Faulty Wings

Chapter 3

I hope you enjoy this chapter with nothing limited to: tension, wen kexing being wen kexing, and ah-xiang almost dying due to a particular feline.

"Please, make yourselves at home."

The Scorpion King gestures to the vast rectangular table behind him. The perfect, poised image of being the most gracious host.

Wanting to get this over with as soon as possible, Wen Kexing smoothly walked across the white and speckled gold marble floor to his seat. The King positioned himself at the head of the table with Prince Jin at his right. The trio settled on the left side, with Zhou Zishu nearest to Xie'er.

The Scorpion King curiously observed the dark fae as he sat down, an eyebrow slightly raised. And just because he could, Wen Kexing fluffed his wings out. Although he dared not show it, he was ever so uncomfortable in his chair that couldn't support his back. No sliver of weakness would be allowed.

Zhou Zishu fought to contain his scoff at his zhiji's movement and noticed he was eyeing the iron cutlery peculiarly.

However, before conversation could begin, servants entered with the first course, serving everyone. One unfortunate servant was tasked with serving Wen Kexing and the plate trembled underneath his hand, unknowingly showing his fear. Of course, it only fed the dark fae's large ego.

When Wen Kexing turned his attention to the first course, he spoke softly, "bird," and turned to look at Ah-Xiang. "Delicious."

The poor girl looked like she was about to be sick and just replied with a strained "mhm" before clearing her throat.

Meanwhile, a quiet conversation between the King and the servants ensued while the guests began their meals. But Wen Kexing hesitated to touch the iron, endeavoring to manage his discomfort.

It was a shame that the action was noticed.

Not missing a beat, the Scorpion King asked, "Is there a problem?"

This was either going to succeed or backfire if someone doesn't get hurt.

There was a bit of hesitation before Ah-Xiang said calmly, "Your Majesty, it's iron" showing her fork to the king. "He is averse to iron."

Doe-eyed and innocent he proclaimed, "I had no idea. Take it away at once!"

Wen Kexing eyed Prince Jin curiously, as the prince was aware of his weakness and seemingly wanted to observe his reaction. "I trust you'll manage without cutlery?" He was simply a cat playing with his food. "I trust you will be comfortable with your hands?"

Oh how it was a good thing the golden-eyed fae had mastered the art of being patient. But, it was really testing the amount of control he had.

The air in the room was dense with suspense, small talk happening here and there, it was almost like they were waiting - or expecting - a disaster to happen.

"So it is my understanding that Zhou Zishu has a castle of his own." Xie'er abruptly started.

Zhou Zishu glanced at his zhiji, unsure of the conversation's direction, before replying, "Yes, I do."

"I'm curious, since our father's castle was left to him, how did he then become one of the protectors of the Moors?" The king had to swallow the burning venom of the reminder of what he lost.

Wen Kexing was trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind this questioning, narrowing his eyes at where this topic was finally headed.

"I made him one," Wen Kexing stated simply.