Captive Heart

chapter 2

Leng Qinxue thought he was doing an excellent job, all things considered.

First, he'd been whisked into a random novel without finishing the ending. Second, he had no help but still managed to survive in the cutthroat world of palace politics. Third, he had netted the only male lead without a canon pairing in the entire book.

Of course, that was because Huangfu Rongjin turned out to be a tragic cannon fodder who died early, but with him here he was sure they could both survive. For one thing, the guy wasn't being passed between the second and third princes and suffering everyday. For another, Huangfu Rongjin was supposed to be a genius, so he was sure the man could wrangle up an excuse to whisk him away. He even gave him plenty of free time in case he needed to set up any secret rendezvous with mired agents within the palace.

Although...he sticks around me most of the time?

In the mornings, Huangfu Rongjin dressed him and combed his hair. When Leng Qinxue wandered around the palace on "walks" through obscure side paths bordering convenient palace walls, Huangfu Rongjin never looked at anything but the ground. Even when Leng Qinxue pointed out a dusty alcove perfect for storing secret messages, he would only notice the flower bush in front of it and comment with a line of poetry.

Leng Qinxue figured the guy still didn't trust him and upped his efforts to get closer. He gave the man his snacks and had them share the same table at mealtimes. He made sure to try every dish personally to check for poison before giving the lion's share to his companion. He'd even managed to coax him into sharing the same bed to prove that he was completely harmless.

And yet Huangfu Rongjin only smiled politely and continued to play his part as faithful servant, seemingly oblivious to Leng Qinxue's cues, hints, and blatant suggestions.

Maybe he's got high IQ but low EQ.

Recalling that the man was also a skilled swordsman, Leng Qinxue managed to sneak Huangfu Rongjin's beloved blade Traceless into Jadefrost Palace. The latter was cleaning the table after lunch when he presented it with a proud little flourish.

Startled, Huangfu Rongjin lost his grip on the plates and shattered them on the ground.

"Ah-Jin!" Leng Qinxue ran over immediately. "Are you okay?!"

His gold thigh couldn't afford a single scratch, okay?!

"Stay back!" For the first time, Huangfu Rongjin raised his voice, arms raised to keep Leng Qinxue from the broken shards on the floor. "Don't move, I'll get a rag to clean this up."

Afterwards he grabbed Traceless, but it was only to hide it in the bedroom away from curious eyes.

Leng Qinxue felt inexplicably rebuffed.

—

"It's forbidden to bring weapons into the royal residences," Huangfu Rongjin said solemnly as the two of them sat on the bed later with Traceless lying over his lap.

"They won't care if it's me," Leng Qinxue thumped his chest confidently. "Besides, it's your sword and you need it to train. You can't just practice with branches all the time."

"Your Highness—"

"Ah-Jin."

"...Ah-Xue." Huangfu Rongjin took the sword and pushed it firmly into Leng Qinxue's hands. "I appreciate it, but it's too obvious. Keep it for me until I need it?"

Leng Qinxue realized this was the first time Huangfu Rongjin had ever requested something for himself. Finding it fresh, he agreed and hid the sword beneath his—their bed.