take care of me for three days and three nights straight. I know that you must have felt scared and alone in the throes of your fever dreams. I wanted to be there for you to help you get through the pain and to make sure that the healers were doing everything they could to aid your recovery.”

 

Ryo gazed at Dee incredulously. This was the first time that anyone had ever gone through so much trouble for him. The genuine concern that radiated from Dee's deep emerald eyes touched his heart, and he felt the rush of feelings that had previously surfaced when Dee had kissed him rekindle within his heart. “Thank you,” Ryo whispered to the ebony-haired man as Dee squeezed his hand reassuringly and got up from the bed.

 

“I'll be back to check on you shortly. I'm glad to see that you're finally awake and that your fever has broken,” Dee replied, now satisfied that Ryo would be okay if left alone, with the healer making regular visits to check up on him.

 

Ryo's midnight eyes widened and he looked at Dee imploringly, his eyes speaking volumes although his voice was still weak. “No, please don't go. Don't leave me,” he entreated, feebly reaching out his hand and placing it on Dee's arm in gentle restraint. “It's not safe for you to be alone. Your life is in danger.”

 

Dee's features softened as he sat on the bed next to Ryo. His heart went out to him, knowing that he had suffered so much deceit and betrayal at the hands of an enemy. “Ryo, why did you return? Surely Rose did not send you back to kill me so soon after he had hurt you?” Dee asked with trepidation, longing to know the answer but not knowing if he could remain calm enough to hear Ryo's story without wanting to wage war on Rose and his troops immediately.

 

“No, I came of my own accord,” Ryo ventured sincerely, raising his obsidian eyes hesitantly to meet Dee's flashing emerald gaze. “You were right. As soon as he found out that you were still alive, his mind was set on only one thing - vengeance. Rose refused to listen to me although I knew that you had not killed anyone in cold blood. He had no qualms about beating me into unconsciousness to punish me for allying with you and to prevent me from talking to others and possibly rallying his troops in your defense. How could I have been so foolish? Only after he left me to die after he had found out that I had failed to kill you, I realized, `What would stop him from sending another to do the job?'. My suspicions were confirmed after I heard Rose and Diana plotting upon their return to their tent. From the moment that he departed the tent with Diana, his deadly mistress, I knew that I had to warn you. He was using her as he had used me to bring about your end. I knew then that he would stop at nothing to see you die by the blade of an assassin. I only hoped that I could reach you in time. I had to warn you at the risk of being considered a traitor to Rose and his ambitions. You told me not to go back to him. I'm sorry that I deceived you,” Ryo confessed with downcast eyes.

 

Dee gently placed his hand underneath Ryo's chin and tilted his face up so that he was staring directly into Ryo's eyes, captivating the honey-blond's whole body with his aura of protectiveness. Dee had dared to hope against hope that Ryo would return to him somehow, despite believing that Ryo had been killed. “That doesn't matter. You did what felt right to your heart. You're safe now and we're together again. I'm going to take care of you because I love you. I love you so much, Ryo,” Dee whispered softly as he moved closer to Ryo, staring into his soft obsidian eyes as if hypnotizing Ryo into submission, strands of his silky raven hair brushing against Ryo's forehead.

 

“D-Dee,” Ryo whispered, spellbound, his soft voice fading and further words dying in his throat as Dee closed the remaining distance between them. The enchanting spell that Dee seemed to cast over Ryo rendered him helpless as he felt himself falling into bliss, overwhelmed by his emotions. Ryo and Dee had both believed that they had lost each other to Rose's decree, but their fate was not to be determined by his whim alone. Powerless to resist the second chance that fate had bestowed upon them, they felt themselves being drawn closer to the comfort of one another's bodies, drowning in one another's eyes.

 

Dee's soft lips brushed against Ryo's as Ryo closed his eyes and lost himself in Dee's embrace. Ryo reveled in the heavenly feeling of Dee's intoxicating lips claiming his mouth as he parted his lips in compliance and felt Dee's tongue dip inside the warm wetness of his mouth, delving deeper and consuming him fully with each continued impassioned thrust. Ryo shuddered in pleasure as each sensation awakened a spark of electricity within him that caused his body to hum with need for the man bestowing his love into him. He was flooded with sensations of passion emanating from every fiber of Dee's being that seemed to wrap him in warmth and belonging. For the first time in his life, he felt whole. No matter what he had to sacrifice, he was willing to risk everything as he knew it to remain with Dee. He had made the right choice in returning to warn Dee, tainted though he was. Ryo moaned softly as Dee untwined his tongue from his and broke the heated kiss, his face flushed from the feelings that had accompanied Dee's lips against his. It had been too long since he had last felt such gratifying pleasure from Dee.

 

Dee stroked his hands tenderly down Ryo's sides, careful to avoid the bandages that concealed his painful wounds. He began to gently suck on Ryo's sensitive throat, kissing it softly as he dragged his tongue across the pliant flesh and glanced up with sultry emerald eyes to see that a beautiful deep flush had spread across Ryo's fair cheeks.

 

As Ryo looked down into Dee's loving eyes through a hazy half-lidded gaze, his body suddenly tensed in fear as he registered the sensation of Dee's hand traveling across his abdomen. If Dee's hand was to wander further, he would encounter the indentation of where Rose had branded Ryo. Then he would notice the imperfection that indicated another had possessed and defiled the assassin. Then Dee would know that even now, Ryo was not his alone. Although Ryo had never been taken by another, he did not want to risk losing Dee's love by the brand's implications. “Dee, please, we have to stop,” Ryo entreated worriedly, panting and breathless, his face flushing heatedly in embarrassment now instead of passion.

 

“Oh God, Ryo, am I hurting you?” Dee asked with genuine concern in his voice as he stilled his hand's movement and removed it from under the sheets, withdrawing all contact from Ryo's steamy body.

 

“I-I'm still a little sore,” Ryo ventured hesitantly, silent shimmering tears forming in his dark eyes as he fought to suppress his body's urges that screamed for Dee to further show him the depths of his love and devotion. Restraining himself instead of surrendering to his desire was the hardest thing that he had ever done, and he did not want to end what Dee so desperately wanted as well. However, it was for the best. He was tainted, and did not deserve what Dee had to offer. Although he could still help Dee rule his kingdom, he had sacrificed his chance to be what Dee needed in a lover, sealing his fate when Rose had so viciously branded him as his own; the price for his defiance.

 

“Sorry; I didn't realize that it was too much for you,” Dee said apologetically as he reined in his desires, feeling awful that he had pushed Ryo too far in his state of confusion and vulnerability while he was still recovering from his painful ordeal.

 

Dee frowned as he scooped out a spoonful of green powder from a container on the bedside table into a flask and added some water, gently swirling it to completely dissolve the medicine before pouring it into a cup and offering it to Ryo. “I had thought that this elixir would have masked the pain for a few hours more while your body healed. Perhaps it's not as potent as the healer initially thought. Why don't you take this and get some rest? I'll be back to check up on you later,” Dee promised with a charming smile.

 

“Thanks, I-I'd like that,” Ryo said appreciatively as he took the cup from Dee and sipped its contents. He was relieved that Dee had not questioned the veracity of his explanation. Dee's caring actions had only served to deepen Ryo's respect and amplify his longing for the ebony-haired ruler. A heated blush crept across Ryo's cheeks at this realization as he gave Dee a shy smile and placed the cup on the table by his bedside, lying down against the pillows and pulling the satin covers up around his body.

 

Dee leaned down and kissed Ryo tenderly on the lips, lingering soothingly close for a moment before departing the healing quarters, a puzzled frown spreading across his handsome features. It was not a look of pain that had crossed Ryo's face when Dee's hand had ventured lower, it was one of fear. But fear of what? Surely Ryo knew that he could trust Dee and that Dee would never hurt him. What had Rose done to him that would make Ryo afraid of physically loving and being loved by Dee? There was something deeper than the fact that Ryo had never been with anyone before that would render him frightened of having intimate contact with another. Dee would show him all the pleasures that he had to offer to Ryo's glorious body and would take him with care and gentleness, conveying to him the depths of his love from the core of his soul.

 

Dee walked away, deep in contemplation. He would most certainly have another chance to find out what memories had validated the reservations that Ryo possessed with letting Dee go further than just kissing him. He was determined not to lose Ryo this easily, not when they had overcome so much to finally be together. A smile broke out across Dee's handsome features and his emerald eyes lit up as an idea entered his sharp mind. The ebony-haired ruler knew a surefire way to relax Ryo enough to find out what troubled him so that they could confront Ryo's fears and help him overcome them together. Striding confidently toward his bedchamber, Dee went in search of the white silken robe that he had given Ryo to sleep in the second time that he had encountered the beautiful bashful assassin.

 

Ryo watched Dee walk away in sadness and it pained his heart that he had put a stop to what they both had wanted so much to happen. He wiped at the corners of his eyes where silent tears had begun to form. It was not fair to Dee. How could he ask the ebony-haired man to give him unconditional love that he did not deserve? He was tainted, his body tarnished by the mark of sin that Rose had branded upon him. Even if Dee did accept the truth that nothing had happened between him and Rose, there would always be a constant reminder that someone else had laid witness to his body's deepest secrets, touching him where he had no right to, violating what should have been given to someone willingly, not taken by lustful force. Ryo shuddered as he blocked out the events that had befallen him after he had confessed his true feelings for Dee to his superior. Even now, in the safety of Dee's palace, Rose's shadow of evil seemed to loom over him and prevent him from attaining happiness with the love that he had found in the promise within Dee's eyes. Covering his face with his hands and lowering his head before drifting off to sleep, Ryo whispered forlornly, “Dee, how can you say that you love me? If you only knew what he did to me… I am unworthy of you. Oh, I'm so ashamed.”

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The gentle assassin was a good patient and his wounds were healing nicely, but slowly. Despite the visits that Dee had commissioned from the best apothecaries in the land, Ryo would not come away unscathed from the incident. He would forever bear the scars that the whip had inflicted upon his smooth skin as a bitter reminder of his sacrifice, although they would fade and become less noticeable over time. Ryo was able to walk with the help of a staff now, although his body was still sore and his muscles stiff. A determined fire burned behind his obsidian eyes that refused to be quenched despite all the physical setbacks that befell him throughout his continuing recovery.

 

Dee briskly entered the healing quarters, pulling back the heavy cranberry-colored curtains and causing inviting beams of sunlight to shine into the room, the black silk robe that he wore clinging to his lithe frame invitingly. Ryo stirred slightly, his soft exotic eyes opening and then lighting up in delight as he realized that Dee had come to see him. He had thought that the raven-haired sovereign might have been angry or upset, considering the circumstances in which they had parted previously.

 

“Ryo,” Dee flashed a winning smile as he addressed the man now hesitantly trying to sit up in the bed. He sat down next to him and placed the white silk robe within Ryo's reach, propping the pillows up and helping Ryo to lean back against them for support. It had been two days since Dee's last visit, as he had wanted to give Ryo some time to think and sort out his turbulent thoughts and conflicting feelings while Dee attended to pressing matters of his kingdom. However, Dee could not bear to prolong Ryo's suffering and did not want the shy honey blond to think that he had to face his fears alone. The charismatic raven-haired ruler had found a perfect way to help Ryo heal and to simultaneously strengthen the delicate bond of trust that existed between them.

 

“The apothecary recommended going down to the hot springs past the cloister on the south side of the palace to help you heal faster. This way, your muscles won't stiffen up and your wounds will be thoroughly cleansed. The water is even known to possess medicinal properties. Do you feel up to traveling at all today?” Dee asked in concern. He was determined not to push Ryo too far too fast, but he was also worried that the one who had sent the second assassin would not be deterred that easily, even when he realized that she would not be returning. The battle was not yet over.

 

“Yes, that sounds very relaxing. Thank you, Dee,” Ryo said gratefully, relieved that Dee was not upset and that he genuinely wanted to spend some time with him. Ryo smiled, feeling safe and protected for the first time in his life within Dee's castle walls. He was definitely attracted to the raven-haired warrior, but the emotions were all so new to him that he did not know how to deal with them or how to respond to them in light of his current state. The royal purple satin sheets fell away from Ryo's sleek form and pooled around his waist as he picked up the robe, smiling that Dee had remembered how entranced he had been by the beautiful garment the last time that he had been in the palace. The silky material felt so good against his skin as he slipped his arms into the robe and fastened it around his waist, Dee's vibrant emerald eyes drinking in his every move appreciatively. Ryo blushed shyly and averted his eyes as he shifted underneath the covers to adjust the robe to fully cover himself before sliding his legs over the side of the bed and pushing the sheets away completely.

 

Dee had enjoyed the short time that he had spent with Ryo while he was staying at the castle, and had even gotten the assassin to temporarily let down his defenses and reveal some of his veiled emotions that he so carefully guarded in rare moments of surrender. Dee was definitely attracted to the fair-haired man, but he could tell that Ryo was still scarred, and not just physically, from the man that he had served before. Ryo had been understandably upset at the news of Diana's sacrifice, but he had agreed with Dee that there was nothing Dee could have done to prevent her death. Rose's controlling influence was far-reaching and alive within the hearts and minds of his followers. It was a difficult barrier to break. However, a chain was only as strong as its weakest link, and Dee was determined to find the key that would completely break Rose's chain from binding Ryo any longer. He was working on slowly and patiently getting Ryo to trust him, one day at a time.

 

Pushing these thoughts aside, Dee offered Ryo a disarming smile and a hand to help him up. Ryo smiled back and took Dee's hand, delightfully blushing as their fingers touched. However, his strength was still sapped and he found it difficult to stand. In one swift motion, Dee had placed his arm around Ryo's waist, helping to support his weight. Ryo placed his arm around Dee's shoulder and held on tightly, feeling safe pressed against Dee's strong body. Dee proceeded to help Ryo walk to the stables, where he sat him astride a dappled gray horse before climbing up behind him. Dee snaked his arm around Ryo's waist for support before taking the reins that the stableman had offered him in his other hand. With a slight clicking of the tongue and a nudge to the horse's sides, Dee got the gentle animal to start moving in a southern direction. Ryo leaned back against Dee's chest and sighed in bliss from the comfort that enveloped him. Dee smiled and held onto Ryo a little tighter, determined to never let him go.

 

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Upon reaching the hot springs, Dee dismounted and tied the horse's reins to a low-hanging branch of a nearby tree. Ryo slipped off of the horse into Dee's arms as Dee supported him and led him towards the steamy water, helping him to sit on a smooth rock that jutted out of the water. The hazy mist rising off the water enticed Ryo's aching body with its tempting promise of relaxation as his toes brushed the surface of the water, causing small concentric ripples to form.

 

Dee removed his robe, exposing his stunning physique, and stepped into the steamy waist-high water to stand in front of Ryo. Ryo's eyes roamed over his washboard abs, perfectly toned chest, and muscular arms. Dee noticed Ryo's appreciative gaze and gave him a sexy smile as Ryo's midnight eyes met his own. Ryo quickly looked away and blushed furiously, chastising himself for being so blatant in his desirous gaze for the raven-haired man standing before him.

 

“Hey, it's okay,” Dee said gently, putting Ryo somewhat at ease but by no means lessening his desire. Ryo brought his legs up and folded them underneath himself as he demurely turned away from Dee. “Now let's get these bandages off of you so that I can properly cleanse your wounds and you can soak in the hot water,” Dee said, walking over to stand next to the rock that Ryo was on after he had bathed. Ryo shyly glanced up at Dee as he slid his robe down over his shoulders and placed it on the rock. Dee proceeded to gently unwind the bandages from around Ryo's lithe body, his hands careful and his touches light. Dee's deft fingers brushed across Ryo's exposed flesh, causing Ryo to shiver and whimper softly when a particularly sore spot was uncovered. Dee soothed him with comforting words of understanding and Ryo smiled bravely through the pain. Dee knew that keeping Ryo's numerous wounds from reopening or becoming infected was crucial if he was to successfully recover.

 

Dee meanwhile had removed all of the bandages and was assessing the damage with distressed emerald eyes, rummaging in the medical bag that he had brought with him and taking out what he would need for each type of wound. Although Ryo's back was still turned, he did not want to embarrass the shy blond further with his intense gaze.

 

Dee held a blushing Ryo by the waist and gently eased him into the steamy water. Ryo sighed and momentarily closed his eyes as the hot water caressed his skin. Dee was right; the calming water felt so good. Ryo could feel his tense muscles relaxing under the combination of the steam and hot water as Dee drenched his shoulders, chest, and back with handfuls of the healing water. All the pain and guilt that Ryo felt seemed to wash away as he subconsciously leaned into Dee's caresses.

 

Dee showed Ryo a sponge that the apothecary said would be gentle enough to remove any dead skin while at the same time would not reopen any wounds. Seeing Ryo nod his assent, Dee dipped the sponge into the water and began to lightly rub it along Ryo's back, bathing his scarred flesh with the soothing water and applying a healing salve to his injuries when he had finished. Ryo closed his dark eyes and seemed to fall into a trance as he reveled in Dee's gentle touches. All of his carefully constructed defenses melted away with each stroke of the warm sponge against his skin.

 

A feeling of drowsiness overtook his senses and for once, Ryo didn't fight against it. Dee moved around to Ryo's front and Ryo held onto Dee's shoulders to steady himself as he smiled at Dee from under half-lidded eyes. Every muscle in his body felt wonderfully relaxed and Ryo closed his eyes completely, leaning against the raven-haired man's muscular chest and sighing softly. His mind was filled with thoughts of the strong emerald-eyed warrior who had shown him nothing but kindness ever since they had met. Ryo's mind drifted towards thoughts from his heart, and the words that Dee had spoken to him when he had first awoken from unconsciousness came back to him. I love you so much, Ryo. A startling awareness washed over Ryo, but strangely, he did not feel frightened by it; rather, he felt comforted. It felt so right as it echoed within his heart. `Dee… I think I love you, too.' Ryo was soothed by the strong rhythm of the warrior's heart as Dee held onto him tightly and let it lull him to sleep.

 

Dee wasn't surprised that Ryo had fallen asleep. Although the assassin had spent the last few days in bed, he had been plagued by fever and injury, not allowing him to fully surrender his weary body to the solace of sleep for two days. Dee felt Ryo's body become limp in his arms, and his grasp tightened as the assassin's body slipped towards the water in surrender. He carried the sleeping honey blond out of the stream and carefully laid Ryo down upon his robe, guiding his arms into the silky material as Dee donned his own robe and secured it around his waist.

 

As Dee began to wrap the robe around Ryo in order to tie it closed, an angry red mark located where his inner thigh met his hip caught his eye. “Ryo,” Dee whispered sadly as he reached for the healing salve and spread Ryo's legs apart in order to fully assess the painful-looking mark that had previously gone unnoticed by the raven-haired man. Dee rested his hand on Ryo's inner thigh as he gently stroked the damaged flesh. When Ryo made no move or sound of protest, Dee examined the imperfection closer. A gasp of horror escaped his lips as he recognized the distinctive shape of a rose branded into Ryo's inflamed flesh - the unmistakable symbol of Berkley Rose. Dee clenched his fist in anger and steeled his jaw as he imagined the fiery pain that the brand had caused Ryo as it had mercilessly scorched its imprint upon his tender flesh. So this was why Ryo had been frightened of engaging in any intimate contact the other day. He feared that Dee would see this mark, obviously a brand, and cast him aside. The shy honey blond had only known rejection his whole life, and he did not want to jeopardize his chances of staying with Dee.

 

The ebony-haired sovereign sighed sadly. He would never even consider abandoning Ryo now, especially when his feelings for the gorgeous assassin ran deeper than ever. Rose would pay for what he had done… Dee would make him pay dearly. Dee's mind swirled with thoughts of vengeance for Ryo and for the people of his kingdom. The conflict with Rose would end soon, and it would be by Dee's hands. He had to put a stop to Rose's exploitation of the naïve and innocent before others like Ryo would head down the path of no return. Many before him had also been corrupted by the ruthless warlord's ways, the path of power and ambition the only way that they could count on to survive. Ryo still had a fighting chance, but even his strong determination would surely break in the face of the constant demoralization and absolute control that Rose exerted over him.

 

Dee carefully spread some healing salve over Ryo's final wound and tied the robe closed. He gingerly lifted Ryo up onto the gentle gray horse and climbed up behind him. Dee held him steady with one hand while he held the reins in his other and nudged the horse to begin walking in the direction of the palace. He would let Ryo rest now. Dee would talk to him in the morning and hope that Ryo would trust him enough to accept the comfort of his love. Ryo didn't have to be alone any more.

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Ryo awoke refreshed and rested to find himself lying in Dee's lush canopy bed, the beautiful white silk robe caressing his sensitized skin. He breathed deeply as his midnight eyes opened sleepily and took in his surroundings. The shy honey blond stretched languidly and arched his back, the pain that had plagued his body now substantially lessened as he rolled over and found himself nestled amongst the numerous pillows that adorned Dee's sumptuous bed, a single candle burning on the nightstand in the sun's waning light.

 

Ryo breathed in deeply against the pillows, loving the comfort of Dee's lingering masculine scent. Dee. Dee was always so thoughtful, so caring. Ryo loved Dee; he was sure of that now. The handsome ebony-haired ruler with the intense emerald green eyes had proven himself again and again to Ryo while asking for nothing in return. No, Ryo reflected, he wanted Ryo to trust him. One little thing, and yet it was such a big step for the shy assassin. Ryo only had to let go of the chains of fear and uncertainty that bound him, and everything that he had always wanted could be his. Dee could be his, and he could be Dee's. All Ryo had to do was to tell Dee how he truly felt about him. Yes, Ryo would go to Dee now, and tell him everything. If Dee could still love him after knowing what had happened between him and Rose, then he was willing to give Dee his heart. Ryo could not wait any longer. “I do love you, Dee,” he whispered definitively, a genuine smile lighting up his beautiful face as his resolve strengthened. “More than anything. Please don't give up on me yet.”

 

His mind having been made up about Dee, only one question remained that still bound him to Rose. If Dee didn't kill his parents, then who did? The ruthless warlord was the only one who knew the answer to the question that haunted Ryo's thoughts, that drove him forward with a vengeance. The shy assassin knew that he had to return to Rose one final time for the answer that he so desperately sought. Only then could he avenge their deaths and find peace within himself. But how to do it? Dee was overprotective of him, to say the least, and Ryo was in no condition to travel alone. Ryo was suddenly broken out of his thoughts as he heard two sets of footsteps walking away, presumably the guards leaving their station in front of Dee's bedchamber.

 

Curious at hearing a soft murmur of voices coming from down the hall, Ryo slipped soundlessly out of Dee's bed and extinguished the lone candle. He grabbed the staff that was propped near the bedside as he left the room and quietly closed the double doors leading to Dee's bedchamber behind him. The coast was clear. He stealthily crept along the hallway towards the door that was slightly opened and stopped to listen, his sharp ears not yet able to detect what was being said. As he drew closer to the counsel room, he recognized one voice as belonging to Dee, while the other he had never heard before. Ryo pressed himself up against the wall, the voices now loud and clear as they floated out to him.

 

“Drake, I just don't see the problem,” Dee said, frustrated, as he paced back and forth across the room. “It's the only way that I can draw Rose's army into battle without risking the lives of the villagers living in my kingdom. I must go to his campsite and engage him in combat before he realizes that Diana isn't going to be coming back and moves his base of operations again. It's the only way to maintain our upper hand.”

 

“But he'll have the home turf advantage,” Drake protested. “I can't have you risking your life by leading the army into battle without knowing what surprises Rose has waiting for intruders. You know what Rose is capable of. We've all fought against him before. He won't be easy to defeat, and if he's resorted to targeting you with his highly skilled assassins, he must be desperate at this point. Please consider leaving the sanctuary of your kingdom only as a last resort. Make him come to you.”

 

“My kingdom will no longer exist if I don't stop Rose from fulfilling his ambitions now. I have an idea, but it has to be me that infiltrates the camp,” Dee said resolutely. “I won't make the same mistake again like I did with Ted, sending another soldier in my place when I rightfully should be the one to go. The army will follow me to the borders of his camp and be ready to fight in the case of an all-out battle breaking out. I intend to draw him out and resolve our conflict with as few casualties as possible.”

 

“But you can't go into his camp alone,” Drake countered. “It's too dangerous. You'll be unprotected in the heart of enemy territory. Can't you ask that assassin Ryo to accompany you? At least that way you would have someone to protect you if Rose fought you unfairly like the coward that he is.”

 

“No!” Dee yelled adamantly. “Ryo is not to be involved in any part of this. Rose thinks that he's dead, and I intend to keep it that way. He is still recovering from the wounds that that bastard inflicted upon him. I will not risk anyone's life above my own. Never speak of involving him again. My decision is final. Now rally the troops. We march at dawn tomorrow.”

 

Drake flinched as he was hit with the full force of Dee's flashing emerald eyes that left no room for argument. No matter what approach he took, he could not sway Dee from a decision once the fiery raven-haired man had made up his mind.

 

Ryo had been watching the heated exchange in silence, but Dee's last words had sent chills down his spine. He feared for Dee's life. Rose's men would murder him on sight before he even got a chance to approach the warlord's tent, no matter how effective his strategy was. Ryo had to stop Dee before it was too late. Moving to stand in front of the doorway, he leaned on his staff for support and called out, “Dee, wait.”

 

Dee froze as a familiar voice carried into the room and he turned to face Ryo, the white silk robe wrapped enticingly around the assassin's sleek frame as Ryo's dark eyes implored him with unspoken worry. He ran a hand through his raven hair as Ryo walked over to him. “How much of that did you hear?” Dee asked apprehensively.

 

“Enough to know that I'm coming with you to Rose's campsite. I won't let you go alone. Your friend is right; it's too dangerous,” Ryo said with determination in his voice. “Besides, I have a score to settle with Rose as well.”

 

Drake smiled approvingly. If anyone could make the stubborn ruler see sense, he was sure it would be the shy assassin who had won Dee's heart.

 

“But Ryo, you're not well enough to travel yet, let alone fight,” Dee firmly objected.

 

“You would do the same thing for me if I was in your place, Dee,” Ryo pointed out. “I can get us past the guards and into the camp safely. I can help you defeat him and bring peace to your kingdom. We can conquer his army together. You just have to trust me.”

 

“I do trust you,” Dee replied sincerely as he brushed a stray wisp of honey-colored hair away from Ryo's eyes and cradled his upturned face in his hands. “I'm just not sure how Rose will react when you walk into the campsite. He tried to kill you once. What's to stop him from doing it again?”

 

“You can't kill someone who's already dead,” Ryo replied mysteriously as his hand came to rest reassuringly on Dee's forearm. Ryo smiled with a devious glint in his dark eyes as he slowly walked over to the table containing the parchment with Dee's battle plans on it and began to study them intently, Dee following close behind and Drake moving to stand next to the king. Glancing at his rapt audience, Ryo took a feather and dipped it into a nearby inkwell, his neat script flowing onto a blank scroll of parchment as he spoke. “Here's a list of the supplies that we'll need as well as a depiction of the layout of the camp. Let me help you. I have a plan.”

 

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