The Emperor's Head

21. Happiness

Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

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Bolin was unaware of how happy he had been in the past few months. He had nothing to compare it to, so he assumed it was just about satisfying his physical needs and witnessing Jun's development, which made him wake up enthusiastically every day.

Jun's sharp mind as he grasped concepts and enacted them within moments inspired awe in Bolin and humbled him. Jun learned to control and finesse that rivaled Bolin's lifelong study in the span of one Winter.

Once the snow began to fall, the rhythm of their day flowed like a melody sung for years. The mornings focused still on magical training with Oyun. But the afternoons they divided between horsemanship and martial training. Jun and Tianchi rode harder and faster than almost any other pair in the Sanctuary. Only Suifeng gave his stablemate competition, his footing as sure on snow as on dirt; only the rain gave Tianchi an advantage.

Jun progressed in weapon training, moving from throwing daggers to archery with deadly accuracy. Although his swordplay did not yet match Bolin's, he made significant progress. Jun's clan provided him with the fundamentals, and he honed his skills in the training pavilion, surrounded by other students. He focused on strengthening his arm, agility, and developing some aggressiveness. His fighting progressed from purely defensive to attack, but never with the same level of purpose as Bolin.

Jun's body transformed due to this physical labor. He appeared taller, although Bolin knew he had already aged past the point of gaining more height. It was an illusion of the change in his stance and musculature. While his frame could still be considered petite, his muscles had hardened, and some of the curves that had previously hinted at femininity had disappeared. Bolin appreciated both the changes and the things that remained the same about his lover.

Like he is always reading.

Bolin scowled while he brushed off the snow from his cloak before hanging it on the hook near the entrance. Jun noticed and cast a spell to remove the remaining chill from Bolin's body, replacing it with a comforting warmth. Despite his resilience to the cold, Bolin appreciated Jun's magical abilities and how it made him feel. Jun took pleasure in ensuring Bolin was comfortable and protected from the elements, and Bolin cherished the joy it brought to his partner's face.

You still seem so innocent at times.

Jun put his book on the table they had installed next to his favorite cushion, the one closest to the open front of the brazier, and unfolded himself to stand in time to embrace Bolin when he arrived in the heart of the room. Jun had made minor changes to the room, putting color where previously had been only gray and brown, but it remained an austere room, befitting Bolin's personality. Jun insinuated himself into every aspect of Bolin's life somehow, and Bolin found himself pleased.

"What did Oyun need so late at night?" Jun stroked Bolin's hair, searching for any remaining dampness and drying it. Bolin basked in the pleasure these small gestures gave Jun. Their connection had grown so deep that every emotion flowed through it, even if they were far apart.

We have yet to test the extent of the distance we can cross. I can't separate from you for long enough to experiment.

"The snow has melted enough along the pass that visitors can come again," Bolin began cautiously, his enjoyment of the moment fading with the weight of his news.

"Oh, the cooks will be pleased, and Tianchi will like the fresh hay." Jun separated from Bolin, his eyebrows lowering with concern. "But there is more you need to tell me."

"A messenger has arrived from the Island Sanctuary. Your sister has requested to see you." As soon as Bolin mentioned the Island Sanctuary, Jun's cheeks rose with an anticipatory smile.