Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The second he realized he was holding an invitation in his hand, his heart dropped.

It usually did, to be honest. It was that time of year again and Essek loathed the false pleasantries, passive-aggressive comments, and the feeling that all eyes were on him for one reason or another. But when he opened the letter and saw the words, this dread was far more potent than it had ever been before. It was a sinking feeling that threatened to take his breath away.

     Shadowhand Essek Thelyss & Professor Caleb Widogast

     You are hereby invited to attend The Bright Queen’s Royal Court Gala. Dress in your finest. The theme this year is Opposites.

     *Attendance is mandatory. Consequences befall whomever does not attend.

As if that wasn’t anxiety-inducing enough, the first thing to enter his mind was not how happy he would be to show Caleb off, or to finally have someone he would enjoy spending time at a gala with, or even how worrisome it was that Caleb was being forced into attending despite not being a court member. It was the reality of who they would see there. Who Caleb would see there.

His diaphragm felt as though it was moments away from collapsing into a black hole. What would be done? Worse, what would be said?

Essek felt his phone vibrate with a text in his pocket. With a shaky lavender hand, he clumsily fished his phone out and read the text from his first true friend.

      Uraya: Another year, another court gala with a dumb theme. What kind of theme is opposites? What does that even mean?

Essek swallowed. The usually verbose scientist was struggling to think past the panic. So he sent them a picture of the invitation instead, drawing on the photo to underline Caleb’s name beside his.

The reply back to Essek’s picture was near immediate.

     Uraya: Uh oh. You know who’s going to be there, right?

Essek swallowed.

      Essek: I need to warn Caleb.

Caleb was sitting at work in his office, finalizing his lesson plans for the start of the semester in a week, when the letter appeared on his desk. He heard the burning sizzle of magic and snapped his head toward it, watching the black envelope apparate with crackling sparks like someone reversed a video of it being burned to ash.

He furrowed his brow, confused, and gingerly touched it. When it didn’t explode or hurt him in any other way, he carefully picked it up and brought it closer. His name was written in elegant silver calligraphy, with no sender to indicate who it was from.

He turned it over, and his face dropped. The silver wax seal on the back had a dodecahedron symbol pressed into it. Which meant it came from someone in one particular nation, or was made to appear as such.

Cautiously, Caleb casted Detect Magic. He couldn’t read an arcane signature from the envelope, which was a relief, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t trapped in some other way. So he held the envelope out away from him with his mage hand, having it set the letter down on an armchair across his office, and he guided the hand to peel the wax seal up.

The flap opened, and nothing happened. Caleb stared and waited, but nothing happened.

Maybe Essek had sent it? Was this some sort of late anniversary gift?

But that didn't make sense. Essek had given him such a perfect, thoughtful gift on their anniversary, and it had been almost a month since then. It probably wasn't from him, but Caleb struggled to think who else it could be. Uraya?

Caleb's blood chilled.

Deirta?

He went over to the letter and picked it up, movements slow and deliberate. But even as he pulled the sheet of paper out, there was nothing. No puff of poisonous smoke or anything nefarious. That was more surprising than it being trapped, for some reason.

Caleb sat down in his desk chair and held the thick stapled letter up, dropping something. He reached down and picked up the three inch by four inch black cardstock that fell, flipping it over and finding a message in silver, swooping font.

     Professor Caleb Widogast

     You are hereby graciously invited to attend The Bright Queen’s Royal Court Gala. Dress in your finest and acquaint yourself with the packet accompanying your invitation. The theme this year is Opposites.

     *The Bright Queen wishes to speak with you privately. Arrive one hour prior to the procession.

Caleb stared, and stared, and stared. He blinked a couple times, waiting for the words to change and for it to be some sort of weird dream, but nothing changed.

He was being invited to the Bright Queen’s gala. She wanted to speak with him. Directly and privately, the Bright Queen wanted to speak with him.

Why?

How could he be both an esteemed guest and a forced participant?

His phone buzzed. Startling a little, Caleb blinked himself out of his head and returned to reality. The stunned professor picked up his phone from his desk and looked at the text notification. It was from Essek.

      Essek: We need to talk in person. It’s urgent.

Setting the guideline for Kryn formal etiquette and the invitation on the desk, Caleb texted his boyfriend back.

      Caleb: Is it about the invitation I just got?

The professor checked the time. He still had another hour until the department meeting.

      Essek: Where are you?

      Caleb: My office. Meet at my apartment?

      Essek: Deal.

Caleb stood up, saved and closed out of his documents, turned off his computer, and closed and locked his office door. He tucked his messenger bag under the desk, grabbed the letter, invitation, and envelope, and Teleported to his apartment.

Essek was already starting to pace in the semi-packed living room when Caleb arrived.

“This discussion will have to be relegated to fifty-five minutes.” Essek’s head whipped up at hearing Caleb’s voice. “I have another meeting to attend.”

“We can always pick it up again after.” Essek smiled placatingly, failing horribly to hide his fear as he closed the distance.

Caleb opened up his arms and Essek walked into them, wrapping his own around Caleb’s middle.

“Why do you look so pale?” The professor asked, rubbing his hands soothingly up and down Essek’s back. “It’s not like the Bright Queen doesn’t know about me.”

“Caleb, it’s the Royal Court’s Gala.”

“And?” Caleb frowned. “Are you afraid of what everyone will think?”

“No, I don’t care what they’ll think. I care what they’ll do. What someone will do.”

Caleb looked incredibly puzzled. “I don’t understand.”

“Durth will be there.” Essek blurted out. Caleb raised an eyebrow.

“Durth…?”

“My ex.” Essek elaborated. He must not have told Caleb his ex’s first name. No matter; by the look of realization and understanding on his face, Caleb got the picture.

“Ah. Taskhand Mirimm.”

“Taskhand Durth Mirimm, yes.”

“I liked him better without the first name.”

“He’s going to be there, too.”

“Okay.”

A slight pause.

“Okay?” Essek repeated incredulously. Caleb was far too calm for the situation.

“I mean, there’s nothing we can do about him attending.” Caleb shrugged. “All we can do is avoid him to the best of our abilities.”

“There is no avoiding him, Caleb Widogast.” Essek bit out, lashing out like a frightened dog. “He will ensure we can’t avoid him.”

“Then we will talk.” Caleb smiled reassuringly, stroking a thumb along Essek’s sharp jawline. “I’m a grown man, Essek. I can pretend I don’t wish to Disintegrate the man for a night.”

“Caleb.”

“What do you suggest we do otherwise?” He countered, smile fading for seriousness at Essek’s chiding tone. “Attendance is mandatory. This is not one of those galas you skip,” he held out his invitation to Essek, finger tapping the bottom paragraph to get Essek’s attention, “and I’m wanted for more than just the gala.”

Essek furrowed white brows and delicately took the invitation from Caleb’s hand, reading it. His eyes widened as he read the last paragraph.

“She wants to talk to you?!”

“It would appear so.” Caleb licked his lip nervously. “Do you have any idea about what?”

“No,” Essek dragged a hand through his hair, “but I’m going to find out.”

“Don’t. That will just get you in trouble.”

“Not if I’m discreet.” Essek looked wild, panicked, eyes darting as his mind raced. “I’m the Shadowhand, I can - this is what I do. This is my job.”

“Essek,” Caleb placed a hand firmly on either shoulder, keeping Essek from turning away, “this is not your job. Do not put your job at risk for this.”

“Caleb-”

“Do you trust me?” He interrupted, gently prying Essek’s hand from his hair to lace their fingers together. Essek’s look was annoyed, uncertain, and worried. Fair enough, he played a rather manipulative card. “Trust me to take care of it. We have done nothing wrong. We have nothing to hide. Whatever it is that she wants to talk to me about, I will be transparent and everything will be fine.”

Essek studied Caleb’s face, his reassuring soft smile and kind blue eyes, and for the first time thought of his partner as naive. But he folded regardless, letting out a defeated sigh, and decided to trust.

It would somehow soon become both the biggest mistake and best decision he’d ever made.

Chapter Text

Essek looked divine, standing in his Bastion office with Caleb, but Caleb knew under the facade he was a fucking mess.

They were both in three piece tuxedos, coordinating so they were an obvious pair but didn’t match, as was Essek’s suggestion for the Opposites theme. The Shadowhand was worried people would extrapolate that they were not a deeply committed partnership if they went too individualistic with it, and while Caleb didn’t think people would look that deep he also wasn’t the expert on these events. So he offered input where he could, but otherwise let Essek design their attire for the night, and he was the furthest thing from disappointed.

Essek’s tuxedo was white with rich purple satin lining to match his satin bowtie, his collared shirt beneath it all glittering black. Embroidered on the collar in silver thread was two blue flag irises, one for each corner, and instead of a vest he wore a silver underbust corset. Caleb, in contrast, wore a black three piece tuxedo decorated with gold jewelry. His gold vest lay over his crisp white collared shirt, the collar embroidered with elegant orange poppies in a similar fashion to Essek’s, and the suit jacket was lined with soft amber silk that matched his bowtie. 

The list of opposites didn’t stop there. A broach of orange poppies and a single blue flag iris was pinned to Caleb’s lapel, and a gold chain connected the broach to his breast pocket, a square of matching amber fabric poking out from the top. Essek’s was the inverse, with a broach of irises with a single orange poppy, and his chain was silver. As for hair, they both had their hair freshly trimmed. Essek’s platinum white hair was coiffed and extra voluminous than usual, held aloft with product, and Caleb’s auburn hair was artfully braided into his usual low ponytail and secured with a gold transmutation symbol barrette Essek gifted him, long bangs framing his bearded face.

Caleb was a little less glittery than Essek, which had been one of the rare instances of input from his partner, and Essek had not been a hard sell. It made sense for the court official to be the focal point, as much as Essek loathed the spotlight. Also, Caleb just seemed a bit… odd, wearing glittery things. Essek found he liked it better when the glitter was his and shared accidentally with his more masculine partner in brief kisses or touches.

Essek fussed with Caleb’s bangs to keep his hands busy. Caleb let him, of course he let him, and listened as Essek rattled on nervously about etiquette and his worry about what the Queen wanted. The professor had given up attempting to reassure him at this point, figuring the nervous jittering was going to happen regardless of how many times Caleb said he would be fine.

He couldn’t say he was fairing significantly better. He was absolutely petrified of meeting with a nation’s leader one-on-one, but that worry was just the biggest of many. He also had to worry about the very public walk to the ballroom through the heart of the Lucid Bastion, where there would be many, many cameras. Thankfully the Empire and the Academy now knew of his relationship with Essek Thelyss, so they theoretically wouldn’t be scandalized if they glimpsed pictures of him in attendance, but his colleagues and his students possibly wouldn’t be so kind. Assuming they would see Kryn news, of course. That was just his luck, though, so he was mentally preparing for it anyway.

Publicity was a price Caleb was willing to pay, however. He was tired of hiding his relationship. A disguise for a walk through Rexxentrum was different - it wasn’t to hide their relationship, it was to keep Essek from being stared at or accosted - but when it came to the people he knew? The people he conversed with after department meetings or went to lunch with? He was tired of being afraid of letting anything slip.

There was a knock on the door, and they both startled. Essek hurriedly stepped across his office and opened the door, seemingly forgetting his mage hand in his panic, and Caleb came face to face with a Lucid Bastion guard.

“Shadowhand Thelyss.” The guard greeted, bowing slightly, which Caleb since learned was a formal greeting. Essek mirrored the guard, bowing in return, and Caleb watched the new pair of eyes shift to him. They bowed again. “Professor Widogast.”

Caleb bowed, taking the chance to subtly clear his throat of his fear with a swallow.

“The Bright Queen is ready to see you.”

“Then let us not keep her waiting.” Caleb nodded sharply, offering a smile. He looked to his partner, seeing the trepidation in Essek’s eyes that someone who didn’t know him as well as Caleb wouldn’t notice, and he gave Essek a reassuring smile, resting his hand on Essek’s arm as he pressed a kiss to Essek’s cheek. “I’ll be back soon, liebling.”

Essek, not trusting his voice, didn’t reply verbally. He just faked a smile and nodded. Caleb wished he could linger and comfort him, but that would only delay their mutual anxiety. No, best to get this over with so they could face the rest of the night with clear minds.

Leaving the office, the guard walked beside Caleb, gesturing with a hand when they would make a turn. They didn’t allow Caleb to leave their sight, and Caleb didn’t dare to test it.

“Here we are.” They told Caleb, stepping up to a gorgeous set of elegant, tall double doors on their right. Outside stood two more guards.

The pair opened the doors for Caleb, and Caleb’s escort went in and stood at the inner threshold, waiting and watching.

Caleb took a deep breath, straightened his suit jacket and squared his shoulders, and followed the guard into the room.

The parlor had light parquet flooring covered by a fine indigo rug and desaturated mauve panel-molded walls, with built-in bookshelves lining one wall displaying decorations and awards of various kinds. The room was beautifully furnished with long plush white couches and armchairs facing a glass coffee table in the center, looking impeccably clean.

The professor barely noticed the interior, however, eyes immediately finding the relaxed drow woman sitting patiently in the armchair facing the door, flanked by two stoic guards. The Bright Queen certainly lived up to her name - she was covered, head to toe, in silver, refracting all the cool light that fell on her form. A modest but extremely elegant silver dress with a halter neckline covered her, a leg poking out from a slit at her thigh where she had it crossed over her other leg, the fabric gathering beside her glittering silver heels with straps that crossed back and forth up to her knees. Her jewelry was silver with amethyst purple gemstones, and it dangled like dripping stars from her long pointed ears and wrapped around her wrists delicately. Long platinum white hair fell like water over her shoulders and back and on top of her head a silver crown with three ibex-esque horns sat.

She was unequivocally beautiful. The definition of luxurious and elegant. It was almost intimidating, her perfection. Caleb figured that was kind of the point.

The Bright Queen smiled upon Caleb’s arrival, and Caleb tried to suppress the feeling that he’d just walked into the lion’s den and stumbled upon the lioness.

“You must be Professor Widogast.” Her voice was smooth and controlled, plum lips still turned in a polite, welcoming smile.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Caleb returned the smile with a gentle one of his one, shoving his nerves down, and gave a soft bow, just as the packet had instructed. When he met her eyes again, he noticed her smile was a little less fake.

“Please, Professor.” She gestured to the seats before her with a graceful hand. “Sit for a moment.”

Wordlessly, Caleb followed orders, sitting down in an armchair across the large coffee table from her. He kept his posture straight, joining his hands and resting them on his thighs, bracing himself mentally for whatever bomb was about to drop.

“I see you’ve taken note of our formalities.” The queen remarked.

“It is not every day that I meet the leader of a nation.” Caleb replied with a light, polite smile partially born from nerves.

“No, I suppose it is not.” Caleb felt turquoise eyes studying his every atom and repressed the urge to squirm uncomfortably. “Is that the only reason?”

Hiding his confusion at the distrusting question, Caleb reassured, “The last thing I wish to do is show you disrespect, Empress. I feel my country has done that enough already.”

“Is that so, Bren Ermendrud?”

Chapter Text

Caleb froze, expression unchanging. Internally, however, his world was imploding. Dread was filling every vein and straining his heart, making it thud harshly against his ribs.

“Because it has come to my attention that you are not who you claim you are, Volstrucker.” The nicety to the queen shifted abruptly to confrontational and stern.

It took everything Caleb had not to panic or lash out at his past being weaponized. Everything was screaming at him to run, to flee, and it was a miracle he did not immediately get thrown into the past with how wound up he already was. 

Caleb forced his anxiety down like a wrestler pinning their opponent to the floor, desperate to not have it lash out or get the better of him. He could feel the world blurring at the edges and his focus was trying to draw inwards, away from the threat, but he forced himself to stay present, thumbing the fidget ring on his finger. He needed to think. Retreat was not a survival option available to him.

“My name is Caleb Widogast.” He reiterated, swallowing down his fight-or-flight reflex. “I have not lied about who I am.”

“So you wouldn’t object to a Zone of Truth.” She tilted her head, sharpening her gaze. “Because I am not inclined to believe an Empire citizen over one of my own.”

One of my own.

Understanding clicked in Caleb’s head, noting the guard still lingering at the single entrance to the room, and Caleb tensed. He had walked into a trap, it seemed, and he had a feeling he knew who orchestrated said trap. It wasn’t the Bright Queen. Not really.

He thought of his lover currently pacing a bare office, and the beginnings of a plan formed in the back of his blurring mind.

“Not at all, Your Majesty.” Caleb smiled, part nervous but also part eager, heartbeat in his ears. “In fact, I encourage it.”

The umavi of Den Kryn studied Caleb expressionlessly for a tense moment before looking to the guard lingering at the door, speaking in Undercommon to him. The Tongues Caleb casted before arriving at the Bastion translated it as an order to bring in “the cleric”. Caleb couldn’t see the guard’s reaction, but he heard the door open and footsteps enter the room.

He heard muttering behind him and felt magic wash over him, and he subjected himself to it willingly. This was not his first time having the spell casted on him in less-than-pleasant circumstances. It immediately brought him back to memories of stepping onto the witness stand.

Someone spoke in Undercommon behind him, likely the individual who casted the spell, telling the queen that Caleb hadn’t resisted, and the professor noted the twitch of surprise to his interrogator’s perfectly sculpted eyebrows. He played it cool, however, not wanting to tip off that he understood them.

The Bright Queen leveled a steely gaze into Caleb’s eyes. It felt like she was piercing into his soul.

“Is your name Bren Ermendrud?”

“Not currently, but I was born with that name.” He bluntly confessed, neither a yes or no being the truth. There was no point in lying, so he spoke with confidence as well as he could manage. “Caleb Widogast is my name.”

“Why did you adopt the moniker Caleb Widogast?”

“Because I was going to kill myself if I didn’t.”

That dark admission seemed to take the empress by at least a modicum of surprise. He saw the barest hint of it in her stoic expression. He pressed on, answering the unasked question.

“I couldn’t leave my dorm room without hearing people gossiping. Seeing people pointing at me, giving me pitying or angry looks. Accosting me between classes, wanting all the sordid details of my attack. Judging me for my participation in a program that I thought was simple research. Until I was forced under the knife, that is, and realized what I was a part of was not what Dr. Ikithon had promised.”

“And what did he promise?”

“I was told it was paid volunteer work as a test subject regarding residuum, and I suppose technically it was, but the true purpose of the research was hidden from me. And from most of the volunteers.” Caleb steeled his own gaze, almost glaring. “I assume Deirta Thelyss told you why I blew the whistle? That I had been attacked because I mentioned wanting to leave the program?”

The Bright Queen considered Caleb for a moment… and then smirked.

“I never said it was Umavi Thelyss that informed me.” She countered.

“You didn’t have to.” Caleb smiled angrily. “She has the means and motive. Only two people know my old name, and neither of them would have told a soul.”

“Is the Shadowhand one of them?”

“Yes. He discovered the program through research sent to him from my colleague for his Luxon Project. I have scars leftover from one of the experiments and he matched them to a diagram that Dr. Ikithon included in the study.”

“And you say you wanted to leave?”

“I did. I told my partners, who were volunteers with me, after that particular experiment that I wished to leave the program. I later learned I was not the only one attempting to leave. Many volunteers were stepping back.”

“And these are the people who attacked you, correct? Your partners?”

Caleb saw Astrid’s darkened eyes, devoid of a soul, staring at him in his mind’s eye and shoved the memory back.

“Yes.”

“Are you aware of what the Volstrucker Program was created for?” She pivoted, trying to catch Caleb off guard, but Caleb maintained his collected demeanor against all odds.

He knew she was letting him talk more than he should be allowed to, expecting him to dig his own grave with every word said. Caleb tried his best to account for that as he spoke, choosing words as carefully as his pounding head would allow.

“Only what was brought forward in court. Volunteers were told it was preliminary research on residuum, and we were not allowed to know anything regarding the findings.” Caleb swallowed, frowning shamefully. “I was young and desperate for money after burying my parents, and he was a persuasive man. He made it seem like the perfect opportunity with no strings attached, a generous gift extended because of my unfortunate situation. If I knew their true motive, I would have found another way to make ends meet.”

“So you had no idea they were attempting to make arcane assassins to infiltrate the Dynasty?”

Caleb winced, a sharp pang of shame hitting him like a whip.

“I found out in court with the rest of Wildemount.” Caleb hung his head. “I am… An apology does not adequately describe the depth of my remorse, but I am sorry. However, remorse for my unwitting participation in the program is not why I changed my name and moved away. I did it as my last resort, my final attempt, to have a normal life, like my parents would have wanted for me. Nothing more, nothing less.”

She observed Caleb for a long moment. Caleb decided this was his chance.

“I don’t know what Umavi Thelyss told you exactly,” he prefaced, “but I can assure you her intentions are not pure.”

The empress glared daggers at him, and he swallowed down the flash of fear. He knew this was risky, talking about the umavi of a ruling den like this, but he didn't want to waste the opportunity. So before she could scold him, Caleb continued.

“Please, do not tell Essek or Verin I am the source for how you learned what I am about to tell you. Especially not Essek. He would consider this a betrayal, I’m sure, but… if I passed on this opportunity and he was hurt as a result, I would never forgive myself.”

The glare softened marginally, curiosity seeping into her expression.

“You are aware that he and Verin have distanced themselves from Den Thelyss, correct?” Caleb waited for an affirmative or a denial, but got no response, just an inquisitive stare. So, he continued on, assuming she knew. “The catalyst was his mother discovering our relationship, yes, but that is not the only reason. The true reason is why she contacted you.”

The Bright Queen slightly raised a perfect white eyebrow. “And what reason do you believe that is, Professor?”

Caleb took a steadying breath.

“She wants to control Essek. She wants to frighten him into convincing Verin to talk to her again, and refuses to accept that Verin made his own choice to distance himself from her. She wants to hurt Essek in whatever way she can, until he is so desperate for it to stop that he conforms to her will. I don’t know how she accessed my information as I have no social media and mention nothing of the Cerberus Assembly on my Academy profile, but however she discovered it I guarantee it was not out of love and concern for her nation. This is revenge from a narcissist, plain and simple.”

“That is a very bold claim against one of the figureheads of our nation, Professor Widogast.” The queen narrowed her gaze. Caleb’s heart threatened to leap from his chest. “I sincerely hope you have evidence of such a claim.”

“Of her narcissism? Nothing diagnostic. That would have to be discovered on your end, I'm afraid.” Caleb licked his lip nervously. “Perhaps that is something they will discover through her mandatory counseling, but I doubt it. Essek and Verin claim she is very good at keeping up a facade. She will know what to say to the counselor. But as for this conversation being her revenge? That I can attest to.”

“So you have nothing to show me?”

Caleb noticed she didn’t immediately discount his story, though, and felt a flash of hope. She wasn’t convinced, but she wasn’t outright denying his claim, either.

“Not entirely, although the evidence wouldn’t be strong enough for court, admittedly. But I trust Essek. It took a lot for him to confess to me the true extent of the abuse he endured, and he had nothing to gain from telling me.”

“Abuse, you say?” Caleb nodded. “Aloud.”

“Yes.” Caleb repeated himself, giving the most confident affirmation he could.

The Bright Queen smiled condescendingly.

“Are you sure you know the man you’re courting?” She drummed the perfectly manicured nails of her hand on the arm of the chair. “Shadowhand Thelyss is no beaten spouse.”

“Exactly. He is the strongest, most resilient man I have ever had the good fortune of knowing, let alone loving.” Caleb agreed. “But he had to be strong. It was either shut down and persevere or, like my friend’s brother did, break. The only way out was through, one way or another. There was no one he could rely on but himself, and Verin relied on him to stay strong.”

The Bright Queen thought about what Caleb said, and then curled her fingers over her chin, resting her elbow by her breast.

“Did he tell you why he chose not to tell anyone?”

The condescension was gone. Caleb prayed that meant he was getting through to her.

“It has not come up, but I gather from his demeanor it was the usual suspects. Fear of retaliation, not understanding it was abnormal - but I think he was more afraid that no one would believe him. She is the umavi, after all, and everyone in the den pretended not to know. Even his own father turned a blind eye.”

“Not to know what?” The Bright Queen narrowed her gaze. “Speak plainly, Professor. Stop dancing around the nature of it. What is this horrid abuse you dare to accuse a ruling umavi of?”

Caleb winced. He hated that he was doing this, but this felt like the right thing to do. It could mean that Essek no longer had to live in fear, watching his back each time he traversed Rosohna. He could stop searching his and Verin’s homes routinely for surveillance equipment.

Most importantly, though, it meant that Essek could begin to heal without being set back over and over again.

Caleb inhaled, bracing himself.

“She physically abused Essek for years, and he has the scars to prove it.”

The professor watched turquoise eyes widen.

“He had them treated extensively so they are difficult to find, but I have seen them with my own eyes and there is only one way someone gets that specific type of scarring.”

“What type?” She pressed, her voice intense, near threatening.

Caleb pinched his lips together. He considered his options heavily, but he couldn’t do it. That was a line he wasn’t willing to cross.

“The exact nature of his abuse is his to share. All I will say about it is that… I could tell what object had been used without Essek having to tell me.”

To Caleb’s surprise, he actually saw the Bright Queen frown a little. And, for the first time, the empress of the Kryn Dynasty said nothing. No demands, no probing questions, nothing.

It drove Caleb’s anxiety into overdrive.

“The severity of her abuse, coupled with how she reacted when she found out about me, is why I'm taking this opportunity under Zone of Truth to tell you, in no uncertain terms, that she is a monster.” Caleb was meeting her eyes, begging to be believed, throwing the confession at the wall and hoping some part of it, any part of it, stuck. “I am genuinely afraid for Essek's safety, which is the only reason I am breaching his trust to tell you this. His mother is sadistic and no one in the den aside from Verin and Essek have ever stood up to her. They have all followed her blindly, and not once have they protected Essek and Verin from her abuse. The continued refusal to bow to her demands makes me worried that Deirta will snap and Essek will bear the brunt of it. It’s even possible that Verin could be targeted for once, and if that happened the Hells would have no fury like Essek’s. I’d like to avoid that if at all possible.”

“So the Taskhand was not abused?” The Bright Queen’s sculpted brows furrowed ever so slightly.

“Not physically, from what I understand. Verin underwent abuse of a different kind. His normal childhood mistakes were utilized as excuses to punish Essek. However, there was one time, according to Essek, where…” Caleb looked away, drawing on the memory, and frowned painfully. His voice softened as he confessed, “When he broke down and told me, he let me read a letter he wrote in therapy. One where he said everything he wanted to say to her but couldn’t. He mentioned one time when they were young children where, ah… I believe the way he phrased it was that she looked at Verin the way she looked at Essek, and that it had terrified him.”

The professor met the Bright Queen’s intense gaze again.

“Essek has hidden the full extent of the physical abuse from Verin, but Verin knows his brother was physically abused, just… not exactly how or the frequency of it, from what Essek said to me. He was… trying to shield Verin from it. He still is, to an extent.” Caleb smiled sadly. “Being the protective older brother doesn’t end with adulthood, it would seem.”

Umavi Kryn stared at Caleb like he was a puzzle to solve, and Caleb suddenly wondered if she thought he was trying to get something out of this confession.

“And to be clear, I - I don't expect charges to be brought or sentences to change. I don’t wish to undermine the ruling because Essek is a court official and I’ve been granted this opportunity to speak with you directly. I just… If anything is to come from this confession, I ask that you grant his order of protection against Deirta Thelyss.” Caleb’s eyes turned pleading. “Pardon him from ever attending another event with her present. Bar Den Thelyss from contacting him, so when they inevitably do Essek has a leg to stand on in court. Den Thelyss won’t leave him alone until Umavi Thelyss says so, as we saw with Silek Thelyss, and I don’t anticipate her giving up easily. She is not the perfect soul she has led you to believe, and I would never forgive myself if I left this room without saying something and Essek was hurt.”

The silence was thick and awkward. The Bright Queen stared at Caleb, studying his facial expressions and his body language, and Caleb twisted the steel fidget ring on his finger anxiously, hoping beyond hope he was believed.

“Are you to tell me that one of our ruling dens is corrupt?”

“I don’t know about corruption, necessarily.” He nervously murmured. “Essek and Verin were on the fringes of the den for a long time, from what I understand. Essek especially. He was on the verge of being disowned for years, if not decades, and the only reason he hadn’t been was because it benefited Deirta politically to claim Essek as a member of Den Thelyss. At least, that is how he explained it to me. You would know better than I if that’s accurate.” Caleb shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I-I don’t know anything about the inner workings of the den. I just know what I’ve seen and been told, and I trust Essek told me the truth. I trusted him with my truth, and he trusted me with his, and I have no reason to doubt the validity of his words. It took him nearly a year to open up to me about it, and he will be mortified that I told anyone. He wants nothing more than to be forgotten by Den Thelyss, and I want nothing more than to keep him safe.”

Leylas Kryn, a soul that had lived many lifetimes and had seen the worst and best of people, found herself presented with a predicament she had never encountered before. She could see the beads of sweat in the human’s hairline, the adrenaline flush to pale skin, the dilation of cerulean irises, but most notably the unwavering loyalty and fierce protectiveness. It reminded her of her dear lover, waiting on the other side of the door for her call to finish this interrogation and demand the human be deported.

Leylas saw the same glint of protectiveness and loyalty in Caleb’s eyes. She admired his bravery. Obviously, based on his nerves, he realized how bad this confession could look if she didn’t believe him. To still commit to it was either extremely reckless or borderline heroic, or a mixture of the two.

Looking him over, she got the impression Caleb was not a reckless man. Which meant he was desperate enough to be so. Which, in turn, meant he had enough reasons to be desperate. At least, enough perceived reasons.

The Bright Queen stood up, fabric falling around her legs gracefully, and Caleb went rigid. He stood as well with uncertainty, not even half as graceful as her and thrice more awkward, and stiffened like a board as she walked around the coffee table to stand before him. Her heels meant she was a couple inches taller than Caleb, and she made sure to weaponize it.

Offering a hand, she smiled. Nervously, Caleb eyed the hand. He didn’t see any sign of poison or blade, so he gently grasped her own.

“Get me proof, Professor Widogast.” A markedly more calm voice fell from dark plum painted lips, the sternness of the interrogation fading away. “Show me her true colors, and I will do more than just grant the Shadowhand’s protection.”

Caleb, realizing he was now being recruited into a mission he felt woefully underprepared for, tried to backtrack, stuttering, “I - heh, I wasn’t - I don’t wish-”

“It doesn’t matter what you wish.” The sternness briefly visited, shutting Caleb up. “You cannot accuse one of my umavi of being an imperfect soul and come to me with rumors of evidence.”

The professor swallowed, hoped it wasn’t audible, and nodded shakily.

“I believe your intention is pure.” The Bright Queen smiled, something small and genuine for once. “I believe what you claim is possible, and I will look into your claims. I also believe that you are trustworthy enough to be allowed into my country… but you will give me proof that Umavi Thelyss is capable of what you accuse her of, or that right will be revoked.”

Caleb’s heart dropped.

“You have a month, Professor.” The Bright Queen released his hand. “Tonight, though, we enjoy the company we keep.”

He stared unmoving as the clicking of heels and the padding of boots trailed away.

Chapter Text

It took him several minutes to process what the hell just happened and the guilt of it all.

He noticed the Zone of Truth remained in place, and a guard still lingered at the entrance to the parlor, but they were not rushing him to leave. They let Caleb flop back down into the chair, stare blankly at the coffee table in absent horror, and stay stock still for as long as Caleb wanted. Either they were stationed at that door, or they were stationed to guard him, he wasn’t sure, but he didn’t really have the mental capacity to think past holy shit did I really just fuck up that bad?

Caleb had planned when he started talking about it to never tell Essek. He thought he could do as Deirta did and make a claim, point to evidence, and the Bright Queen would order someone to take it from there. He didn’t think that someone would be him. That he would be trusted to get the evidence himself and not fabricate it.

He had to tell Essek. He had no choice. Morally, he had no choice.

Was that the Queen’s plan? Did she allow Caleb to ramble on and make his claims because she foresaw this happening?

Would Essek break up with him for this? He wouldn’t blame him. This wasn’t like he’d read Essek’s therapy homework. He told the fucking Queen of his country. His boss.

“Mist.” Caleb cursed under his breath, putting his head in his hands. Self-loathing and immeasurable guilt threatened to swallow him alive, and the saddest part of all of this was that the person he’d go to for comfort and reassurance was the exact person he’d betrayed.

He thought of Beauregard. She had nearly done the same thing to him, and Essek had been ready to fling spells over it. They still weren’t on good terms. Neutral, yes, but not good, not like before. And he had just done the same fucking thing.

Tearing up, he fished out his phone from his inner breast pocket. He typed out the message, stared at it with a thudding heart racing with adrenaline and heavy with dread, and then winced and sent it.

     Caleb: I may have just made the single greatest mistake of my life. We need to talk urgently and privately. Still in your office?

Caleb, with leaden feet and shaking hands, wiped his eyes as he got up and walked toward the exit. The guard standing there turned to him as he crossed the threshold and asked, “To the Shadowhand’s office or to the foyer, Professor?”

“The office, please.” Caleb replied, barely a murmur. The guard nodded and began to walk him back, and Caleb followed like he was being led to the gallows.

He could feel his vision starting to blur at the edges and his body went numb, but he welcomed the dissociation. His phone vibrating made his heart sink like a concrete block in a lake, but he checked it anyway.

     Essek: Yes. Are you okay?

     Caleb: No, but it’s my own fault. Be there in a minute.

He ignored when his phone vibrated in reply, tucking it back into his pocket as they turned the last corner. Caleb wasn’t surprised to see Essek’s office door opening moments later.

Silver-lined eyes filled with worry met Caleb’s, and only seemed to intensify their concern.

The professor and the guard stopped in front of Essek, who managed to keep from asking any of the questions in his eyes, and Caleb softly told his Lucid Bastion escort with a soft bow, “Thank you.”

The individual bowed in return and continued walking, and Caleb pushed on Essek’s padded shoulder, quickly guiding him back into his office.

“What happened?” Essek demanded before Caleb fully closed the door and turned the lock, his voice a mixture of emotions, none of them good. He went to touch Caleb, but Caleb held up a hand, signaling for him to stop. It subsequently stopped his heart as well.

“I thought I was doing the right thing, but the result was not what I was anticipating.” Caleb cryptically answered, voice a little thick, like he was on the verge of tears. “I cannot adequately portray my remorse, but-”

“What. Happened.” Essek was nearly growling.

Caleb’s lip quivered slightly. He scowled at the floor to hide it.

“Deirta told her about my involvement in the Volstrucker Program.”

He let that revelation hang in the air, floundering for what to say next. Essek’s eyes widened, confused and apologetic, and it hurt to see the remorse in Essek’s eyes right then.

“And I…” Caleb grimaced. “The Bright Queen put me in a Zone of Truth and I thought if Deirta wanted to play strategy, I could play strategy as well. I think it went… not as well as I expected, and better than what you might expect, but… it came at a cost.”

“Caleb Widogast, get to the fucking point.” Essek snapped, glaring.

He softened when Caleb’s eyes grew watery.

“I told her the real reason Deirta informed her of my involvement.” He whispered the confession, barely able to maintain eye contact. “That it’s about retaliation, manipulation, and control, not nationalism. I told her that Deirta is not the perfect soul she thinks she is, and… I told her that she used to… hurt you.”

The glaring abruptly stopped. Essek’s skin paled and Caleb’s heart raced.

“I didn’t tell her how, exactly, even though she asked it of me,” he blurted out quickly, “but I did tell her it was physical and that Verin can confirm to a degree, and-”

“What did she say?” Essek rasped.

“I think she… believed me?” Caleb smiled painfully. “She said she believed I was being honest, and that what I claimed was possible and she would…she’ll look into it on her end, but…” Caleb’s shame overwhelmed him and he clawed at his arm beneath his tux jacket. “I have a month to provide evidence of her true colors, as the Bright Queen put it, or I am to be barred from the Dynasty. If I find it, she promised to take action against Deirta.”

Essek stared so long that Caleb wondered if he broke his partner. After several seconds of painstaking waiting, Caleb babbled a rambling apology, staring at the broach on Essek’s chest so he did not have to acknowledge the eyes locked onto his face.

“The only reason I told her was because I saw the opportunity to finally get results for you, and I would have never been able to forgive myself if I passed on that opportunity and something happened that ended in you being hurt. I told her I was afraid for your safety, and I am, Essek. The longer this stalemate continues, the harder she’s going to push. I know I betrayed your trust in telling her, but I swear I only-”

“She believed you?”

Caleb went silent, lips parted, and hesitantly peered up at Essek’s silver-lined eyes. He was baffled to see… hope.

“J-Ja, I think so.” Caleb whispered cautiously.

“And she…” The corners of Essek’s mouth turned upward ever so slightly. “She said she would take action?”

“If I provide evidence that Deirta is capable of what I accused her of, ja.” Caleb’s voice found a bit more footing. “I asked for her to grant the order of protection, or ban Den Thelyss from contacting you, but she said she would do more than just grant the protection if I provide her the proof.”

Essek let out a stunned exhale of a laugh. Despite the befuddled smile on glossy lips, Caleb was wary of having hope.

“I am so sorry.” He breathed, eyes begging for forgiveness. “I knowingly told someone about your trauma without your consent, and I understand if you can’t forgive me. I thought I was doing the right thing-”

“Caleb…” The professor watched Essek’s eyes fill with tears. His heart began to fill with panic until Essek threw himself at Caleb hard enough to make the Zemnian stumble, white sleeves wrapping around Caleb’s shoulders. “Thank you.”

Shocked, Caleb tentatively wrapped his arms around Essek’s waist.

“You’re… not mad at me?”

“You’ve basically signed my mother’s death warrant!” Essek laughed, squeezing Caleb tighter. “You have no idea how liberated I feel right now, Caleb. Thank you so much.”

“Wait, did I actually?” Caleb asked with horror.

“I don’t know.” Essek pulled back and met Caleb’s eyes, expression wild and free. “But I don’t care. I dreamt of telling the Queen for decades, but I never thought she would believe me, and you just made it possible, Caleb.”

“But I-I did what Beau did.” Caleb countered, bemused.

“I can forgive a multitude of sins for this, Caleb Widogast.” Essek held Caleb’s face, thumbs stroking his bristly cheeks. “You did what I have been afraid of doing.”

Caleb blinked, an emotion that surpassed confusion. His brain was not computing this at all. Essek was supposed to be mad at him. Essek had every reason to be mad at him.

“We need to tell Verin.” Essek pulled back, magicing the tears away from them both. “And I need to fix my eyeliner.”

Caleb watched Essek open his desk, grab an eyeliner, and approach his standing mirror beaming like a child on Winter’s Crest.

“I…” He rubbed swollen eyes. “You’re supposed to be mad at me.”

“I suppose so.”

“So why aren’t you mad at me?” Caleb repeated, befuddled. Like it was going to get him a different answer.

“You got results, d’anthe. Results I could only dream of.” Something seemed to occur to Essek, and his brightness dimmed a little. He met Caleb’s gaze in the mirror, lowering his hand from where he’d just been ready to apply the liner. “How… detailed…?”

“That was the one question I refused to answer fully.” Caleb vehemently answered. “I told her you had scars, and you had them treated, but that I couldn’t with good conscience tell her the exact details of your abuse. I did mention, because I sensed she wasn’t entirely pleased with my answer, that your scars were unmistakable signs of abuse, and that I, uh… I could tell what had caused them without you having to tell me. And that seemed to sate her.”

Essek swallowed. He inhaled and nodded, but he didn’t seem angry, just… uncomfortable.

“I can see why you expected me to be angry. I think I would have been if you hadn’t been successful.” He smiled gratefully at Caleb. “But you were, and I understand why you did it. And if the price to pay for peace of mind is airing my dirty laundry, then I will air it all. Telling the truth… doesn’t seem so terrifying now, anyway.”

Caleb smiled, something small and sad but infinitely proud.

“We have… about ten minutes until the gala starts.” Caleb peeled his jacket open slightly, slipping a hand beneath to grasp his phone in his inner breast pocket. “Do you want me to text Verin?”

“Call him. I’m sure Mollymauk and court officials are keeping him very distracted.”

Caleb did as his partner suggested, pulling free his phone and pressing the phone icon by Verin’s name. He set it on speaker, figuring there was no need to hide what was said.

It took a couple rings, but Verin answered. The sounds of people talking were a distracting background noise until Verin spoke.

“Hello, Professor.”

“Caleb is fine, Verin.” The professor chuckled.

“Ah, right, y-yeah. I’m sorry, I’ve been dealing with officials.” Verin laughed a little self-consciously. “What do you need?”

“I need you to come to Essek’s office immediately. Bring Molly if you want. It’s rather important.”

“It’s about Mother, Ver.” Essek called out.

The silence had Caleb wondering if Verin heard Essek, until the younger Thelyss cleared his throat, seemingly coming back to himself. “Okay, um. I-I’ll be right there. With Molly.”

“Quickly.”

Verin hung up, and Caleb pocketed his phone again. He observed Essek, heel of his hand pressing into his cheek, head tilted back so his lid was naturally lowered. His partner applied the last finishing touches of the eyeliner, battling thick white lashes afterward.

“Do you think Verin will be mad at me?” Caleb winced. Essek capped the liner and placed it into its cubby in his desk drawer.

“Let me tell him. I think I can word it the right way.” Essek turned and smiled. He softened with sympathy, seeing Caleb’s irritated waterline, and stepped over to him, cupping his partner’s face. “I mean this as no offense, but you look like you’ve cried recently, d’anthe. I could add a little makeup to hide it, if you want.”

“After what I’ve done, you can tattoo me if you so desire.” Caleb half-joked, glum. Essek tutted.

“Luxon above, is this what I’m like?” Essek went to his opened desk drawer and pulled from it an eye makeup kit, complete with a few brushes and a shadow palette, admittedly a bit excited. He rarely had a reason to use his warm tones palette. “Sulking at being forgiven?”

Caleb sighed. “This is not the same thing.”

“Yes, it quite literally is.” Essek remarked, thinking of when he discovered Caleb’s therapy homework. He kissed his cheek. “No more sulking. You are forgiven.” Essek patted the edge of his unused desk. “Now sit here and close your eyes.”

Caleb did as Essek ordered, listening to the Shadowhand-turned-makeup-artist open his palette, hum thoughtfully, and then tap his brush against the plastic lid to rid it of the excess once he chose a color.

“Good thing is, if I don’t like it, I can just magic it away.”

“Which reminds me…” Caleb hummed, and he gently reached out for Essek’s chest. He slid his hand along until he found Essek’s broach and he casted Mending, repeating the process for himself.

As Essek reached forward to start, he was stopped by a knock on the door.

Essek furrowed his brow, sharing a look with Caleb. That was too quick a response for it to have been Verin and Molly.

The Shadowhand set the palette and brush down on the desk and walked over to his door, opening it. Hearts stopped when a Bastion guard was standing on the other side.

They gave a slight bow. “The Bright Queen wishes to speak with you, Shadowhand Thelyss.”

Essek’s shoulders lowered. He schooled his expression when he understood the implication, and he nodded with his own slight bow, turning toward Caleb afterward.

Caleb’s lips parted, but he didn’t know what he wanted to say. Thankfully Essek knew.

“I will be back swiftly. This is likely to… corroborate stories, in a sense. She won’t keep me long. Just a few minutes.”

“O-Okay.” Caleb nodded shakily, trying to smile for him. Essek smiled for the both of them, stepping over to Caleb briefly to peck a kiss to his lips, reassuring him he was forgiven.

“Thank you.”

Essek left before Caleb could reply to his whispered words.

Chapter Text

Essek walked into the private parlor of the Bright Queen and her wife, finding both sitting in the dark and opulent chamber. Rich purple brocade covered half panel walls of black stained wood, the floor black marble with veins of silver and white. To one side upon entry was a sitting area with a black plush couch facing two matching silver and black armchairs, an ornate crystal coffee table with a shining tray of cheeses and meats between. To the other side was a wall-to-wall glass cabinet of sentimental Kryn memorabilia collected by Leylas and Quana over their many lifetimes, and a servant standing with a metal beverage cart near it.

The Queen sat with one leg over the other and one hand delicately holding a champagne flute, and Dusk Captain Quana sat across from her wife on one of the other couches. It wasn’t rare for Essek to be invited to their private parlor, although such information would likely send the rest of the court into a gossip frenzy if they ever learned. Due to the secretive nature of Essek’s work, extra discretion needed to be heeded, even toward the rest of the court. 

Essek took note of the people in the room. One guard at the door, the Dusk Captain, and a servant: three people aside from Essek and the Bright Queen were going to be present to hear his confession. Essek tried to not let his fear and anxiety show.

“Shadowhand Thelyss.” Leylas Kryn greeted. Essek gave a formal bow, grateful he fixed his makeup before this meeting.

“Umavi Kryn. How may I be of service to you?”

“Please, sit.”

Essek bit back the urge to argue and did as she asked, hoping he wouldn’t be sitting long.

“Would you care for something to drink?”

“Not presently, Your Majesty, but I thank you for the gracious offer.”

“Very well.” She lifted a hand and, looking at the servant, gestured to the door. “You may go, but leave the cart.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The servant bowed and walked out.

The guard looked at Quana questioningly and Quana jerked her head toward the door. They nodded and left as well.

With them gone, Essek relaxed significantly.

“Your partner, Shadowhand, told me some interesting information in his Zone of Truth.” The Bright Queen’s eyes narrowed slightly. 

Essek simply nodded. “He informed me of his confession, yes.”

“And do you second his assertions?”

Essek felt nauseous. “Yes.”

Leylas and Quana shared a look. Essek remained silent, watching them.

“You were physically abused?” The Bright Queen asked bluntly, but her tone didn’t portray disbelief.

Essek clenched his jaw. “Yes. Whipped with a belt across my back, to be more precise.” He could have sworn that he saw the Dusk Captain wince with empathy, but he wasn’t certain. “I’m sure the company that did my scar treatments possess a ‘before’ picture you can request.”

“And Den Thelyss knew of this?”

“Oh, very much so. Verin and I’s nanny, in particular, was tasked with changing my bandages after each discipline.” Essek snarled the last word a little and saw the surprised lift of the Bright Queen’s brows at his vocalization.

The Shadowhand swallowed. He never lost his formal, neutral tone around the Queen and the court.

“Apologies. I am… particularly irate. This is a blatant attempt at blackmail, and the memories it has dredged up are unpleasant to say the least.”

“She proposed valid concerns.” The Dusk Captain argued, although it wasn’t with the air of taking Deirta’s side. Essek could tell Quana was more so playing devil’s advocate, which was amusingly fitting.

“Concerns I already looked into months, if not a full year, ago with assistance from The Lens.” Essek explained. “The Volstrucker Program ended with the imprisonment of Dr. Trent Ikithon, and no moves have been made to reattempt it, hence why it was never brought to your attention, Dusk Captain. They are not a threat to national security, as they no longer exist and have not existed for over a decade.”

Silence permeated the room for a tense moment.

“I see.” Quana’s thin lips tightened into a line. Reluctantly, she said, “I apologize for not coming to you directly, Shadowhand. I was afraid you had been manipulated by emotion, and I did not have the time before tonight to check with The Lens.”

Manipulated by emotion. Once upon a time, Essek would’ve taken quite a lot of offense to such a statement.

“I do not fault you, Dusk Captain.” Essek reassured her. “I would likely wonder the same, and the timing was no accident on Umavi Thelyss’ part, I’m sure. There are no ill feelings here.”

“You believe Umavi Thelyss purposefully waited until the month before the gala to come forward?” Quana sounded surprised. Essek had to stifle a smirk of amusement. They truly had no idea who his mother was, did they?

“I think it is a possibility.” The Shadowhand slightly corrected. “She could have discovered such information late, or she could have held onto the information to use at the most advantageous moment for her goals. Either is plausible for Umavi Thelyss.”

“And your brother, Verin.” The Bright Queen gently redirected, and Essek’s eyes widened just a little, taken aback. Essek had never heard her take on such a gentle tone before. “He was abused as well?”

“In the sense that my brother has empathy and does not like to see people in pain.” He talked around the answer. “He was not physically abused. I did not allow it.”

“But he was abused in other ways.” She repeated herself. "By witnessing your alienation." Essek’s jaw tensed, heart aching in his ribs.

Her words were a painful reminder that he’d not prevented all the abuse. He never could have prevented it all, and he knew that now thanks to therapy, but it was still difficult to do away with the shame he’d held onto for a century.

“Yes,” Essek reluctantly confessed, “despite my best efforts.”

“Shadowhand, that is not a failure on your part.” Quana looked apologetic. Another shocking display of emotion. “If anything, it is a failure on my part.”

“I think the failure resides within Den Thelyss.” Leylas interjected, giving her lover a soft look before offering an empathetic look to Essek, which Essek had no idea how to deal with. Very rarely did he see the Bright Queen look empathetic. “It is their duty to report such behaviors, even of their umavi.”

“To that, I can agree.” Essek hummed. Thinking of the den’s loyalty to his mother, Essek remembered what Mollymauk called them and swallowed.

He could tell them what Molly had pointed out to him, but would they think he was exaggerating? Would they think he was making light of their nation’s hardships dealing with the cults of Lolth?

Maybe it would show the mindset of Den Thelyss, though. Maybe they would see how deep Den Thelyss’ devotion to his mother ran.

“I, ah… I told a friend of Caleb’s about my childhood semi-recently.” Essek confessed, straightening his posture. Anxiety burned his blood. He considered naming Mollymauk but refrained, not wanting to drag them into this mess as well. “They had a similar experience growing up, and I was in need of advice. They likened our respective families to cults, Your Majesty, and I must admit that the more I think about it, the more I believe it to have worrying accuracies. Den Thelyss is akin to a cult in some ways, and Umavi Thelyss is their leader.”

Leylas Kryn’s beautiful face turned grave and serious. She shared another look with her wife, who was also now looking particularly displeased by the revelation. In their distant past lives they saw the cults of Lolth and the weeding of corrupted dens once her worship was banned. The mention of a cult, even if it wasn’t Lolth, was alarming and brought back memories.

“That is quite the accusation, Shadowhand.” The Bright Queen remarked warningly, meeting Essek’s gaze. Where he expected a steeled gaze, he found gold, a soft metal willing to be molded with the right words, but metal nonetheless. It was imploring him to think critically before confirming his assertion.

“I’m aware.” Essek nodded grimly. “That is why I say they are akin to a cult, and not fully a cult. There are worrying aspects they share in common, but they don’t share all aspects.”

“What do they share?” Quana pressed, leaning forward slightly, jacketed elbows bracing on her trouser-covered knees. “Why do you believe this analogy to be accurate?”

“Deirta is charismatic and persuasive.” Essek began to list. “Loyalty to the den and to her is most important, above any individual needs, and she uses the Luxon as her tool to persuade obedience. You are expected to do as she says, when she says, without question, or you incur her wrath. And, as we’ve discovered by Verin and I leaving, if you leave you are stalked and harassed incessantly.”

Another shared look between the leaders of Den Kryn.

“It is also encouraged that den members stay in the mansion with Deirta, which she harkens to her appreciation of old Dynasty tradition. My brother and I believe it’s so she may control who talks to who and what information is shared throughout the den. She allows den members to talk with people outside the den, granted, but internal den discussion is heavily regulated by her. I would not be surprised if many of them didn’t know she had been convicted and sentenced and thought instead that she had been released with no sanctions. And, I know that when I moved out, it was under the condition that Deirta owned the residence I stayed in. She, unsurprisingly, did not give my brother the same condition when the time came.” Essek gave a slight smirk. “Once I became Shadowhand, I gave her the ultimatum of giving me the tower or I would leave the den, leveraging my newfound political sway as the dunamantic prodigy in your court. She did not like the idea of losing control of me completely, so she begrudgingly relinquished the tower. Although, if you confront her about it, she’s under the adamant delusion that it’s still hers.”

Quana leaned back and exhaled, and Leylas stared at Essek with a blank expression, processing everything.

“Things are… genuinely that grave?” Quana reluctantly asked, near solemn. Essek’s smirk of pride faded into a light frown.

“I’m afraid so, Dusk Captain.” Essek smoothed his trousers. “However, I’m also afraid I must now request this meeting be cut short and revisited another day, if you are both amenable. I’ve final preparations for the procession in need of doing, and if all goes according to plan, you should have evidence of this issue far before the month is over. Unless you have more urgent questions for me?”

“I do not, Shadowhand.” Essek was surprised to see the Bright Queen give the faintest genuine smile toward him. “I hope you and your partner enjoy the gala.”

“I’m sure we will, Your Majesty. And I hope you both enjoy the gala as well.” Essek stood and bowed to the Bright Queen, and then bowed to Quana as she stood. “Dusk Captain.”

Quana bowed in return and Essek took his leave, retreating to his office.

Caleb sat alone in the office, staring into the middle distance, for a few minutes before a knock startled him. Standing up, he went over to the door and opened it slightly, relieved to find two finely dressed familiar faces waiting on the other side.

Verin was wearing a formal military uniform, which Caleb had learned from Essek was the same one the Taskhand had worn to these events for years, ever since he became a court official. It was silver with purple accents, decorated with medals denoting his station and accomplishments pinned to his chest, perfectly kept and cared for. His long white hair was down for once, some of it braided, and there was a gathered bun of hair pinned in place at the crown of his head with a beautiful silver and diamond studded claw clip securing it at the base, the bottom of the clip forming an upside down white tulip. Dangling from it was a delicate silver chain ending at two white beads to form a tassel.

The hair clip was to match Mollymauk’s corsage of white tulips. Mollymauk was wearing a form-fitting black evening gown with a thigh slit, a corsage of white tulips around one wrist and a fancy gold bracelet with opal gemstones around the other, and their piercings were filled by beautiful gold jewelry, all of which were no doubt gifts from Verin. Their solid red eyes were lined with black with white eyeshadow and their lips were skillfully painted and glossy, a black upper lip bleeding down into an white iridescent and glittery collection of colors, like ink subfusing over a prism.

They both looked remarkable, but Caleb was admittedly a bit too focused on not fucking up a second time.

“Come in,” He offered, opening up the door and gesturing inside, “he’ll be back soon.”

“What do you mean?” Mollymauk asked before Verin could, following their partner. “Where’d he go?”

“It is, ah, part of why we called you up here.” Caleb licked his lip nervously.

“What does this have to do with Deirta?” Verin asked bluntly, and furrowed his brow when Caleb grew even more nervous. “Caleb, what does this have to do with my mother?”

“Essek wished to tell you himself.” Caleb swallowed. “He-He should be back any second.”

“And why can’t you tell me?” Verin argued, narrowing his gaze.

“Darlin’, give the lad a break.” Mollymauk’s thickened accent, coupled with a well-manicured hand pressing on Verin’s shoulder to push him gently to the side, broke the tension between the other two. Caleb wondered why Mollymauk was looking at him with concern until his friend touched his cheek and jaw, turning his face so they could see one of his eyes in the light. “Have you been cryin’, Magician? What’s wrong?”

Caleb’s jaw tensed and he looked down, eyes falling to the makeup palette that Essek had been ready to use, emotions swirling confusingly in his head. Words were difficult to make sense of while dealing with a maelstrom in his chest.

“Is my brother in trouble?” Verin demanded, but his tone had softened somewhat.

“Nein, no.” Caleb shook his head. “Essek isn’t in any trouble.”

“Are you in trouble?” Mollymauk tried. Painted eyes fell to where Caleb was staring.

“I… probably should be, but no.” Caleb smiled a little self-deprecatingly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Verin put his hands on his hips, tilting his head. Caleb shrank.

“It means you should stop interrogating my partner, dalninuk.”

Everyone glanced up as Essek stepped into his office and closed the door that they’d mistakenly left open.

“Essek, what is going on?” Verin rounded on his brother. Essek smiled at Mollymauk, softly nudging them out of the way, and Mollymauk stepped back so Essek could guide Caleb to sit on the desk.

“Sit down, dear. We don’t have much time.”

“Essek.”

The Shadowhand picked up his brush and palette and gently tilted Caleb’s chin to get his lover’s face at the right angle. He then picked a slightly darker skin tone color to Caleb’s pale skin and got to work adding it to the outer thirds of both eyes.

“Essek.”

“I’m aware that’s my name, brother.” Essek hummed. “Patience.”

“What’s this about mother?” Verin demanded. “Why has your partner been crying?”

“You cried since I left?” Essek asked Caleb, instantly worried and confused, pulling his hands back. Caleb shook his head.

“They saw my eyes.” The Zemnian gestured to his irritated waterline and red scleras.

“Oh.” Essek relaxed, relieved. He casted a chastising look at his brother. “You had me worried, Verin.” The Shadowhand went back to applying makeup to Caleb’s eyelids, explaining, “Mother apparently went to the Queen and tried to get Caleb in trouble. I won’t go into details, as it pertains to the topic Caleb wishes not to discuss, but Caleb managed to set the record straight, and in doing so, he took the chance to get Mother in trouble.”

Essek picked up another brush and patted a soft touch of burgundy to the center third of Caleb’s upper lid, setting about blending it out at the edges afterward.

“He told her about her true nature, and she believed him, Ver. She believes me.”

Verin’s and Molly’s eyes widened with surprise.

“Seriously?!” Mollymauk exclaimed. “Moonweaver’s tits, oh my gods - what’s she gonna do? Did she say?”

“Therein lies the catch, unfortunately.” Essek picked up the gold liner, also specifically bought with Caleb in mind, and went about carefully adding the liner, warning his partner with a soft. “Open your eyes halfway and brace yourself, darling.”

Caleb took a breath and did as Essek requested. It had been many years, but keeping still for Essek was nothing compared to keeping still for Dr. Ikithon. Or even Astrid, honestly, the times she had bribed Caleb into allowing her to practice her makeup on him when they were kids. Essek was so gentle Caleb doubted he would’ve been able to tell if it wasn’t for the brush entering his vision.

“We have to provide her with tangible proof of the claims that Caleb leveled, which was that she didn’t confide in the Queen out of loyalty and that she abused us, specifically me, as children. We have to show her true colors, and we have a month to do it.”

Verin cursed under his breath and wiped a hand down his face, beginning to pace. Mollymauk excitedly said, accent momentarily thickening again, “That’s feckin’ grand news, lad. Whatcha need from us?”

“I cannot believe I’m saying this, but I’m going to need you to unblock her number, Ver, and I will do the same.” Essek told his brother. He heard the pacing abruptly stop. “I’m going to send her a singular vague text, ignore her for the rest of the night, and no doubt she will be watching the broadcast or will see the news later and find your date unacceptable - no offense, Mollymauk.”

“None taken, love. I’d have to give a flying feck about her opinion first.”

Essek grinned. “Regardless, though, I’m sure she’ll have opinions on both of our partners, and they will be bad. And Verin? Make her see red. Say whatever you want, knowing it will probably show up in court, mind you, but say enough to piss her off and let her dig her own grave. And tonight, stay in my tower with Caleb and I. Both of you. In fact, tell her you’ll be doing so. You disobeying her, the public spectacle of both her estranged sons with Empire partners…” Essek trailed off, letting his brother fill in the blank.

“The result will be explosive.” Verin breathed.

“And she will do what she always does.” Essek set down the liner, glancing over at Verin with a dastardly grin. “She will take it out on me.”

“You don’t mean physically, ja?” Caleb worriedly interjected.

“Oh, I would love to see her try.” Essek stroked Caleb’s cheek with his thumb, the mastermind’s grin shifting into something loving. “Let her try, if it comes to it. I can make her pay for it afterward.”

“I don’t want her to hurt you.” Caleb argued, wary of Essek’s plan, seeing a similar argument in Verin’s eyes in the brief glance they shared. Essek combed his fingers through Caleb’s beard.

“I know.” He whispered, his smile turning a bit sad. “But we will only get one chance before she catches wise. It’s all or nothing.”

“Take it from the expert, Magician.” Mollymauk stepped up and fanned Caleb’s eyes, which reflexively closed to protect them from drying out, black iridescent fake nails clicking gently against each other as they dried Caleb’s eyeliner. “Coppers don’t give a bloody fuck what happens behind closed doors until it gets physical, and even then they’ll want proof you didn’t do it to yourself. If it means living in peace, you gotta take the gamble.”

“Surely threatening physical harm will be enough, though?” Verin interjected in a nervous laugh. “Surely you’re not going to let her hit you, right Es?”

“It would not be the first time I let her, Verin.” Essek sighed, looking over his shoulder at his brother. His eyes held the secrets that he was too afraid to tell him, as well as a determination that was more than a little intimidating. “But it will be the last.”

Verin thought of the older boy begging him silently with frightened violet-blue eyes to just shut up and let it happen, and he felt anger flare in his chest.

“You are not doing this again.” Verin growled, and it sucked the air from the room. Caleb and Mollymauk both looked completely taken aback, and even Essek was surprised. Verin was not one to get angry enough to snarl his words.

“Doing what again?” Essek stepped closer to Verin, confusion and concern in his eyes.

“Taking the punishment for me.” Verin snapped with a deep scowl and shook his head. “I’m not going to let you get hurt for me.”

“It’s for us, Ver. Not just you.”

“I don’t care, you’re not doing it!”

“Okay, okay.” Essek lightly grasped Verin by the shoulders. The reflex to comfort and soothe when Verin was upset was ingrained into his soul, now, and he was doing it immediately without thought. When thought followed, he realized his brother’s outburst reminded him of Caleb in the times when his partner was triggered, or of that time when Verin was little and tried to drag him away from their mother’s wrath. Clearly Essek stepped over a line and salted a wound he didn’t realize was there.

“I can’t be the reason you get hurt.” Verin exhaled, begging. “Not again. Please.”

“Shh, dalninuk.” Essek soothed, pulling him into a hug. Verin was a full grown drow man, but in that moment he was nothing but Essek’s baby brother. “You won’t. I’m sorry I asked that of you, I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry.”

Verin sniffed and hugged his shorter brother back, feeling a familiar hand with long nails rubbing his shoulder blade.

“I think Essek’s idea has merit, though, love.” Mollymauk argued softly. “If you two unblock her, maybe I could be extra lovey-dovey with my handsome lad and piss her off that way? I don’t mind being the bad guy.”

“Neither do I.” Caleb added softly, standing up from the desk. He rested a hand on Essek’s lower back, smiling reassuringly at him when his boyfriend leaned away from his brother to look at him. “If I have learned anything from dealing with people like your mother, it is that they are their angriest when you are at your happiest. So tonight, we are happy.”

Essek smiled and nodded. “Tonight we are happy.”

He could not explain the depths of appreciation he had for his partner and his friend. The likelihood that he could have ever even dreamed of doing this without them was so small it might as well not exist. They made this dream possible, and Essek was emboldened enough to finally try.

“That does not fix the problem of her targeting you.” Verin countered, not totally convinced. Essek’s smile wavered.

“She’s going to target me regardless of what we do or don’t do, Ver. That isn’t going to change.” Essek sighed, pulling out his phone. He went to his blocked numbers and unblocked his mother, swallowing down the flash of panic in his chest from doing so. “We just need to make her angry enough that she acts on it without thinking, and we need to capture it on camera.”

Looking at Essek’s hands, Mollymauk got an idea.

“Wait!”

Everyone stopped and watched Mollymauk slip off one of their simpler, more masculine-passing rings and grab Verin’s right hand.

“Sorry to move us along so quickly, love,” Mollymauk joked as they slipped the ring onto Verin’s ring finger, and Caleb’s eyes widened with understanding, “but what’ll really make her panic is seeing a ring on your finger.”

“What?” Verin furrowed his brow, confused.

Having spent enough time around Zemnian culture, Essek snorted. “Mollymauk, we’re trying to anger her, not give her a heart attack.”

“Ey, takes care of the problem one way or another, ye?” Mollymauk grinned toothily, accent thickening with their mischievousness.

“What are you talking about?”

“Mollymauk is wanting Mother to think you’re engaged, Verin.” Essek gestured to Mollymauk’s right hand, ignoring how his brother’s eyes widened. “If you two were engaged you wouldn’t be wearing any other jewelry on your right hand. Kryn custom.”

“Shite. Alright, fine.” Mollymauk took off the less flashy ring and moved the other to his ring finger, holding the ring out for Caleb. “You want to get in on this too, Magician?”

“I’ve already got one.” Caleb remarked, switching his fidget ring to the correct finger.

“You, Hot Boi?”

“I think I’ve got something that looks close enough to steel, one second.” Essek rushed over to his desk where he kept his court jewelry and grabbed the flashiest silver ring he could find, putting it on. A part of him couldn’t believe they were doing this, but it was too good an idea to pass up. Essek could barely imagine his mother’s fury at such a sight and wondered briefly if she’d be angry enough to show up at the gala personally.

“We’ve got three minutes. We should go.” Caleb warned, watching Mollymauk put their spare ring in their black and gold mini purse.

“You know everyone is going to notice, right?” Verin wiggled his ring finger. “They’re going to gossip about us.”

“Let them. They’ll send her congratulations, as is custom, no?” Essek flashed a grin at his brother. Mollymauk cackled gleefully at Essek’s plan.

“That’s diabolical, brother.” Verin couldn’t hide the small grin of amusement he had.

“No worse than she’s been. She can pretend to appreciate my partner and I for a night.” Essek grabbed Caleb’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “Now let’s hurry or we’ll miss the procession.”

They left Essek’s office, the Shadowhand locking it behind them, and Caleb and Essek overheard Mollymauk whispering to Verin,

“Don’t worry, love. This is just to piss your mum off.”

Deciding not to butt into a conversation very clearly not meant for their ears, Essek led the way to the foyer, silently thinking of Naevyn. He’d need to apologize to Verin for encouraging Mollymauk’s impromptu engagement plan later.

Chapter Text

Since they arrived just barely on time, the procession to the other building was starting. Essek glimpsed some familiar faces, namely Uraya and one of Uraya’s close friends already walking toward the exit, and dragged Caleb past the jabbering individuals not paying attention or doing quick wardrobe checks, almost all of which stopped to watch him and Caleb walk by. Essek couldn’t get their little group close enough to stand with Uraya, but it was better than being at the back. He wanted to ensure pictures and video were actually taken of him this year, solely so his mother would see and be furious.

Heart racing, he scanned the crowd, but Caleb rested a hand on his lower back to steady him as they walked forward.

“Ignore him, dear.” Caleb whispered, leaning into Essek’s ear. He knew exactly who Essek was worrying about. “He is Future Essek and Future Caleb’s problem.”

Essek swallowed down his fear and anxiety and nodded sharply, facing ahead again. “Y-You’re right. You’re right.”

“We’ve fought an entire hag coven and won.” Caleb clasped Essek’s hand, lacing their fingers together, and then patted it. “I think we can handle one disgruntled ex.”

The tiny exhale of air that escaped Essek’s lips in a nervous laugh made Caleb smile.

Caleb was right. Essek had fought harder battles since Durth and won. Besides, Essek had bigger things to worry about - like putting on a show for his mother.

“I love you.” Caleb whispered. He pecked a kiss to his partner’s temple, carefully avoiding his dangling ear jewelry. Essek smiled at Caleb in a way that made butterflies rise into his throat.

“I love you too, d’anthe.” Essek kissed his boyfriend’s bristly cheek and squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”

Caleb wanted to ask what he was being thanked for, but they were near the exit and he could hear cameras clicking. He swallowed down his anxiety and let it roil in his stomach, putting on a believable facade of not internally panicking.

Thank the divine Essek was not a popular figure. In fact, most of the paparazzi seemed to ignore them entirely, barely even looking at them. But Caleb knew someone was likely watching them very closely, and that was perhaps worse than a bunch of strangers taking pictures and videos of them.

Caleb peeked at Essek. Etiquette for the procession was strict, compared to the loosened restraints for the actual gala. Partners were expected to limit contact to hand holding or walking arm-in-arm and brief cheek pecks, nothing on the mouth and no other touching. Since Caleb refused to embarrass Essek, or ruin the respect he just fought to get with the Bright Queen, he did the next best thing, which he happened to be very good at:

Admiring Essek as if he set the world in motion.

He was beautiful. And gods he was brilliant beyond measure. Caleb wanted nothing more than to whisk him away to his tower, where they could shut the door and be far from anyone’s opinion or prying eyes. He wanted to take him apart with absolute reverence for every piece, like a museum curator handling fragile works of art with gloved hands and silk pillows. Essek wasn’t fragile, but the drow deserved to be treated like a masterpiece.

Essek caught his boyfriend staring, but Caleb didn’t stop. Just smiled adoringly and delighted in the blush that rose to Essek’s cheeks.

“You’re such a romantic.” Essek playfully complained, holding onto Caleb’s arm as he held Caleb’s hand, being sure to place his right hand over Caleb’s arm so the ring was easier to see.

“Do you think if I pay one of them that they’ll take a picture of us and send it to me?” Caleb asked, still smiling like a lovesick fool.

“No, they’ll just pocket the money.” Essek laughed softly, patting Caleb’s arm. “Wait for when we get inside. There’s usually a photographer or two that takes advantage of a group of rich people dressed up wanting their photos taken.”

Caleb grinned, thinking of something they mentioned in one of their rounds on their anniversary, and leaned into Essek’s ear to whisper in a soft breath,

“I’m no photographer, but there’s some pictures I’d love to take myself.” Caleb heard Essek swallow and grinned wider. “I think that’d be a good way to lustrate the new apartment, don’t you think? Certainly more… intimate than a housewarming party.”

Essek stared at the back of the person ahead of them, hopeful that ten feet was enough of a lead that they weren’t hearing anything.

“You are a menace and a scoundrel.”

“That’s not a no.”

“A procession in front of cameras is not the place to ask, d’anthe.”

“It is if you’re trying to make your partner blush.” Caleb kissed Essek’s cheek, wishing he could kiss him properly. “I’m just trying to get you flustered for the camera, darling. And maybe a little for myself.”

Essek’s ears turned a dark indigo, and he tried and failed to not let a smile curl his lips. “Well you’re doing an excellent job, Professor.”

Caleb laughed softly and stroked his thumb over Essek’s hand. “Better or worse than Molaesmyr?”

“Depends on the metric, but I’d say perfect for our circumstance.” Essek blushed a little darker before leaning in and whispering into Caleb’s ear, soft enough that Caleb almost didn’t hear him, “Get me hard in front of these cameras and it’ll be your turn to bite your hand, Widogast.”

Caleb swallowed, blood burning at the threat and the mental imagery that spiraled out from those words. He was immediately reminded of a purple palm between fanged teeth, and Caleb felt his Zemnian face flush.

Essek grinned smugly when Caleb failed to say anything else for the rest of the procession.

After everyone filtered into the dining room, the Bright Queen gave a short gratitude speech, the Dusk Captain by her side. Caleb was surprised there was an actual dining room that they were using, although it was large enough that Caleb wondered if it could even be called a dining room anymore. Multiple tables with six chairs each were set up with fine cloths and floral arrangements, and it appeared as though seating blessedly wasn’t arranged. He’d never realized how large the court of the Bright Queen was until somewhere upwards of thirty people were milling about finding seats.

Apparently a plan had been telepathically made by Uraya and Essek during the speech because once the room returned the bow that the Bright Queen gave to them, Essek was dragging Caleb and Verin to follow Uraya and their plus one. They swarmed a table and, with all the seats taken up and Durth spotted facing away from them, Essek relaxed significantly into his plush vermaloc chair.

“Everything alright, dear?” Caleb asked, resting a hand on Essek’s knee under the cloth table cover as he settled into his own chair beside his partner.

Essek blinked and looked at Caleb’s concerned face. “Oh, yes, I’m fine. I just - I’m relieved Durth didn’t take this opportunity to sit with us and force a conversation.”

“Ah.” Caleb patted Essek’s thigh before resting his hand back in his own lap. “I am relieved as well.”

“I know it doesn’t mean he won’t still attempt, but at least I don’t have to worry about it for the next hour or two.”

“Liebling, if Durth tries to force a conversation at any point,” Caleb reassured, “I can take the lead if you get overwhelmed. Don’t worry about it. Try to be happy and enjoy the night.”

Essek sighed.

They tried to eat dinner, they really did. Anxiety was making both of Caleb and Essek’s appetites far smaller, though, so they barely ate any of the food that was plated for them. They picked at what they could to mitigate the wine they were drinking and prevent upset stomachs. Looking across the table, it seemed like Verin was having an equally tough time stomaching food.

Uraya asked why everyone was struggling to eat, unable to help but notice, and Essek explained about the meeting with the Bright Queen before trying desperately to talk about literally anything else. 

After a little more than an hour, Essek leaned into Caleb’s ear and whispered, “I’ll be right back.”

“Oh, are you headed to the restroom?” Caleb asked hopefully.

“Yes?”

“Let me join you.” Caleb wiped his mouth and set his napkin down. “I need to go as well and I’ve got no idea where it is.”

“Promise you’re not doing this because Durth is here?” Essek teased, but he was being serious as well.

“Nein, I’m not, but that’s another good reason for me to go with you.” Caleb took Essek’s hand in his, smiling reassuringly. “Lead the way, mein schatz.”

Essek led them through the sea of tables, and Caleb felt his hold tighten as they passed by a particular one. He glanced at them but didn’t notice anyone that matched Essek’s description of his ex, and suppressed the urge to turn around and look for him.

“Everything alright?” He whispered once they were through the crowded tables and were able to stand side-by-side again.

“I think so.” Essek confessed. “I saw the Skysybil watching me.”

“Is that bad?”

“The Skysybil is perhaps the umavi closest to being a truly perfect soul.” Essek reassured Caleb. “I’m not worried about her watching me, necessarily, but I’m worried she will draw attention to me. She’s Durth’s umavi.”

Caleb nodded slightly, understanding. “I see. And was Durth sitting with her?”

“Yes.”

“Best make our adventure short and sweet, then.”

They stepped into the hallway and Essek led them away, deciding to take Caleb to a less-frequented restroom further from the dining room. Hopefully if Durth decided to follow and try to confront him, he’d go to the wrong bathroom.

“I didn’t need an escort, you know.” Essek remarked as they stepped inside.

“Darling, I promise, you are the one escorting me, not the other way around.” Caleb squeezed Essek’s hand before letting it go and heading to one of the urinals. “I’m just as anxious as you are.”

“Why could that be, I wonder?” Essek sarcastically grumbled, thinking of the Bright Queen.

“I’ve no idea.” Caleb bantered with a light smirk. He was immensely grateful that the ambush interrogation was over, and was trying to not think too hard on the consequences lest he make himself even more anxious. “So, after the gala, we’re returning to yours?”

“Yes. Which, um, I apologize for not asking if I could invite Verin and Molly.”

“It’s your tower, liebe, you can invite whomever you want.”

“I know, but I’m aware there’s a certain… expectation, after nights like this.”

“I suppose, but we’ve never let obstacles like that stop us before.” Caleb winked at him and went to wash his hands. “Besides, I think it would do us good to have a sleepover with Verin and Mollymauk. Especially after a day like today.”

“That’s true.” Essek smiled, imagining sitting in the living room cuddled up with Caleb, Molly cuddled up with Verin, and everyone watching a movie in the dark. “We’ll see how much energy we have after this shitshow of a day.”

“Speaking of, dinner was wonderful but I admit I was too anxious to eat most of it and I’ll probably be hungry again.” Caleb sheepishly confessed, drying his hands as Essek washed his.

“Oh, I am very much in the same boat, d’anthe, don’t feel guilty.” Essek laughed, a hint of nerves to his tone that Caleb was unfortunately growing used to tonight. “I think we’ll both be too tired to cook, however.”

“Takeout it is?”

“Takeout it is. Should we ask Molly and Verin if they want something? I think Ver ate even less than us.”

“It doesn’t hurt to ask.”

They walked out together, and Essek was admittedly surprised that Durth hadn’t made an appearance. He wondered if maybe his ex hadn’t noticed him leaving, and hoped that he didn’t care about Essek being happier with someone else, that it wasn’t the blow to his ego that Essek thought it’d be.

Until they rounded a corner and found a drow man around Essek’s age and about Caleb’s height, muscular and refined in a silver military uniform with fine short white hair combed neatly to one side, standing at the entrance they’d used. He had an angular jaw and gentle but handsome features, but truthfully Caleb wouldn’t have known him to be any different from any other drow he’d seen if it wasn’t for the scar bisecting his left brow. He was attractive, sure, but in the way that most if not all drow were attractive thanks to elven genetics, not exceptionally so like Essek or Verin.

Essek immediately backed up and dragged Caleb with him, and it was a stroke of luck that Caleb’s hyperactive startle response didn’t make him yelp and screw them over.

“He’s there.” Essek whispered. Caleb’s expression fell and he held Essek’s hand.

“How perceptive is your ex?”

“Not very.” Essek huffed, giving a little laugh at a joke that Caleb wasn’t privy to, thinking of the times he sulked waiting for Durth to notice. Caleb let go of Essek’s hand long enough to pull his suit jacket open a little and duck a hand inside, and Essek furrowed his brow. “What are you doing?”

“Just a brief Invisibility, don’t fret.”

“Don’t!” Essek grabbed Caleb’s wrist. “The building is warded.”

Caleb wondered what that had to do with anything until he put together something rather important.

“Oh. And I assume by your reaction any magic will ‘set off the alarm’ so to speak?”

“You’d assume correctly.”

“Scheiße.” Caleb sighed, tucking his component back into its pocket. “Well, we’ll have to do this the hard way then.”

Caleb held Essek’s hand, lacing their fingers together, and stepped toward the corner to round it. Essek yanked on his arm and pulled him back again.

“We can’t just walk past him!” The drow squeaked, baffled by Caleb’s confidence and fearful in equal measure.

“Sure we can. What is he going to do, liebling? Insult us? Threaten us?” Caleb stroked Essek’s jaw. “Surely he’s smart enough not to start a fight within eyesight of everyone.”

Essek’s jaw clenched beneath Caleb’s hand, and Caleb studied Essek’s deeply thoughtful eyes as he stroked his thumb over tense muscles.

He was afraid, and Caleb couldn’t understand why. Essek himself had stated that his ex was no fool, and he wasn’t physically abusive, just had a temper and a cutting way with words, like…

Oh.

It finally clicked.

“Essek?”

Violet-blue eyes tentatively peeked up from under long white lashes at Caleb. Caleb smiled softly, eyes crinkling slightly, and he held Essek’s chin with a light touch as he kissed an indigo forehead. Chapped pink lips lingered there, an auburn beard scratching soft skin as Essek’s eyes fell closed and his body sagged with relaxation, and Caleb whispered against his skin,

“Nothing he tells me will make me walk away from you. I promise.”

Essek’s heart ached like Caleb had poured salt on a wound, painful warmth blossoming through his chest.

“You are not the same man with me that you were with him.” Caleb cupped Essek’s face. “I know you. I love you, sharp tongue and sharper wit included.”

Essek layered his hand over Caleb’s on his cheek and leaned into the comfort, keeping his eyes closed and basking in the affection. If it wasn’t for the ambient sounds of conversation and classical music bouncing down the hall, Essek could’ve pretended they were somewhere else, somewhere isolated. Somewhere better than this.

“And who knows, maybe we’ve stood here long enough that he went back inside.” Caleb smiled when Essek smiled. “But we’ve got to return at some point.”

“I know.” Essek peeled his eyes open hesitantly and his smile faded. “You’re right.”

“And I promise, dear, if there is anything he says that I actually end up having a concern with, I’m not him.” Caleb reminded Essek, ducking his head a little to meet Essek’s lowered gaze. “I’m not going to give you the silent treatment like a teenager that hasn’t figured out emotions yet.”

As he expected, Caleb poking fun at Durth’s inadequacy made Essek smile again, and Caleb smiled in return.

“I’ll talk to you about it. Okay?”

“Okay.” Essek sounded far more confident than he had just seconds ago. Caleb squeezed his hand.

He leaned out from the corner, and was relieved when he didn’t see Durth.

“It seems the guard left his post.” Caleb pulled Essek along. “Come, liebling. Dinner, dance, then home.”

Dinner, dance, home, Essek repeated to himself silently, quickly following Caleb.

The end of dinner was upon them, other tables rising to move to the ballroom across the hall, and Caleb noticed Essek’s head tilted down toward his lap, hand curled over his mouth and looking at his phone. Raising an eyebrow, Caleb peeked at the screen and saw text after text of Undercommon, recognizing the name of Essek’s mother at the top of the screen.

“Liebling?”

“Mhm?” Essek hummed, not looking up from his phone.

“Don’t let her upset you.”

Essek finally glanced at him, and there was a determination there that Caleb recognized from working in Molaesmyr with him.

“Oh, I’m not.” Essek lowered his hand from his face and gave Caleb a reassuring smile. Caleb could see pain in his eyes, though. “I’m plotting.”

“Oh?”

“She’s already confirmed she noticed Verin and I wearing rings and is not too happy about that, and is getting increasingly irate the longer I don’t respond to her. I’m trying to decide if I want to argue with her to egg her on or leave her on read.”

“I think it would anger her most to be acknowledged, but not engaged with.” Caleb suggested. “Something a little more involved than being left on read, but something less than an argument.”

“Hmm… Well, when we were in my office I had the idea of taking one of those cutesy engagement photos of the rings and sending it to her? Maybe something like that?”

“Ja, maybe - perhaps a picture of us being happy.”

“Would you be willing to do that?” Essek asked, wrapping an arm under Caleb’s to hold onto it.

“Be happy with you? Of course, schatzi.”

“You know,” Uraya interjected, sitting next to Essek, unable to help listening in, “I could take a group picture of you all. There’s hardly anyone around us to get angry at the formal faux-paux, but your mother doesn’t know that.”

“That’s a brilliant idea, Uraya, thank you.” Essek handed over his phone.

“It’s no issue. I’ve been wanting to put her in her place for decades.” Uraya took the offered phone and got up from the table. Their friend joined them, stepping out of the picture, and Molly and Verin finally noticed what was happening and Molly beamed, perking up like the peacock they were.

“Oo, a group picture?” Molly adjusted their sitting posture and finger brushed their hair, preening in preparation.

“To send to Deirta.” Essek explained, adjusting his suit jacket around his waist. He felt Caleb’s hand rest on his thigh and fought not to blush. “So look extra happy.”

“Not hard to do.” Molly flirted, winking at Verin and leaning close. The tips of Verin’s ears darkened and he held Mollymauk’s hand.

“Is this okay?” Caleb whispered to Essek, tapping his fingers against Essek’s thigh to signal what he was referring to. Essek layered his hand over Caleb’s and laced their fingers together, feeling the cool steel ring pressing against his own. Caleb gave Essek’s fingers a little squeeze, a silent understanding of Essek’s permission.

“Everyone ready?” Uraya waited a few seconds and then took several photos. Everyone relaxed when the Starguide lowered their arms.

“Send those to me, too.” Molly ordered Essek, near giddy.

“Consider it done.” Essek smiled at them, then at Uraya, whispering a soft thank you as Uraya handed the phone back.

“I think it’s time we join everyone else in the ballroom.” Uraya said, a slight smile to their lips.

Essek nearly groaned, but Caleb looked beyond excited. Mollymauk laughed.

“You look like you just won the lottery, magic man.”

“Because he just did.” Essek grumbled, standing up. “You get one dance, Widogast.”

“You’re not drunk enough for two, then?”

“Not in the slightest.”

“Don’t worry, I’m happy to fill his place.” Molly winked at Caleb and Caleb chuckled, standing up as everyone else did.

“Careful with the flirting, Molly. These people don’t know you like we do.” Caleb warned warmly. Molly adjusted their dress before holding onto Verin’s arm.

“I am being careful! I’m fully aware these high society pricks can’t handle me.” Molly flipped their hair back with a hand and grinned as the others laughed with fond eye rolls.

Molly leaned in and whispered something into Verin’s ear, and Caleb grinned knowingly when Verin blushed bright violet. Perhaps the night would go well after all.

Chapter Text

Essek graced Caleb with their singular dance, suit jackets removed and laying safely beside Uraya and their friend at one of the tables lining a beautiful polished stone wall, and as he unfortunately expected their dance turned heads. He could see people, his fellow court members, gossiping to each other, looking at or gesturing to him. He even caught Durth’s pale grey eyes over Caleb’s shoulder, the other drow dancing nearby with his date, someone Essek thankfully didn’t know and didn’t care to know.

The second he realized who he was meeting gazes with, Essek swiftly looked away, focusing back on Caleb's cobalt blues. Caleb noticed the slight panic in Essek’s irises and smiled, playful and comforting.

“He’s just jealous you’ll dance for me and not him, schatzi.” Caleb murmured, adjusting his hand placement holding Essek’s. “Ready for the dip?”

Essek’s anxiety shot into his throat. Under his breath but audible enough for Caleb to hear it, he exhaled, “O-Oh Light, okay.”

“Relax, liebling.” Caleb brought Essek in close and whispered into his ear, “If they’re going to stare, why not show off a little? Why not have a little fun?”

Essek’s cheeks blushed. “You drive a hard bargain, Caleb.”

“That’s not the only hard thing I can drive for you.” Caleb kissed his cheek, slyly shifting his hold around Essek’s hand to wrap his fingers around three of Essek’s. To anyone else, it would’ve looked like a simple, brief mistake, but Essek could feel how Caleb squeezed on the upstroke before readjusting to hold his hand again, whispering flirtily into his long pointed ear as he did so, “I’ll drive your stick shift anytime, liebling.” 

“Caleb.” Essek’s face was violet when Caleb pulled back. His boyfriend laughed, eyes crinkling. 

The Zemnian led him into a spin, and Essek tried his best to relax and not overthink the movements. Arm over Caleb’s, Caleb’s thick hand on his shoulder blade, Essek’s other arm being guided to Caleb’s ribs; the graviturgist leaned and let gravity and his trust in Caleb do the work.

With ease, like Essek was as light as a feather, Caleb slid his left foot out into a partial lean, bending his leg under Essek’s back to lay it over his thigh and give his partner something to brace against. He held that pose for a full second, staring down into Essek’s eyes, and his mischievous smile from showing off shifted into warm and loving, and Essek’s heart jumped.

Caleb pulled his partner upright and the room began to clap for the ending of the song. Essek was surprised when Caleb, following the Kryn custom for the dance, bowed to him, just as all the leads were bowing to their partners. So surprised that he almost forgot to bow back on his turn.

Offering his hand, Caleb politely walked Essek to Uraya, and Essek could feel his face burning.

“Don’t you have social anxiety?” Essek’s voice held an accusatory tone, ignoring Uraya clapping for their performance as they neared.

“Ja, but dancing is one of my few retreats from it. And I probably had too much wine.” Caleb squeezed Essek’s hand. “Molly wanted a dance as well. Is one last dance alright, or are you eager to leave?”

“Of course it’s alright, go dance.” Essek smiled, trying to not show his nervousness. They were in the home stretch, now. “I’ll take the time to use the restroom.”

Essek saw the flash of concern, but was silently grateful to Caleb that he didn’t voice it. His partner gave his cheek a bristly kiss and whispered, “Then I will be back in a few minutes. And think about what you want in regards to food. I’m incredibly hungry.”

Mollymauk and Verin were just starting to walk over to Caleb and Essek when Caleb turned, and Molly and Caleb smiled at each other as Verin went to sit down with Uraya and their things. Essek watched his partner offer his friend a hand and, like a gentleman, walk his dance partner out to the floor.

Luxon above, he needed to get away. He could barely appreciate how Caleb was thriving in the ballroom, and usually he loved to watch Caleb dance with Molly and Jester at sleepovers. He needed a quiet minute alone to decompress.

Of course, like a predator smelling blood on the wind, the moment that Essek walked out of the bathroom after taking his quiet minute alone in a stall, he came face-to-face with the one man he’d been avoiding all night.

Durth Mirimm, stoic faced and decorated in medals Essek was half-sure he didn’t earn, stood against the wall and pushed off it as the door opened and Essek stepped out into the hallway. Essek schooled his surprise and shoved his emotions deep down into his stomach.

This asshole could not have been more opportunistic if he tried.

“Hello, Shadowhand.” Durth’s voice was cool and controlled. Essek immediately distrusted it, raising an eyebrow.

“Shadowhand? Please, I thought we left the games behind, Durth.”

“I am just trying to be respectful.”

Essek bit his tongue, keeping his instinctive response of oh now you’re trying to be respectful in his head, and instead said, “If that’s the case, I assume there’s a reason you’ve cornered me outside the restroom?”

“I w-needed to talk to you, and you’ve avoided me all night.” Durth argued gently, ignoring Essek’s blatant sarcasm. Essek didn’t miss the slip up. Luxon forbid Durth tell Essek what he wants even after all this time.

“That is what people tend to do with their exes, yes.”

Durth rolled his eyes. Essek wasn’t surprised. Could this man do something that surprised him anymore?

“Are you truly still bitter about me breaking up with you?”

Essek laughed once, abrupt and incredulous. “Bitter? No. Confused as to why we’re talking about this seven years after the fact? Yes.”

“I’m not here to talk to you about our past.”

“Then pray tell why are you bothering me?”

“Believe it or not, I did care for you and I still do-”

“I don’t believe it, end of story.” Essek went to walk past and Durth stepped in the way.

“I’m concerned you’re taking the wrong path, Essek.” Durth, even when trying to appear comforting or kind, still looked impassively stoic. “Tying yourself to a human, and a Zemnian one no less? You are tanking your reputation.”

At one point in time, Essek would’ve cared very much about what Durth was saying. At one point in time, he would’ve cared even more about his reputation.

Essek, at this time, felt nothing.

“And you care about my reputation because…?”

“Because I care about you.” Durth answered, but it occurred to Essek what the real reason was as they stood alone in the hallway.

He supposed it would look bad, in Durth’s eyes at least, that after dating him Essek spent six years alone and then shacked up with a Zemnian, but that was hardly Essek’s fault or problem. His position didn’t rely on political opinion, and his den was dead to him. Essek wasn’t trying to impress anyone anymore.

“Uh huh.” Essek scoffed, completely disbelieving. “Sure you do.”

A flash of irritation in grey eyes made Essek’s heart stumble, but he ignored the conditioned response.

“I don’t believe you know who it is you’re engaged to, Essek.” Essek furrowed his brow, confused until he remembered the fake engagement ring on his finger. Durth mistook it for confusion as to what he meant, placing interest where there was none. “Widogast isn’t his name.”

Essek’s expression fell. How did…?

The pieces clicked together almost instantly and a horrible picture was made. Rage boiled his blood, but he suppressed it, channeling his court persona to keep himself in check.

“Oh?” He said, feigning confusion. As Durth opened his mouth to continue Essek pretended as if his phone notified him of something, and he pulled it out and whispered, “One second.”

Durth huffed with annoyance, no doubt watching his hands. Essek held it so he couldn’t see the screen, and he slid his thumb along the lockscreen like he was dismissing a call, and then he swiped up to open the camera app, miming typing a message before swiftly switching to video and pressing record. Done with his act, he wrapped his arm around his stomach, phone screen against his side and camera pointed at the bathroom. Essek was uncaring of the visual his camera was getting, more focused on selling the illusion that he wasn’t recording.

“Okay, I’m…” Essek laughed a little in mock shock, resting his elbow on his crossed arm and curling his fingers over his mouth. “What did you say?”

Unsurprisingly, Durth’s lip twitched with a snarl at repeating himself, his temper flaring. “Widogast is not his name.”

“And you know that because…?” Essek let his disbelief raise his voice a smidge, rolling his hand expectantly.

“I… don’t think it would be wise to say.” Durth shifted on his feet. “Just know I have it on good authority that your partner is not the man you think he is. Like most Zemnians.”

Essek held his breath, forcing himself not to growl. Durth was making it increasingly hard to play innocent and naive.

“What do you know?” He softened his voice into something conspiratorial, turning his back to the rest of the hall, as if to block anyone’s vision of their conversation.

“This is going to sound fake, but I’ve been shown evidence that his name was once Bren Ermun… Ermun-something. Something Zemnian.” The way Durth said that with disgust… Essek wasn’t a physically violent man, but he was increasingly willing to make an exception. “And that he used to be infamous in the Empire for being part of some kind of governmental experimentation program. One that was aiming to create assassins to infiltrate the Dynasty.”

“You’re right, that sounds fake.”

“I’ve seen the evidence, Essek.”

“And you, what, expect me to just believe you?” Essek tilted his head, baffled. “You won’t even tell me who told you, and you expect me to believe you. You, of all people, who has every reason to lie to me right now. What’s this evidence? Who told you?”

Durth gritted his teeth. He glanced over his shoulder, looking for anyone watching, and weighed his options.

Finally, finally, the Luxon looked down brightly upon Essek as Durth leaned in and whispered, “Your mother filed a public records request.”

“You’re lying. The Dwendalian Empire doesn’t permit Kryn IPs to even see government websites, let alone submit a records request to one.”

“That’s what she told me.” Durth raised his hands in mock surrender. “Regardless, I saw the records, and it’s your ginger wanre beyond a shadow of a doubt.”

“He is not my servant.” Essek snapped bitingly. He glared at Durth for a brief second, decided he got everything he could use, and unwrapped his arm from his stomach and ended the recording, remarking, “Well, I suppose it’s a good thing he already told me, isn’t it?”

Essek turned on his heel, spinning away from Durth, and started walking before Durth processed his surprise, the Shadowhand tucking his phone into his pants pocket again.

Durth’s feet padded after him, his ex yelling, “What?!”

“Thank you for your information. It was incredibly valuable.” Essek turned and walked backward a few paces, smiling at Durth condescendingly. “But worry about your own relationship, Mirimm. Mine is as solid as stone.”

Upon hearing the yell and not seeing Essek, Caleb ran into the hall and skidded to a stop, finding a smug Essek walking toward him. Concern and protective anger thrummed through Caleb’s body, and like an animal tamer Essek walked up and rested a hand over his deltoid, seeing Mollymauk and some other court members rushing up as fast as they could.

Before anyone could speak, Durth shouted at Essek, stomping down the hall, “He is a weapon!”

“He is a survivor,” Essek leveled a steeled gaze back at him, “and this matter has been settled with the Queen already.” Durth’s eyes turned to pale grey saucers. “Unless you wish to directly challenge the judgment of Umavi Kryn?”

Durth’s jaw clenched, fists opening and squeezing closed repeatedly at his sides.

“I thought not.” Essek hummed. He peeked briefly at the handful of court members watching him, one of them being the Skysibil, from the entrance to the ballroom. Wetting his lip, he weighed the pros and cons of what he was about to say before deciding fuck you and fuck reputations.

“You are a fool, Mirimm, for believing a viper’s words when she has poisoned us both time and time again. I refuse to have any part of that vicious cycle anymore, so if you wish to keep being bitten by her, that is for you to reap the repercussions of, not me. Never speak of her to me again. I have left the viper’s den, and I will not be dragged back in.” He turned his back to his ex, grabbing Caleb’s arm. “Come, d’anthe, let’s go home.”

“What’s this about your mother?” Caleb asked him softly, reluctant to walk away just yet, suspiciously eying Durth. Essek didn’t get the chance to answer.

“Es?” Verin took long strides toward them, concerned eyes flicking from Essek to his fellow Taskhand standing alone and vibrating with anger. He glanced back at his brother. “Are you alright?”

“Aside from being cornered outside the restroom, yes.” Essek huffed, glaring at Durth before nodding toward the ballroom, lowering his voice so only Caleb, Verin, and Molly could hear, “Let’s get our things and go. If I hear him say one more thing about Zemnians I’m turning his insides into outsides.”

“Yeah, let’s go.” Molly narrowed daggers at Durth before resting their hand on Essek’s back, guiding them toward the ballroom.

Verin stayed.

Molly didn’t realize he’d stayed until the trio were halfway to Uraya and Molly went to tell Verin something but found he wasn’t walking beside them. A cold wash of dread ran down their back and they turned heel, abandoning Essek and Caleb to find out how much trouble Verin was getting into.

Thankfully, it was just words.

“-ever talk to my brother or his partner again. I am not going to let you or my mother ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Bren, Caleb, I don’t care; that man has been nothing short of a blessing by the Luxon themself since the day they met.”

“Verin, my love?” Molly called, leaning against the archway, smiling hungrily at the protectiveness being displayed and idly taking note of the name their partner mentioned. Verin looked over his shoulder and found Mollymauk flirtily leaning and watching. “I’m sorry to cut your lecture short, darling, but we’re leaving.”

“He was being trained to infiltrate the Dynasty!” Durth hissed, side-stepping to put himself back in Verin’s vision, trying to keep Verin engaged in their argument. “It is our duty to keep our people safe!”

“Caleb? Infiltrating?” Mollymauk laughed. “He still knocks on his best friend’s door and he’s known her for over a decade!” Molly waved their hand dismissively and turned away, calling, “I’m not listening to some rando that doesn’t know Caleb from any other ginger.”

Molly overheard Verin say as they walked away, “If the Bright Queen trusts him, I trust him. I suggest you hold your tongue before someone cuts it out.”

“Oooo,” Molly grinned toothily, humming under his breath to himself, “that’s my man. Get ’em baby.”

Molly, still beaming and hungry-looking, reached their friends. Caleb clocked them right away and raised an eyebrow, but Essek furrowed his brow and looked past Mollymauk toward the archway, both men with their suit jackets draped over their arms.

“Where’s Verin?”

“Exactly where you think he is, love.”

“Oh no. He’s not-”

“Oh yes, he is.” Mollymauk was nothing less than mischievous and lustful. “And it is glorious. Your spare room still has a bed, yeah?”

Essek grimaced, grateful everyone was back to their conversations and no longer gawking at the scene being made, and Caleb smirked softly, “I’ll set up the tower. Can your tryst wait until after takeout and a movie?”

“Eh, I’ll just take Verin to my apartment to get sleepover stuff and get my horniness out there.” Mollymauk waved the offer away. “You don’t need to go through all that. Unless there actually isn’t a bed in the spare room?”

“There is. Essek is keeping the tower.” Caleb reassured Molly. “But be prepared for Deirta to make an appearance tonight, though.”

“I am, don’t worry lad.” Molly looked over their shoulder, wondering what was taking Verin so long and if he got sucked back into another argument, and instead found that handsome soldier stomping back toward their group. It took everything Molly had in them not to wolf whistle, though they still drank him in like a refreshing drink.

“If we don’t leave now, I’m punching him.” Verin growled, lip twitching with a snarl.

“Then let’s leave.” Caleb held Essek’s hand and Molly grabbed Verin’s falling into step with him as he led the way out.

“Come on, soldier. I hoped you saved some of that anger for me.”

“What? Why would I be mad at you?”

Caleb and Essek grinned with amusement at hearing Mollymauk sigh.

Chapter Text

Apparating into the entryway of Essek’s tower, Essek and Caleb stood in silence for several seconds, processing the wild turn of events.

“So… News of my past has spread?” Caleb cautiously asked, not looking at his partner but still holding his hand.

“Apparently the Bright Queen was not the only person my mother told.” Essek explained, similarly staring into the middle distance.

“And it is safe to assume Durth is currently telling the rest of the court about my involvement in the program?”

“That I highly doubt.” Essek finally looked at Caleb, observing his profile. Caleb turned his head to meet Essek’s eyes, seeing certainty in his boyfriend's words that he didn’t expect Essek to have. “I made it very public that the Bright Queen approved of you and that to question your presence was to question her judgment. It would be political alienation if Durth tried to continue arguing against her decision, and he desires political power too much. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was made to leave early by Umavi Mirimm.”

Caleb raised an eyebrow. “Is that why you made a fuss?”

“Well, she was standing right there.” Essek smirked. Caleb grinned.

“Brilliant.” The professor exhaled before pushing Essek’s torso to the wall and falling to his knees. Essek grasped Caleb’s shoulders to steady himself.

“Caleb-”

“Gods, watching you put him in his place…” Caleb slid his hands over Essek’s thighs and hips, fingers catching on waistbands and the bottom of Essek’s underbust corset. “Like he was nothing but dirt beneath your heel. It probably shouldn’t turn me on so much, but fucking hells does it ever.”

A bearded face smothered itself into the crook of Essek’s hip, and the pressure of a cheekbone against his groin made Essek moan softly, especially as that pressure moved across his trapped cock as Caleb kissed along the bottom of his waistband. A strong chin nudged his sac and Essek’s head hit the wall with a thud and a choked gasp.

“The things I want you to do to me…” Caleb murmured, voice deepening with arousal. He felt Essek twitch beneath the layers of fabric and grinned.

Essek gripped Caleb by his lovely auburn hair and pulled his head back. Pale hands splayed reflexively over Essek's hips and Caleb gasped, wide blue eyes lowering into hungry half-lids as he met Essek’s steeled gaze.

“You have five minutes, and then I want you on your knees on the bed. Understood?”

Caleb licked his lip. Essek almost chased that flash of pink tongue with his own.

“Yes, Shadowhand Thelyss.”

His words snapped Essek’s resolve and he kissed Caleb hard, shoving his tongue past parted lips to search out Caleb’s and taste him. He tasted of fine wine, and that mixed with Caleb’s natural taste was heavily intoxicating, nearly dragging Essek to the floor to join him.

Caleb made it a reality by grabbing Essek by the top of his underbust, slipping three fingers underneath at the sternum, and tugging him closer. Bracing his weight on Caleb’s broad shoulders, Essek followed the demand and straddled Caleb’s legs, then shoved Caleb’s shoulders to the floor and planted his hands on either side of him, locking their lips together again. Caleb groaned into the kiss and palmed both globes of Essek’s finely tailored rear, bending and spreading his legs to get Essek’s weight closer to where he wanted it.

Essek rolled his hips into Caleb’s touch, grinding his ass against Caleb’s thighs. Caleb tried to guide Essek’s hips down to his crotch with his hands, but Essek broke their kiss and, unable to really grab Caleb’s hair to get his point across, grabbed Caleb by his jaw instead and turned his head away. His boyfriend shivered under him with a pitiful moan, hopelessly turned on by the handling, and Essek grinned knowingly.

“I know exactly what I want to do to you.” Wet lips ghosted under Caleb’s ear and smeared over the collar of his suit jacket. “Seven minutes, and I want you clean as a whistle and ready to get manhandled like my personal toy. Am I understood?”

If Caleb hadn’t been sure his pants needed to be dry-cleaned before, he knew they needed it now, feeling his cock jerk in his boxer briefs. “J-Ja, Shadowhand.”

Essek turned Caleb’s face to his, still gripping his jaw. “Then you best get to work.” 

Caleb opened his mouth, dazed and ready to start another heated round of kissing, but Essek exhaled an arcane word across Caleb’s mouth and vanished in a cloud of mist. Caleb laid on the floor, breathing heavily and listening to his heartbeat in his ears and footsteps ascending the stairs for several seconds before adrenaline had him rushing to clean up in the downstairs bathroom.

As Caleb cleaned up, Essek went about getting the stage set and getting undressed. He put their suit jackets on the rack by the front door, and gathered Caleb’s clothes from the bathroom, carrying them upstairs. He smirked at the tiny wet patch on his partner’s pants before folding them and adding it to the pile of fine clothes in need of cleaning.

He’d just finished removing his makeup in the bathroom when he heard the bedroom door open. Essek grinned and waited a moment, listening to the closing of the door followed shortly by the creaking of the bed as Caleb climbed onto it.

The dunamancy prodigy picked up the piece of obsidian.

Opening the bathroom door, Essek found Caleb kneeling on the bed and facing him, hands resting on bare thighs and half-dry hair pulled back into a low-ponytail. Caleb looked the drow in the flowy burgundy silk robe up and down, licked his lip absently, and flicked his eyes to the piece of obsidian Essek held up.

Caleb recognized what the component was for. Essek raised an eyebrow, giving Caleb a choice to accept or decline, and Caleb didn’t have to think for long. He nodded with absolute trust and eagerness, grateful toward his recent past self for getting the courage to confess the fantasy he’d had on their anniversary.

Essek grinned toothily, a fang digging into his smirking lip, and with a quick verbal and somatic Caleb was shoved forward, landing face-first in the duvet with a yelp. He thought at first that Essek must have Misty Stepped behind him based on the force used, but the sizzling of arcana against his back felt like an incorporeal hand pressing his chest to the bed, not the pleasing solidity of his partner’s.

“I so rarely get an excuse to use Resonant Echo.” Essek hummed, and the edge to his voice made Caleb’s hair stand up. Essek padded softly toward the bed. “This is going to be-”

“Ah!” Caleb moaned sharply, that tingling of dunamancy diving places he’d never felt it before. He’d been a teenager with Mage Hand, this was not his first time feeling magic inside him, and he’d felt Essek’s magic against his skin before in their experiments with Immovable Object, but this was markedly different. Where Mage Hand would’ve made his body stretch to fully accommodate its fingers, the echo’s cock had some give. A strange feeling that wasn’t unpleasant, just new. And surprisingly painless, considering how roughly it’d thrusted in.

“- incredibly fun.” Essek grinned, admiring the pretty scene of his partner being held down by his echo, not dissimilarly to how he’s pinned Caleb down before. It was somewhat uncommon that Caleb wished to get taken, let alone in such a rough way, so this was a real treat. “How does that feel, d’anthe?”

“O-Ohh…” Caleb’s exhale shook as it left his lungs, eyes widening with surprise as the ghost of a hand held onto his right hip and the echo’s hips rolled, grinding against him. Sparking magic grazed that bundle of nerves that made his muscles quake. “It’s… it tingles?”

“Mm, that’s normal.” Essek sat on the edge of the bed, in Caleb’s half-obstructed view, and crossed one leg over the other, leaning lazily with a hand planted on the mattress. He smiled and gently brushed a stray lock of hair hanging down over Caleb’s face, the strands threatening to tickle the human’s nose if his lover breathed in too harshly, and tucked it back behind a pale ear. “Do you like it?”

“What do you mean it’s normal? Have - oh fuck-” The echo held onto both of Caleb’s hips and started snapping its own, and Caleb clawed at the duvet, hanging on for the ride. A lavender hand trailed trimmed nails along the curve of Caleb’s back adoringly and Caleb asked into the fabric, “Have you done this before?”

“With a partner? No, I haven’t.” Essek clarified. He smirked devilishly when Caleb turned his face to meet Essek’s heated gaze.

Caleb remembered a group debate from a long past sleepover and chuckled, pushing himself up onto his forearms to free his face from the duvet. The echo’s pace was steady as ever where Essek’s would’ve faltered, and it made Caleb’s breathing hitch as the angle of its pistoning cock shifted inside him.

“That’s why you didn’t answer the clone question?”

“Perhaps.” It had been one of their friends’ usual group questions related to sex, but for once Essek had a unique perspective that his friends didn’t possess. Before they could ask him if he’d have sex with a clone of himself, he’d snuck away to the bathroom. Caleb had called him out on it in private but Essek hadn’t answered why he’d avoided the question - until now. “I didn’t do it often. Maybe just a handful of times over the last half a century.”

“Still pretty kinky,” Caleb teased, grinning, “regardless of how many times you did it.”

Essek rolled his eyes.

The echo reached forward and grabbed Caleb’s ponytail at the base and pulled, and Caleb yelped, face wincing and dick twitching between his legs. Warmth blossomed through his body, the position making him feel wonderfully used and exposed. But the echo didn’t let up on his pulling and Caleb had to push himself up onto his hands to ease the pull on his scalp, not noticing that Essek was moving to kneel in front of him until he felt real hands pushing on his clavicle, guiding him upright, and opened his eyes.

When Caleb was on his knees with his back straight, the hand gripping his hair let go and glimmering semi-translucent purple arms wrapped around his core and held him steady, keeping him from being knocked away by its thrusts. Caleb’s heart fluttered - the hold the echo had him in was very Essek.

The real Essek petted Caleb’s reddening face and auburn covered torso, nearly chest to chest.

“I didn’t have a handsome Zemnian man,” Essek kissed Caleb’s clavicle, peppering a few more up to the base of his throat, “with a beautiful soul and a…” Essek grinned against pale pink flesh and smoothed a hand down Caleb’s stomach to graze his fingers along Caleb’s shaft, teasing the idea of stroking him, “beautiful body, to satisfy me.”

Caleb held onto Essek’s silk-covered shoulders, using him as a brace for the jolting thrusts of his partner’s echo behind him, and closed his eyes, melting under the loving, teasing touch. Essek finished kissing his way to Caleb’s mouth and Caleb moaned as cool lips pressed against his own, igniting nerves. The pleasure at his lips and the pleasure slowly building behind his cock combined to silence his mind, leaving him peaceful and relaxed. Safe, surrounded by Essek, and cared for. It was everything he wanted and more.

Essek began to pull away, pulling the robe tie to unknot it, and Caleb followed him. The arms helping to keep him upright kept him in place long enough for Essek to slip the robe off and toss it, still mouthing at Caleb’s lips. They then let go of him and light pressure was pressed between Caleb’s shoulders as Essek laid down, real hands and fake hands guiding Caleb to lean over Essek. The dunamantic cock spearing him shifted as Caleb changed the angle again, making him gasp against Essek’s lips.

“Dunamancy doesn’t taste very good.” Essek remarked, sliding up from under Caleb until his hips were lined up with Caleb’s face. “I figured you’d prefer the real thing instead.”

Caleb groaned hungrily and shifted so his arms were under Essek’s splayed thighs, getting Essek right where he wanted him.

“Very much so, Shadowhand.” A lust-darkened voice rumbled across the crook of Essek’s thigh and hip.

Essek’s breathing hitched as his partner’s beard scratched the insides of his thighs, smearing saliva as he licked and mouthed at pale indigo skin. He grazed his fingertips along Caleb’s scalp, looking down his body at his diligent lover leaving no skin untouched. Even as Essek’s echo began to roughen his pace, Caleb was dedicated to his task.

After several minutes, when Caleb finished licking his length and took his tip into his mouth, ending his unrelenting teasing, Essek groaned from his chest and gripped Caleb’s hair, dropping his head onto the mattress. Wet warmth, soft and inviting, surrounded him as Caleb sank down, flicking a tired tongue along the bottom of his head and making Essek’s hips flex in his grip.

“F-Fucking hells, Caleb.” Essek palmed Caleb’s head with his other hand and began twitching his hips into Caleb’s mouth, testing the waters. Giving Caleb a chance to stop him, to decline the roughness. As Caleb usually did, the Zemnian went pliant and braced himself, gripping handfuls of the duvet beside Essek’s hips, giving Essek all the go-ahead he needed.

Essek planted his feet on the bed and thrusted into Caleb’s mouth, unable to look away from where Caleb’s swollen red lips wrapped around him. He gave the mental command to the echo to quicken his pace and felt Caleb moan around his cock.

“Hold out for me, ussta che, and I’ll make it worth it.” Essek promised, ideas swirling in his mind. Caleb had no way to say yes or no, but Essek knew Caleb would try to wait. His partner would do whatever he asked, and trusted Essek to make good on his promise. “Vith, this - was a brilliant idea. You look - Light above, you’re gorgeous pinned between us.”

Caleb moaned. Essek felt a shiver run through Caleb’s scalp and arms.

“Maybe I ought - to teach you this spell.” Essek’s body burned with delight at the idea of two Caleb’s pleasuring him. Another moan, this one sounding needier than the one before, made Essek grin. He braced his upper half on an elbow, still holding onto Caleb’s hair with one hand. “I’m getting close.”

He cursed under his breath in Undercommon as Caleb took Essek’s confession to mean he needed to take over. He wrapped his arms over Essek’s thighs to pin his hips down, stilling them so he could control the pace and suck hard, in the way he knew Essek liked.

His chin nudged Essek’s sac, and Essek was done for. He gave a sharp moan, startled by the contact of Caleb’s bearded face against something so sensitive while his soul was being sucked out, and came in Caleb’s mouth when the bastard did it again, proving he did both on purpose.

“Light be,” Essek groaned, unable to look away from Caleb’s swollen mouth, “you know just how to ruin me, Caleb.”

Caleb’s hooded eyes looked up Essek’s body at him as he swirled his come-covered tongue around Essek’s tip and Essek released his hair to lovingly pet it, hips twitching with aftershocks. Once they stilled, Caleb pulled off and swallowed.

“On your back, ussta che.” Essek ordered with one final loving touch as the echo retreated. The echo didn’t wait and shoved Caleb onto his side, rolling him away from the real Essek, and Caleb rolled onto his back, looking up at a night sky made tactile. It retreated to the edge of the bed, and Caleb glanced over at Essek questioningly. Was he supposed to follow it?

Caleb shouted when unseen hands gripped under his knees and yanked. It was Essek’s echo, however, and Essek already wasn’t the strongest man, so Caleb wasn’t pulled very far. But it was enough to get Essek's point across, and the echo didn’t tire like Essek did. It kept tugging until Caleb, scooting to help, had his rear at the edge.

The echo manhandled his legs open, making Caleb’s breath catch, and Essek sat at Caleb’s side, admiring the view.

They held gazes as the echo readjusted and pressed in, and Essek smiled at Caleb’s gasp and fluttering eyelashes. He dragged fingers through Caleb’s sweat-slicked chest hair and rubbed his pecs as his echo started thrusting again, making Caleb moan from low in his chest.

Essek leaned down, laying on the bed with one of Caleb’s thighs trapped under his chest and arm, and licked a stripe up Caleb’s shaft, gripping him at the base. Caleb placed a hand over Essek’s head, breathing heavily toward the ceiling, eyes struggling to stay open. Essek’s ceiling light bounced in Caleb’s vision with each thrust from the echo.

Caleb’s cock slipped into something warm and wet and his whole body shuddered, eyes fluttering closed.

“Fuuuuck.” He groaned gutturally, sinking into sensation. Essek’s mouth began to bob and suck and Caleb’s hand fell from white hair to dig fingers into Essek’s shoulder blade. “J-Ja, just like that! Just like that. Won’t take long. Gods, Essek.” Caleb laughed a tad deliriously, “If that echo was just a bit more solid, I would’ve come once already.”

Essek grinned around Caleb’s cock, amused by his lover’s words, and angled his head lower to Caleb’s stomach. Caleb abruptly discovered why when the echo pounded into him and forced his cock into Essek’s mouth and hand, and Caleb clawed Essek’s back, throwing his other arm over his head. He fucked Essek’s mouth without so much as having to roll his hips.

Caleb warned as the cliff approached, “‘m close, I’m - close, fuck Essek - I’m gonna -”

Essek considered pulling off to really make a show of it, but he didn’t, instead groping Caleb’s tensing balls. He suppressed a flinch when Caleb came hard in his mouth in what seemed like almost a direct result, pale freckled hips twitching with the waves of pleasure. A string of panted Zemnian curses tumbled from Caleb’s tired lips, and when he began to sag on the bed Essek had the echo cast Prestidigitation on his sweaty partner and pulled back to swallow.

“Good fucking gods, Essek.” Caleb exhaled in a stunned daze, staring at the ceiling.

Essek giggled and petted a heaving hairy stomach. “Not too bad, was it?”

“No, it was awful.” Caleb sarcastically replied, wiping a hand down his face. “I definitely didn’t just come my brains out.”

“Good,” Essek bantered, “I’d hate to put your students at risk of learning something.”

Caleb grabbed a pillow and hit him with it, and Essek burst into bubbly laughter. The drow flopped down beside Caleb and the human opened his arms to him, pulling him into a cuddle.

“You’re an arsehole.” Caleb grumbled, nuzzling white hair. Essek melted into Caleb’s comforting warmth.

“You’re the one that started the sarcasm.” He countered, smiling. “I just finished it.”

Caleb snorted, and Essek could almost hear the joke before Caleb spoke it, “Not the only thing you just finished.”

“No, it’s not.” Essek agreed with a purr, lifting his head to press a soft kiss to Caleb’s reddened lips. Their lips brushed as Essek murmured, “I love you, you brilliant, silly man.”

“I love you, too, liebling.” Caleb smiled against Essek’s lips.

“Thank you for attending with me.” Essek rolled his eyes a little. “Even though it was mandatory.”

Caleb nuzzled Essek’s nose with his own. “Even if it hadn’t been, I’m glad I went. And thank you for dancing with me.”

“Mm, a small price to pay for your happiness.” Essek tucked himself under Caleb’s chin. “We need to get ready for the other two and order food, but first a cuddle?”

“But first a cuddle.” Caleb agreed, closing his eyes.

Chapter Text

“Caleb, I just had a wonderful, terrible idea.”

“That either bodes extremely well or extremely poorly.” Caleb quipped, ordering takeout on his phone.

They were sitting on the couch in the living room, Essek on his laptop at one end of the couch and Caleb lounging with his feet touching Essek’s hip and thigh.

“I’ve been reading Mother’s texts-”

“Awful idea.”

“-and I think I may need to take a more direct approach. Challenge her directly.”

Caleb tilted his phone out of the way, raising an eyebrow at Essek. 

“You realize you’re being recorded, right?” He jerked his head toward a glass hutch where he had once helped Essek place a camera on top of.

“I paused the recording.” Essek gestured to his laptop on his lap.

“Ah, good.” Caleb sat up with a grunt, leaning his side against the couch. “I’m all ears, then.”

“You know that letter I wrote consisting of the things I wish I could say to her?”

Understanding immediately hit Caleb. “Oh Gods.”

Essek grinned. “What if I… said them to her?”

“Are you sure?” Caleb rested his hand comfortingly on Essek’s forearm.

“To be clear, by said I mean send the letter in an email.”

“Okay, that’s admittedly better, but… still, that’s - that’s not an easy thing to do. I mean, objectively yes it is, but…”

“I have spent over a century trying not to piss her off, Caleb.” Essek smiled at his worried partner, understanding what Caleb was trying to say. “Does the idea make me anxious? Yes. Does the idea of pissing her off intentionally make me happy in a way I probably need to address in therapy later? Also yes, very much so yes.”

“If you’re sure, I don’t think much else could make her angrier than that letter. Besides sending it to the rest of the den, too, but-”

“Not a bad idea.”

“But I think that might be overkill.” Caleb finished pointedly. “We want her angry, not murderous.”

BAM BAM BAM

Essek and Caleb both jumped at the banging on the door, Caleb twisting his torso to look behind him at the entryway. They knew instantly who it was, without either having to say a word. Verin and Molly would’ve apparated in the entryway if it was them, and that knock held rage.

Caleb stood, whispering, “Turn the cameras on.”

The Shadowhand set the camera to record again and carried his laptop to the kitchen, not wanting to risk Deirta breaking it and consequently losing them the footage. When he returned, Caleb was floating his jacket over to him with a mage hand, and as he grabbed it he met his boyfriend’s startled eyes.

“Do you want to confront her alone first?” Caleb grabbed one of the components in his jacket and casted Tongues on himself.

Essek swallowed and startled, flinching when another round of banging rattled his front door, followed by muffled yelling. Caleb draped the suit jacket over his arm and held both sides of Essek’s face, cupping his jaw.

“She’ll be more likely to confess if a witness isn’t here.” Caleb suggested, whispering soft enough he hoped the camera didn’t hear. Essek nodded, agreeing, although the fear in his eyes made Caleb’s heart break. Caleb licked his lips nervously and spoke at a volume loud enough for the camera but still soft enough to be for Essek, “I’ll be invisible in the kitchen. The first sign of violence, I’m jumping in. Okay?”

Essek smiled just the tiniest bit, warmed by Caleb’s protectiveness. “Okay. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Caleb kissed him softly and then stroked his cheek. “I’ll be right here. I won’t let her hurt you.”

Essek shakily nodded, whispering gratefully, “Thank you.”

Caleb kissed his forehead and rushed into the kitchen, fishing in his jacket for the component he needed. Essek watched his partner vanish into nothing, seeing just the faintest glimmer of a distortion as Caleb slid into place behind the archway.

Steeling himself, Essek straightened his spine and took in a deep breath, turning and walking toward the entryway.

He flinched again as the knocking started, and it kept on going until he reached the door. Essek unlocked it, and the banging stopped.

Opening it, he was unsurprised to find the absolutely murderous glare of his mother’s dark indigo eyes. Long white hair braided down her back, wearing a fine blouse and pants beneath a thick designer coat, Deirta Thelyss pushed past Essek and into the tower.

“You absolute fool.” Deirta exclaimed in Undercommon, shoving the door closed. “What do you think you’re doing parading that filth?!”

Essek clenched his jaw and gestured to the living room, forcing himself to politely reply in Undercommon, “Hello, Mother. I had a feeling you would visit.”

“Answer my question, Essek!” Deirta demanded, not budging. Essek needed her to budge. “Do you realize the damage you’re doing?! You have single-handedly destroyed the den’s reputation! And corrupted my son, no less!”

My son.

That shouldn’t have hurt at this point, but it did.

He risked walking toward the living room, tensing himself for a swing that could come. He was both relieved and disappointed when it didn’t, and she stomped after him.

“I am living my life, Mother.” He stopped when they were by the couch, where he’d had Caleb once center the camera’s point of view. “Verin and I are living our lives.”

“It is like you are purposefully trying to ruin your life and bring your brother down with you. What is wrong with you? I raised you better than this!”

It took everything in Essek not to punch her.

Essek whirled on her, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Nothing, for once in my life, is wrong with me. I found people that love me-”

“Those people are not your family!” Essek suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. “You have an obligation to this den and you are severely neglecting it for horrible influences! How many of your so-called friends have a family, hm? I doubt they even like you.”

“We are family. They are my family. More than you or your den has ever been, in fact.”

Essek saw the flash of anger and tensed, prepared to be hit. It didn’t come. Push harder, he told himself.

“Mother, I have wondered for decades,” Essek exhaled, genuinely wanting an answer, “if you hate me so much, why do you want me to stay? If I disappoint you so much, why are you not happy to be rid of me?” 

“I have never said I hated you!” Deirta gasped, mortified by the accusation. “I’ve no idea where you’re getting that stupid idea - is that Empire filth filling your head with this? And you’re believing him?”

The tactic switch from denial to blame-shifting was as obvious as it was ineffective.

“Caleb has nothing to do with this and you know it-”

“His name is Bren.”

“His name is Caleb, and stop deflecting! I have heard you say you hate me hundreds of times since I was a child, Mother!  Especially when you beat me!”

“I did no such thing-”

“My fucking back begs to differ!”

Deirta glared at the way Essek was bowing up to her, how he dared to fight back.

“Watch your tone, young man.” Deirta said warningly, a threat to her tone. “I am your umavi, I am your mother, and I demand respect.”

Essek swallowed. He felt the instinct to back down and fought it just as hard as he was fighting his mother.

“I left the den. You are not my umavi. You’re nothing to me, and I am not afraid of you.”

He watched her arm twitch, and a flash of fear washed over him. Decades of hiding his fear was the only thing that kept Deirta from noticing it.

“You are my blood, whether you want to be or not. Even when you decide that getting your dick sucked is more important than family, we are family. You don’t get to choose.”

Essek felt his body cringing at his mother bringing up his sex life, but ignored it. She was trying to make him uncomfortable, trying to make him easier to manipulate, and he would not fall for it.

“I don’t get to choose who shares my blood, but I get to choose who I’m around.”

“And you have corrupted your brother and dragged him down with you.” She ignored him. “Are you proud of yourself, boy? Are you proud of ruining your brother’s life?”

“Just tell me why, Mother.” Essek decided to ignore her in return. “Why did you beat me? Half the time he was the one that made the mistake! Why was I beaten for his mistakes?”

“You are the older child. It is your responsibility to keep him in line.”

Not a confession, but it’ll do.

“So you’re going to tell your brother to answer my calls, or I will be making a visit to Bazzoxan myself.”

Essek doubted anyone else would know the veiled threat that was. The way his mother was looking at him, Essek knew it was a threat. She was drawing on his protective instincts, trying to get him to fold.

Essek remembered Caleb behind him in the kitchen and steeled himself. She wouldn’t have the freedom to accost Verin past tonight. Not if Essek could help it.

“You really think Verin is so wrapped around your finger, don’t you?”

“He at least loves his mother.”

“No he doesn’t!” Essek couldn’t help but laugh. “Verin knows what you did to me, Mother.”

Her facade wavered, and Essek grinned almost manically, growling and pointing a finger at her.

“Verin and I would sneak out and hide in the East Wing attic after you beat me so I could check him for marks. You are not fooling me, and you are not fooling him, with your I don’t know what you’re talking about act. We remember.”

“Your memories are wrong.” She argued. “You are poisoning your brother’s mind with them! Do not push your delusions onto your poor brother!”

“Believe it or not, Verin has a brain, Mother! He’s capable of thinking for himself! Hells, I hid the worst of your abuse from him and he still left you! That should tell you something!”

He watched his mother’s eye twitch at the reminder of being left.

“You are not abused.” She growled.

“For fuck’s sake, stop trying to gaslight me! I remember begging for a cleric and being told the Luxon will heal me if I’m deemed worthy of redemption! And for a fucking VASE I DIDN’T BREAK!”

“Do NOT raise your voice at me, you WORM!” Deirta shouted back. Almost. Just a little further.

“This is my fucking house. I am DONE having you come into MY HOUSE AND THREATEN ME!” Essek screamed at the top of his lungs. It was a glorious high, finally speaking up for himself, feeling his voice threaten to break at the strain. Confronting his abuser, saying all the things he wanted to say for so long. Adrenaline pumped through his veins like a drumbeat and it was exhilarating. “I AM DONE BEING YOUR OBEDIENT WHIPPED SLAVE-”

He saw stars.

Deirta clutched Essek’s jaw, digging her nails into soft, freshly slapped skin, and opened her mouth, baring perfect white teeth.

And froze.

Caleb charged into the living room, sprinting to his partner, and Essek yanked his face out from her nails that felt more like the claws of a monstrous beast than something humanoid, and pressed a hand over his cheek and jaw, stumbling back in panic.

“Meine Götter, I’m so sorry.” Caleb exhaled, pulling Essek away. “I didn’t see it coming, I am so sorry liebling.”

Essek began to hyperventilate and tremble, backing up as far as he could, and Caleb guided him to the entrance to the kitchen. Maybe not visually, but emotionally Essek was right back in his childhood bedroom, staring down a monster made manifest.

That look. He’d recognize that look anywhere. It chilled him to his core and made him want to hold himself and hide. Put his back to the wall and try to meld into it to keep her from whipping it. He could almost see the belt in her clenched hand at her side.

“Let me see, schatz.” Caleb turned his partner and pulled a shaking indigo hand away, seeing the flushed skin of what would surely become a bruise as well as a few cuts from sharp manicured nails. There were a few parallel lines over a cheekbone from the slap, one too close to Essek’s eye for Caleb’s comfort, and a couple distinct dents on the underside of his jaw and the hollow of his cheek on the same side. There was also a long darkening mark across Essek’s chin from her thumb nail, and it was starting to dot with red pinpricks.

“That-” Caleb bit his tongue, lips curled in a snarl. Calling Deirta a bitch wasn’t productive. True, but unproductive, and probably wouldn’t look good in court. “I am so sorry-”

He hugged Essek tight and held Essek’s head to his shoulder.

Smelling Caleb, feeling Caleb surround him and protect him, being his shield while Deirta glared unblinking at him, broke the hold the past had over Essek. Essek began to sob and Caleb held Essek against him, matching Deirta’s glare and sending it right back at her. He rolled a cocoon in his palm behind Essek’s back, ready if his next trick didn’t work.

“Count yourself very lucky, Deirta Thelyss,” Caleb growled threateningly, thinking of Shapechange, “that I do not have all my components with me.”

The sound of rushing air came from the entryway, and apparating in the space were wild-eyed Verin and Mollymauk, both adjusting shirts over their torsos and rushing in, Mollymauk dropping their phone into their pajama bottoms pocket.

Verin saw Essek sobbing into Caleb’s chest and the daggers Caleb was leveling at Deirta with his eyes, and he shouted, “Essek?!” 

“She slapped him.” Caleb confessed, scowling. Guilt burned his veins. “I was distracted by the phone call and she slapped him. Molly, get a wet dish rag?” Caleb pressed a kiss to Essek’s hair. “I’m so sorry, Essek. I’ve got you, mein liebe, I’ve got you.”

“You wretched monster.” Verin growled at his mother, taking up a protective position between her and everyone else, while Molly ran past into the kitchen. “You disgusting waste of a soul.”

“Verin, call the Watch.” Caleb ordered, hoping to redirect Verin’s well-earned fury. “This will not hold forever.”

“I hope the Bright Queen leaves you in the darkest pits of the Prison of Penance and forgets the key.”

Just then, Deirta inhaled and turned to Verin, sobbing tearlessly, “My baby, they-”

“ENOUGH!” Caleb bellowed, his command ringing with power, and Deirta’s expression fell, stunned by Caleb’s Power Word Stun.

Verin was stunned into silence, but not because of Caleb's arcane will. He was realizing suddenly that Essek hadn’t been exaggerating his stories from Molaesmyr. The professor was just as powerful as Essek had said he was. Just as powerful as Essek, even. Verin never thought someone else could be as powerful as his older brother, but here Caleb stood, speaking a single word and rendering his mother immobile.

Verin looked to his brother, and found him still sobbing into Caleb's collar. Thinking of power, specifically Essek's, he realized something he had never considered before: maybe his brother wasn’t as powerful as the young drow had blown him up in his mind to be. Powerful in the arcane, of course, nearly unmatched, but Essek had weaknesses, too. He had a breaking point just like everyone else.

Essek was on a pedestal in his mind. One he rightfully earned, but Verin had lifted it higher, had idolized him. Declared him his savior and spent so long getting prepared to return the favor that he'd missed the chance entirely.

“Verin, I need you to call the Watch now.” Caleb ordered firmly, snapping Verin out of his thoughts. “Yell at her or dissociate once they're on their way, but call them now.”

Molly returned with a wet rag and Verin, growling and walking away from his mother to keep from doing something he’d regret, pulled out his phone and began dialing.

Caleb pushed on Essek’s shoulders, whispering to him, “Let us see, darling. Molly, get your phone out. I need you to take pictures.”

“Alright, how bad - oh my gods, Essek.” Mollymauk gasped at seeing the pinpricks of blood smearing Essek’s cheekbone and chin, staining Caleb’s collar. He whispered with horror, “Oh love, I am so sorry.”

“I doubt she will free herself, but I’m going to prepare just in case. I won’t be far.” Caleb kissed Essek’s hair and lowered his voice, leaning into Molly’s ear. “Take Essek into the bathroom upstairs? Verin might lose it if he sees him.”

“Oh definitely. C’mon love. Lemme clean you up.”

“Pictures - first.” Essek shakily whimpered, letting Molly guide him toward the stairs. 

“Of course, love. Of course.”

They climbed the stairs, listening to Caleb open up the storage closet under them, and Essek wiped his blurry vision with a shuddering breath, trying to pull himself together.

They reached the landing and Molly, phone ready, asked, “Where do you have the best lighting?”

Essek wordlessly took them into the lab and turned the light on, and Molly turned them so it casted onto Essek’s face and held up his phone, aiming the back of it at the bruise forming. Essek had to look away, chin quivering, remembering when he was moving out at twenty and promised himself she’d never hit him again.

“I know, love.” Mollymauk rested a manicured hand, still wearing the black iridescent press on nails, on Essek’s shoulder, other hand holding up the phone. “Trust me, I know.”

Essek laid his hand over Mollymauk’s on his shoulder and Molly lowered the phone, frowning at him.

“I’m so sorry. But it’s over.” Mollymauk tried to smile reassuringly. “You’ve got the proof, you just gotta tell the Queen and it’ll be over. No more fear, no more threats. You’re free, Essek.”

Essek wrapped his arms tightly around Mollymauk’s neck, hugging him in a way he had never hugged a friend before, and cried.

Caleb swiftly searched Essek’s storage closet for a decent sized box and set it down by the couch, ready to be grabbed in case he had to make use of that cocoon. Essek and Molly’s footsteps ascended and then went into a room, disappearing from ear shot.

Verin stomped over to Caleb, not even looking at him as he handed his phone over, and Caleb opened his mouth to ask why when the why became pretty clear.

“Why couldn’t you just leave us alone?!” Verin screamed at her in Undercommon, fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. “Better yet, why couldn’t you just love us?!”

Caleb carefully watched Deirta’s body language as he listened to Verin let out decades of hurt.

“Fuck you! I hate you! Do you hear me, Mama?! I HATE YOU! I hated you before Essek did!”

Caleb furrowed his brow at that. He asked without thinking, “Really?”

“Oh yeah!” Verin laughed darkly, fury in violet eyes when he glanced at Caleb, too angry to realize Caleb had understood his Undercommon. He quickly refocused on his mother and jabbed a finger in her direction. “I’ve been telling Essek for years to stop letting you ruin his happiness! Ever since he started dating that bastard Mirimm just for your political gain! You wanted to know who in the den was telling him to leave Durth? I WAS! I’m the traitor, Mama! I’m the only one that cared about Essek ever! And if you ever lay a hand on my brother again, I’LL KILL YOU!”

“Mein freund, Verin,” Caleb softly interjected, stepping up and resting a hand on Verin’s arm, “no death threats. This is being recorded, remember?”

“I mean it!” Verin’s eyes began to water, voice hoarse from all his screaming. “I wasn’t strong enough before, but I’m strong enough now! I can protect him!”

“Yes you can.” Caleb gently guided Verin back, putting some distance between the swaying Deirta and her traumatized son. “But let the court take over from here, ja?”

“What was getting strong for if I couldn’t protect him?” Verin cried. “He protected me so much. I wanted to protect him.”

“You are, Verin, you’re protecting him right now.”

“I should’ve answered your call the first time. I-I should’ve - we should’ve come right back here with you two. We knew this could’ve happened, I shouldn’t have gotten distracted.”

“Neither should I have.” Caleb frowned, trying not to tear up himself. “I’m sorry. I promised to keep him safe and I failed. I’m sorry.”

“We both failed.” Verin swallowed thickly. He finally looked at Caleb long enough that he noticed the blood on Caleb’s collar, interrupting himself, “We - Luxon's light, is that blood?”

Caleb looked down and pulled on his shirt, seeing the dots of dried crimson.

“She drew - I’m going to kill you!”

“Verin no!” Caleb grabbed him as Verin tried to shove past him. Verin was far stronger than him, so he nearly knocked Caleb onto his ass. 

Desperate, Caleb grabbed the blood stain in a fistful of fabric, using it as his component for Banishment. Verin was mid-charge when suddenly he disappeared like smoke, and Caleb took a breath.

“What in the Nine Hells just happened?” Mollymauk shouted, stomping down the stairs. “I heard Ver scream!”

“He saw Essek’s blood on my shirt.” Caleb called out, walking toward the stairs to meet Mollymauk halfway. “I’m going to need your help to keep him from attacking her.”

“Shite! A-Alright.”

“I think - ja, let me Polymorph her. As much as I’d love for Verin to get vengeance, I’d love for him to stay out of prison more.”

“Amen to that, Magician. Tell me what to do and I’ll do it.”

“When I cast it, Verin will pop back. I need you to keep him distracted and from stepping on her.”

“I’ll distract him.” Essek called, descending the stairs quickly, face unmarked. Caleb almost went to argue, but the determination on his partner’s face - and the fact that Deirta was not going to be a threat much longer - kept him from declining the help. “Molly, you help Caleb. She’s going to try and run.”

Unsurprisingly, Essek was right. It was a team effort as Deirta the Toad tried to squirm and jump away, but they got her in the box and covered it with the lid, taping it down. Essek grabbed Verin by the shoulders when he popped back and guided him away from the toad wrangling zone, and thankfully Verin was more concerned with checking on Essek than going through with his revenge.

“Essek!” He exhaled, grabbing Essek’s shoulders in return. “Are you okay? How bad-”

“I’m fine, brother. I keep a healing potion in the lab for emergencies.”

“You’re not fine! She drew blood!”

“It’s not the first time, Verin, calm down.” Essek confessed abruptly, only realizing what he was confessing to when it left his lips.

He met Caleb’s eyes as his partner and Mollymauk passed by, Caleb holding a box with a toad in it. Caleb faltered a step, surprised by Essek’s admission to Verin of all people.

When Essek met Verin’s eyes again, Verin was looking at him with such pronounced pain that it nearly made Essek start crying.

Gathering this was a scene not meant for their eyes, Mollymauk and Caleb left, walking out the front door with their vile toad in a box.

“You said she never…” Verin was barely audible, horrified.

“I know.” Essek whispered, an apology in sad violet-blue eyes. “I lied.”

“Essek.” Verin rasped, heartbroken.

“I wanted to protect you.” Both brothers began to get choked up, clutching onto each other’s arms and shoulders. “You were just a kid.”

“You were a kid, too!” Verin argued in a sob. “Essie, how many times…?”

“Did she make me… bleed?”

“Y-Yeah.”

Essek swallowed. “It… depended on… what she used.”

“What she - she used things on you?!” Verin shrieked. “You-You said she’d just hit or-or spank you!”

He couldn’t help the tears streaking down his quivering jaw, but Essek was surprised with himself for being able to speak. He’d barely been able to get the words out when he told Caleb months ago, and figured his ability to tell the Bright Queen earlier had been an adrenaline high, but maybe therapy was helping after all.

“She… mostly used a belt.” He choked out. “On my back.”

Verin covered his mouth in horror. In dismay Essek shook his head.

“I c-couldn’t let her - with the vase? Remember the vase?” Verin gave no look of recognition, expression fixed solidly on mortification. Essek knew he knew, though. “She looked at you like she was going to hit you and I promised myself she’d never look at you like that again. Never again. I-I couldn’t let her hurt you, Verin! You’re my baby brother, I couldn’t let her hurt you-”

Verin crushed him in a vice grip hug, nearly keeping Essek from breathing, and Essek held onto the muscular larger drow. When he closed his eyes, they were back in the attic as kids, and Essek was clutching a small and sweet drow boy to his chest.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Verin’s sobs were thick and muffled into his shorter brother’s shoulder. “How many times did she do that to you because of me?”

“Verin, no, don’t blame yourself.” Essek told him brokenly, petting long platinum white hair. “Please don’t blame yourself. It was my choice. I wanted to protect you. It’s not your fault.”

“Essie.” Verin shook, repeating the same apology. “Essie I’m so sorry. I should’ve been better, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry-”

“You - we were just children!” Essek corrected himself. “Blame her! Nothing you could’ve done would’ve made her hurt me any less, Ver.” He palmed the base of Verin’s skull, holding his head to his shoulder, and desperate to be believed whispered in Undercommon, “You did nothing wrong, little light. If anything, you kept me alive. You made it worth it, Verin. You getting to have a safer childhood made all the pain worth it. And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat for you, and none of that is your fault. I love you. That isn’t your fault.”

Verin dropped to his knees, dragging Essek down with him, and the Thelyss brothers held each other as a century of pain left them.

Chapter Text

Two hours later, the Aurora Watch was taking their final statement of the night from Verin outside Essek’s front door. Mollymauk was standing by the door, eavesdropping as well as he could after just being interrogated, while Caleb was sitting on the couch with Essek, their turns having already come and gone.

When Molly realized he wasn’t hearing anything well enough to justify staying by the door, he huffed and walked into the living room, sprawling on the loveseat catty-corner with the couch.

“How are you doing, Hot Boi?”

“Surprisingly wonderful.” Essek’s lips turned upward slightly. “I think my emotional outburst earlier was, ah, more trauma related than present moment related.”

Mollymauk grinned brightly. “That’s grand, love. And you, magic man? How’re you?”

Caleb stared ahead at the currently off television.

“Caleb?” Essek repeated, squeezing his hand.

The Zemnian blinked, but didn’t lose the dazed quality to his eyes.

Essek remembered Caleb passing by him as the second person to have their witness statement taken and how Essek was asked before he even finished getting a glass of water to stand with Caleb for his. Until just now, he’d thought nothing of it, but now he realized why Caleb had been granted special treatment. He must have mentioned something about his PTSD, and for him to mention it meant he had feared it acting up during questioning.

He hated that he hadn’t thought of Caleb having a reaction to this domestic event, but even he had to admit that keeping track of Caleb’s mental illness was too much to expect of himself after everything.

“Dear, are you dissociating?” Essek asked, turning on the couch to fully face Caleb, massaging Caleb’s forearm. 

“Mm?” Caleb hummed. Essek took that as a yes, and I can’t translate you right now.

“How can I help?” Mollymauk asked, sitting up.

“I’m going to cast Tongues on you, alright?” Essek weaved the arcana and passed it through his touch on Caleb’s arm, and then repeated it for himself, ignoring Mollymauk for the moment. “Do you think you’re close to a flashback?”

Caleb’s brow furrowed slightly after a full second of no response. Essek wasn’t sure what that meant, entirely, if he was thinking about Essek’s question or if he was so deep that he hadn’t understood it, but Essek knew better than to play around with Caleb’s disorder.

“Cold shower?”

“Mm.” Caleb frowned. Clearly didn’t like that idea. Probably because he’d just had a shower just a little more than two hours ago.

“What about some ice cubes? I read that ice water in a bowl could help.”

Caleb’s frown faded. Apparently not a bad idea.

“I can keep him company, go get it.” Mollymauk offered, standing up and taking Essek’s place when Essek left to go get the ice cubes, passing him a Tongues as well. “Is our talking helping, love?”

“Mhm.” Caleb rubbed his face with both hands, brain feeling sluggish like a slow muddy landslide.

“Great thing I love to talk, ey?” Molly massaged Caleb’s shoulder, manicured nails lightly scratching through Caleb’s shirt. “Let’s see, what to talk about? Um… Oh, did I tell you what Ver is getting Luc for his birthday?”

“No.”

“Wow, it’s weird to hear you without your accent. But at least you said a word! Anyway, uh, well, I guess it’s more what we’re getting Luc for his birthday. It was originally gonna be from me, cause I was gonna get him a new target for his crossbow that played sound effects and lit up, but feckin’ Beau got him that exact thing already! So I went looking like three days ago and found this cute as all hell camping set with a fake burner, fake gas lantern, cute plastic multitool and fake fire pit, and it’ll match that tent bed Veth and Yeza got him!”

“He likes camping.” Caleb remarked with an approving nod.

“I mean, his mum is Veth, so, are we really surprised? I don’t think the squirrels like being outside as much as she does! I know I certainly feckin’ don’t. Love me a beach day, but then I gotta spend some quality time inside my dark hovel smoking a bowl and watching reality TV.” Molly tilted their head slightly, realizing something. “Huh. Maybe that’s why Ver and I get along.”

“Which part?” Caleb was starting to feel a bit more present, thankfully. Although language was difficult, Mollymauk’s voice was comforting and familiar. “The darkness, or… weed and TV?”

“Both, kinda. Less so the weed ‘cause of the whole government job thing but he takes a hit here and there.”

“I am… surprised but not.”

“Really? I think it’s crazier that Essek used to smoke.”

“What?!” Caleb’s eyes went wide, incredulous.

“He didn’t tell you?”

“I didn’t tell him what?” Essek inquired, returning with a hand towel and a small bowl of ice cubes and water.

Mollymauk stood up so Essek could sit next to Caleb again. “That you smoked pot.”

“Pot?”

“Marijuana. Mary Jane. Weed. The devil's lettuce.”

“The devil's - Luxon above, shut up. There's no way that's an actual nickname for it.”

“It is!” Molly laughed.

“No it's not.”

“It actually is.” Caleb remarked, smiling lopsidedly. Essek's eyebrows rose.

“Seriously?”

“Mhm. Northern Dwendalian Empire slang.”

“The Empire is ludicrous.” Essek sighed, silently cheering at Caleb’s larger words. He must be feeling better. “But yes, I did smoke. Back when I was a troubled youth.” Essek smirked softly, playful yet sad given the context when he gestured with a hand toward the front door, the other handing Caleb the bowl of ice water. “You think I survived that sober?”

“That… is a good point.” Caleb clumsily picked up an ice cube, furrowing his brows to focus his uncoordinated hand as it glided through water, and then dropped it again to repeat the process.

The front door opened and closed, and Molly and Essek both glanced up and watched Verin walk in from the entryway.

“How’d it go?” Molly jumped up and met him halfway, just as the decorated Aurora Watch officer that had been helming the investigation strolled in behind Verin.

Speaking in Undercommon, the officer addressed Essek, saying, “Shadowhand Thelyss, we’re concluding our investigation and taking Umavi Thelyss into custody. Dusk Captain Kryn wishes for you and Taskhand Thelyss to call her as soon as you can.”

“Thank you, Commissioner. We will do so promptly.”

The commissioner nodded with a slight bow and left, and the room sat silently for a long moment. No one knew what to say or do. How do you move on to a normal routine after this?

“You got all of it on camera, yeah?” Mollymauk finally spoke up. Essek nodded silently, staring at nothing. “Do you… wanna send it to whoever it is you’re gonna talk to?”

“Dusk Captain Kryn is my superior.” Verin explained to his partner, also spacing out a little.

“I thought you said you only had one - ohhhh.” Mollymauk exhaled, eyes widening as they realized who the Dusk Captain was and the gravity of her demanding a phone call with Verin. “Oh shite.”

“I don’t know if this is a conversation worth getting panicked about.” Essek blinked, bringing himself out of his thoughts. Caleb moved and set the bowl of ice water on the coffee table, and Essek handed him the hand towel. Caleb dried his hands as Essek continued. “We have evidence, after all, and I have already spoken to her about this.”

“You have?” Verin interrupted incredulously.

“Yes, I have. And yes, she’ll want the footage as fast as possible.” Essek straightened up and walked toward the kitchen to get his laptop. “Thank you for the reminder, Mollymauk.”

“No problem, love.”

“I will...” Caleb checked the time on his phone. It was too late to order takeout, now. He sighed. “... go start on something to eat.”

“Look at you, talkin’ in Common.” Molly teased playfully. They suggested, “You could make the tower instead, if you feel up to it.”

Caleb’s ears turned pink with embarrassment. “I don’t know if I can concentrate that hard right now.”

“Then I’ll come help cook somethin’!” Molly smiled and went toward the kitchen. “What’s on the menu, lads?”

“I will be happy with whatever you make.” Essek reassured them, coming back into the room, laptop under his arm. “So long as Molly does all the dangerous stuff that requires focus.”

“Same.” Verin agreed with a sigh, plopping down onto the loveseat, exhausted. “Whatever you make.”

As Caleb and Essek passed each other on the path between the couch and the kitchen, Caleb stopped his partner to kiss his forehead, lingering for a moment. Essek smiled and leaned into Caleb’s front, soaking in the affection and physical reassurance, laptop tucked under his arm.

“I love you.” Caleb whispered, rubbing Essek’s shoulder. “Thank you for taking care of me on top of everything else.”

“You took care of me, too.” Essek wrapped his free arm around Caleb’s waist to hug him. “I couldn’t have done this without you. I love you.”

They separated after a squeezing hug and when Caleb went into the kitchen, he got an idea and felt motivated enough to cook it despite his exhaustion.

“Molly?”

“Yeah, handsome?”

“Do you know if Verin likes stuffed green peppers?”

The last-minute sleepover was exactly what the Thelyss brothers needed.

When Verin and Essek ended their call with Quana, reassured by her that she would take care of things - and even receiving an apology for not noticing things sooner - they leaned back and exhaled, letting out a breath each that they hadn’t realized had been lodged in their chests.

They stared up at Essek’s ceiling, silent for several long seconds.

“It’s… done.” Verin said softly, almost amazed.

“It’s done.” Essek repeated. He smiled. “We’re free.”

Verin rolled his head to look at Essek, smiling in return as his brother met his eyes. “We’re free.”

Essek smirked with amusement, chuckling breathlessly.

“Does this also feel completely impossible to you, or is it just me?”

“Right?” Verin laughed. “Nothing about the last, what, twelve hours has made any sense.”

“A part of me wants to know how they didn’t notice until last year,” Essek remarked, “but another part understands it’s Mother we’re talking about. Of course they didn’t notice.”

“She can be extremely camouflaged when it benefits her.” Verin agreed in a sigh.

“Everythin’ alright in there, loves?” Mollymauk called out. “Are you two off the phone?”

“We’re off the phone.” Verin confirmed, getting up. Essek joined him in walking to the kitchen.

Upon reaching the archway, he could smell the scent of tomato, onion, and spices. He recognized the light green tint to the cutting board Caleb was carrying to the sink, and he gave Caleb a fond smile as he walked over to lean against him.

“Are you making what I think you’re making?” Essek asked him tenderly, resting his chin over Caleb’s shoulder. Caleb smirked and leaned his head against Essek’s.

“Of course. Emotional upheaval means stuffed green peppers, ja?”

“Did you at least tell Molly you could be put to work for stuffed green peppers?” Essek asked, wrapping his arms around Caleb’s waist.

“No?”

“That’s a very important step in our bit, Widogast. I’m heartbroken that you skipped it.”

“Ah.” Caleb’s lips turned upward in a slight smirk at his partner’s sarcasm. “Well, to plead my case, my brain was soup and Molly did the majority of the work. So was I really put to work for stuffed green peppers?”

“Hmm…” Essek kissed his shoulder as Caleb dried his hands. “I will pardon you this time. But you’re on thin ice, Professor.”

“How gracious of you, Shadowhand.” Caleb bumped Essek’s hip with his own. “A mercy I won’t soon forget.”

Essek smacked Caleb’s hip in playful reprimand for his sarcasm, and Caleb laughed.

“To be serious for a moment,” Caleb set the rag down on the counter and turned, wrapping his arms around Essek’s body, loosely holding him, “how did the call go?”

“It went well. Very well.” Essek smiled, a lightness to his eyes that Caleb had rarely glimpsed before, in the infrequent times when all his worries were gone. “I sent her both the recording of the living room and the one I took of Durth confessing Mother told him about your past. She reassured us that we’ve nothing to worry about and she will look into how Mother got your information. If she went the route I’m theorizing she went, it likely wasn’t illegal but would certainly look bad on her in court, especially paired with her telling Durth of all people.”

Caleb smiled, relieved, and cupped Essek’s face, stroking his thumb over a soft cheek.

“Gut.”

“Quana was also impressed about our turnaround.” Essek grinned a little. “I reminded her about Molaesmyr and said we can’t help that we’re overachievers.”

Caleb chuckled and shrugged, murmuring, “You’re not wrong.”

The conversation lulled. Blue eyes trailed over one side of Essek’s face, studying it as a smile wavered, and Essek knew what Caleb was looking for without his partner having to ask it. He waited for him to ask it nonetheless, and when Caleb said nothing he answered the unspoken question.

“I keep a potion in the lab for emergencies.” He placed his hand over Caleb’s on his cheek to hold it there. The bearded smile continued to fade.

“I’m sorry I didn’t step in sooner.” Caleb whispered.

“I know you’re sorry, dear, it’s okay. I was trying to get a reaction out of her. I wasn’t trying to get slapped,” Essek added, already knowing the accusation Caleb would level, “but I was trying to anger her.”

“I would guess you succeeded, then. Still, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I didn’t see it coming, either, and I’m the one that knows her tells the best. You don’t need to apologize.”

“Agree to disagree.” Caleb kissed Essek’s cheek and then held Essek’s hand, nodding toward the living room. “Come, let’s go pick out a movie.”

They went out to the living room with Verin and Mollymauk, and tried to ignore the hanging sense of foreboding that still permeated the space.

“-more harm than good.” Molly whispered, leaning against Verin’s side on the loveseat almost conspiratorially. At hearing footsteps approaching, both Verin and Molly looked up at the kitchen and broke their conspiratorial closeness.

“He deserves to know.” Verin said plainly, giving Mollymauk a brief glance.

He focused on Caleb, and the human’s heart stuttered in his chest, threatening to give out. He wasn’t sure how much more he could take tonight.

“Who deserves to know what?” Essek asked cautiously, dragging Caleb by the hand to approach.

Verin gestured to the couch and Molly sighed, jaw tensing. The Taskhand waited for his brother and his brother’s partner to sit down before he spoke.

“When I was confronting Durth, he told me about the, um, program you were in.” Verin reluctantly confessed, wincing as he saw Caleb’s face pale. “He also told us what your old name was.”

“Now, there’s no need to freak out, alright?” Molly left Verin’s side and sat down on the other side of Caleb, grabbing a pale hand not being held by Essek and holding it with both of his. “We’re not asking you to explain. And Ver and I aren’t going to say a damn thing, I promise. I know I can be a gossipy bitch, but dead names aren’t my thing, you know that. And whatever extra bit that Ver learned, he’s not gonna tell me and I don’t need to know. I know it hurts you, and that’s all I need to know.”

Caleb swallowed and stared down at Molly’s hands holding his, unsure of where else to look. He didn’t want to look at anyone’s face, that was for sure.

“You okay, love?” Molly asked, so soft and concerned, and Caleb’s lips twitched.

“I’m okay.” He whispered. “I just… I’m tired of my past haunting me, I guess.”

“Trust me, love, I know the feeling.” Molly chuckled a little, leaning into Caleb’s side and thinking of Lucien.

“I think we all do,” Verin hummed, glancing at his brother, “to some degree.”

Essek nodded, knowing they were both thinking of their den. He then rubbed Caleb’s forearm, giving it a light squeeze. A silent reassurance that he was there.

Caleb inhaled. For the first time, he wanted to explain. He wanted to tell them what had happened and why, and he wasn’t afraid of repercussions, and that was a novel feeling.

“I was, uh… It…” Caleb swallowed. “I lost my parents, and… I was in a tough spot financially, with, ah, b-burying them and paying for school.”

Molly wanted to interject, to reassure Caleb that he didn’t need to explain, but the Thelyss brothers gave him a look that told him to be quiet, so he closed his mouth.

“One, um, one of my professors, he… He offered me a volunteer position. A paid volunteer position. I just had to be a participant in some studies and…” Caleb frowned, feeling his eyes begin to burn with the threat of tears. “He told me I could quit at any time. But he lied.”

Essek’s hand was gently moved as Caleb freed his hand from Molly’s grasp and nudged Essek’s off of him. The Zemnian then mapped a few of the faint scars on his forearm with the tip of a finger. Caleb opened his mouth to speak, but his voice failed him.

Essek rubbed his shoulder, carefully observing his partner’s eyes for if they became distant.

“Caleb, are you saying…?” Mollymauk trailed fake nails over Caleb’s other forearm, voice soft and horrified, unable to keep from speaking any longer. “Love, I thought you did these to yourself.”

Caleb shook his head, voice choking up with emotion. He inhaled shakily and cleared his throat.

“I, um… I was in the program with… Astrid and Wulf, and ah… A-After our professor did this experiment, volunteers started getting doubts, and I was one of them. I didn’t think I could handle more, and I - I told my partners I wanted to leave the program, and that’s why…”

“That’s why they attacked you.” Verin finished for him, a spark of sharp intelligence behind his eyes that Caleb was unaccustomed to seeing from the younger Thelyss. Caleb supposed that’s where Verin’s intelligence from his years of being a Taskhand came into play.

“J-Ja. Ikithon - our professor, he… ordered them to… get rid of the ones who wanted to leave. They knew what the program was for, and thought I did, too, so they told him and… I didn’t find out about any of it until the trial. That I wasn’t the only one on their list to take care of, that I wasn't the only one pulling away, that the purpose of the experiments...” Caleb idly scratched his forearm, focusing on the comforting touch of his partner and his friend. “Durth was right. They were trying to make weapons. Living arcane weapons. Assassins. And Astrid and Wulf thought I was just playing the innocent victim, but I didn’t know and I never would’ve done it if I knew.”

“Caleb.” Mollymauk wrapped their arms around Caleb’s shoulders and hugged him tight, and the Zemnian leaned into their embrace, closing his eyes. He felt… calmer. Not dissociated calmer, just calmer. It was nice. Peaceful. “I am so sorry, love.”

Caleb didn’t respond, just sat in his friend’s affection, soaking it in.

“For what it is worth…” Verin lifted his gaze from Caleb’s forearms to the man’s bearded face, unsurprised when Caleb didn’t open his eyes to look at him. “I told Durth this, and I still mean it: If the Bright Queen trusts you, I trust you. And more so,” Verin reached forward, nearly bending in half to place a hand on Essek’s knee, the nearest part of his brother that he could touch, “if you trust him, dalninuk, then I trust him. I trust your judgment above all else, including my own.”

Essek smiled at his brother, patting the hand on his knee. “Thank you, brother.”

“And Caleb? I am sorry you endured what you did.” Verin’s hand retreated. “You did not deserve any of it. You are a very good man, and I’m honored to call you a friend.”

“Danke.” The Zemnian whispered, peeling his eyes open as he felt Mollymauk pull away, a smile turning his lip at Verin’s words.

“I say it’s time for a comedy and some booze. What do you say, Magician? Wanna drink some whiskey with me? I can make you somethin’ real special with it.”

Caleb smiled softly and murmured, “Sure, Mollymauk. Have at it.”

Molly grinned and jumped up, glancing around the room. Before they could ask, Essek stood up and walked them back to the kitchen, where he kept his alcohol arranged neatly in some cabinets.

While they were gone, Verin got up and sat next to Caleb, feeling the human stiffen at his new proximity.

“I want you to listen closely.” Verin spoke softly, but with an edge of seriousness. Caleb was worried for half a second, realizing suddenly just how large Verin was compared to him, before Verin continued, saying, “You are the best thing that’s ever happened to my brother. I will let nothing get in the way of that. Okay?”

“O… kay?” Caleb furrowed his brow. “Why does that sound like a threat?”

Verin clapped him on the shoulder.

“Because it is, just not to you. To you, it is a promise.”

With a smile that did not mirror the situation, Verin stood up and walked toward the kitchen. Caleb blinked at his reflection in the darkened screen of the television, silently relieved that he was in Verin’s good graces.

Chapter Text

A couple hours later, Caleb adjusted his arm over Essek’s waist beneath their throw blanket. They were lying on the couch in the dark, the television casting bursts of light across the room as the end of the movie played and empty plates sat on the coffee table.

At Caleb’s movement, Essek didn’t stir, which told Caleb he was asleep. He kissed the top of Essek’s head, grateful his partner was getting some rest, and then glanced to check in on Molly and Verin.

On the loveseat catty-corner with the couch, he saw Molly and Verin snuggling as well, Molly laying on top of Verin like a warm weighted blanket. The tiefling must’ve been asleep, their tail unmoving beneath the blanket draped over them, but Verin was awake like Caleb, head propped against the loveseat arm blankly watching the finale.

Resting his head to watch the screen again, Caleb decided that he and Essek needed to get a sectional in the new apartment. One of the ones with an ottoman that formed the whole unit into one big mattress. He hadn’t had the space nor the money before, but their new apartment could squeeze a big sectional in it and it would make romantic nights in front of the fireplace more comfortable. That would mean they’d need to move Caleb’s old amber couch, but maybe they could move it to the study. Yeah, that could be good. Worse comes to worst, they’d get rid of it. Caleb would be disappointed, but not heartbroken. The couch was getting old.

“Drathir,” Verin’s low rumbling voice murmured, “time for bed.”

Caleb lifted his head and smiled softly, amused and endeared as Verin stroked Mollymauk’s sharp jaw and Mollymauk grumbled and tried to burrow into Verin’s body, nearly knocking his boyfriend’s chin with his horn. Glancing at the screen again, he realized the credits were rolling.

Verin was right. It was time for bed.

Normally Caleb would cast Levitate and carry Essek to bed, but the component he required was currently a room away in his suit jacket. So, he had to unfortunately do the same as Verin and wake his partner.

“Liebling.” He rubbed Essek’s sternum as he spoke softly by Essek’s long pointed ear.

Essek, probably from the trials of the day, was jumpy. He flinched and quickly turned his head toward his shoulder, eyes still closed. As he peeled them open, blinking blearily, he mumbled, “Mm? Wha’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.” Caleb kissed an ear, smiling when Essek giggled at the beard tickling the cartilage. “I’m just waking you up for bed.”

Essek grumbled, turning over and wrapping himself around Caleb like a vine and disturbing their carefully shared blanket, exposing his back to the cooler air. Caleb chuckled softly and held him to keep Essek from falling off the couch.

A grunt got Caleb’s attention, and he was impressed to see Verin standing with Mollymauk limp in his arms bridal style. Caleb could see the slight grin Molly was trying to hide, pretending to be asleep.

“You’re such a brat.” Verin huffed, unfooled. He adjusted his hold on Molly with another grunt, bouncing him to do so, and Molly broke character to yelp and grab onto Verin’s shoulders. Verin laughed, a booming sound, and carried Molly to the stairs, who began cursing at him in a thickened accent.

Essek growled quietly into Caleb’s clavicle at the loud sounds.

“If you give me a moment to get my components, I could carry you up, too.” Caleb offered, petting white hair.

Essek groaned as if put-upon and let Caleb go, bunching his arms between them. Caleb furrowed his brow-

A grumbled arcane word lilted through the air and Caleb flailed as they apparated over Essek’s bed and fell half a foot. Essek landed neatly on his side with the throw blanket they’d been using still covering him, and Caleb landed on his back with wide eyes. Essek smirked with amusement at the glare Caleb leveled at him, undoubtedly for not warning him about the Dimension Door.

“Du arschloch.” The Zemnian cursed, pushing Essek’s shoulder. Essek couldn’t help but giggle and lean in, curling up against Caleb’s side and pulling the blanket over their bodies to share it again. He rested his head on Caleb’s shoulder.

“I love you.” The smiled declaration caressed Caleb’s chest, and Caleb’s annoyance melted away. He wrapped Essek up in his arms and kissed his forehead.

“I love you too, schatzi.”

They’d slip under the duvet in a bit. Caleb was just happy to have Essek to hold after their wild ride of a day.