The Emperor's Head

7. A Priest's Warning

"Sorry to interrupt," Ming blurted as he swung open the door.

Jun frowned as the young acolyte's cheeks pinked. He felt Bolin's hot breath on his cheek and smiled again. Bolin's hands still lay on his chest, and the awkward way he leaned forward to achieve this connection left their faces unnaturally close. To Ming, it could appear that they had been kissing.

It bodes well for me that Priest Shan's acolyte is so innocent.

When he turned back to Bolin, Jun caught a hint of amusement in his eyes. He couldn't remember seeing anything close to playfulness in Bolin before, and something made him want to see more. Bolin removed his hands and calmly stood up. His movements and face remained bland, but his eyes danced.

"Acolyte Tu needed some rejuvenation. Our session was more difficult than we anticipated," Bolin explained, and Ming's head bobbed several times in response.

"Oh, our masters usually use the shoulders or back, but the chest likely works just as well or better. I've just never seen this technique." Ming walked closer to Jun. "Are you feeling better, Tu?"

"Yes, much," Jun confirmed and nodded at Bolin to affirm the truth.

"Are you two, um -" Ming stopped.

"Finished?" Bolin supplied. "Yes, we are at a stopping point." Ming's ears reddened again.

That wasn't what you were going to ask, was it?

"Acolyte Ming, are you bringing me to Master Priest Shan?" Jun asked as Bolin offered to help him stand.

Jun laid a hand on Bolin's arm and was surprised to feel a hint of anger biting at his fingers. The emotion faded as the last of their training connection wore off. Jun's chest tightened. His companion had lost his temper again. It was surprising for a master to be so hot-headed—especially one whose inner strength felt as cold as ice. But at least this time, he had hidden his irritation.

Is your core ice to make up for your disposition?

"Oh, no, not yet," Ming answered Jun's spoken question and recovered his composure. "Priest Shan said to bring you two to dinner first. He has things to tend to; he will see you after dinner. We should go to the hall now before the food gets cold. He said I was okay to eat in the Traveler's Hall with you tonight. There is always such good food there, I'm not sure why it is always better than the resident acolyte meals, but it often is. Perhaps it is to spread our reputation and encourage visitors. Have you heard of our food?"

Jun smiled at Ming's style of conversation and shook his head politely. This time, he had prepared for the onslaught and found it more amusing than taxing.

At least I don't have to think of half-truths to feed him.

Bolin did not release his arm. Through this connection, Bolin continued to feed him small amounts of his inner strength.

"You will exhaust yourself, Monk Delun," Jun whispered as Bolin leaned in to reattach his veil.

"All I have to do tonight is eat and sleep. You must service the priest. I want you to be stronger," Bolin responded, his hand pausing to ensure everything, but Jun's eyes continued to be obscured by the cloth.

Strength won't help me behind that door, nor will this shroud.

When they arrived, traveling monks, priests, and acolytes filled half the large dining hall seats. Most kept their heads down and ignored the new arrivals, but some stared intently at Jun and Bolin. One monk's glare penetrated deeper than others, and Jun stiffened. Bolin pulled Jun closer to him and scowled back at the older man. A smile broke the fair-skinned monk's glower, and he raised his hands innocently. Jun sighed in relief and tried to step away from Bolin's grasp.