Fighting is Meaningless

17. Patience has its Limit

Dan Heng couldn't help but giggling. He looked at himself tied up inside a ruined house in the middle of a dark forest.

This is so... new.

And thrilling

I feel like in a novel.

The four men who kidnapped him were sitting and eating something, they were probably waiting for the other two; the bard and the elf who had to distract Blade, to come back from the village.

"Why is he laughing? He looks like he doesn't mind this situation at all" one of the kidnappers said, feeling awe, taking a glance towards Dan Heng's side.

Dan Heng met his stare and showed an empty one, that made them feel even more in awe "May I ask you for how long am I supposed to be sit here?" he asked "Are we moving anytime soon? To where? More towards the Outer Territories? I heard there are so many places totally unknown by the Royal Family" he asked many questions, making the men tilt their heads confused.

"Seriously.." One of the kidnapper said whispering to his companions "I really think we saved him, maybe the duke was forcing the marriage?"

"No, the Emperor surely did... He wants to have full control on the North Duke, and who's better than a husband who can poison their minds? I can't believe Grand Duke Ying let this man in his manor... It's so obvious he is a pawn of the inner territories of the Empire. I don't even know why he's acting innocent! He looks like a fox, ready to charm the duke, a damn fox!"

Dan Heng flinched as he could definitely hear their whispers "Husband?" he grit his teeth, feeling his own cheeks red "You insolent bastards." he muttered and the kidnappers almost choked on their food at the switch of tone

"Hey! How dare you! You're our hostage, you better not infuriate us or we might silence you for the rest of your stay, and let me tell you... The thing is simple, you will be quiet and nice, and we will wait a little..." the kidnapper said happily under Dan Heng's puzzled stare "The duke will ride fast back home, asking the Grand Duke for help to find his fiancee, then we will contact the Royal Family exposing the fact duke Blade has thrown the fiancee the Emperor wanted to use to control him to a group of criminals"

Dan Heng sighed heavily, feeling embarassed "Fiancée" he muttered to then close his eyes "This is so... embarassing, why would you even think I am engaged to that shameless man" he muttered.

Oh well, he was protective, surely, but he wanted just to make sure he'd stay alive.

Yes, right... His kisses, him holding him tight, holding his hand... Or caress in the morning in public places were just... attentions he'd give to anyone.

Or just because he desires to warm his bed, right.

Dan Heng slowly looked down, feeling his cheeks red as hell as his mind was sending him all the little moments Blade would just invade his personal space and feel just flustered.

I want to die.

He can't possibly be serious on courting me, I am useless to him and I am a monster. No... He wouldn't really like me.

"Oh please, look how he's trying to defy us" the kidnappers laughed and Dan Heng felt even more frustrated "It was obvious, we spied on you for two days and we got the rumours from the ball... A mysterious duke who's now living in the North Duke's manor... Please, it's obvious!"

"Right!"

Dan Heng sighed heavily and bit the cheek from the inside looking effortlessly cute "This is not thrilling anymore, I am getting annoyed" he spoke to then tilt his head and look at those men "I do apologise for crushing your dreams, but honestly I am not his fiancée" he said to then smile "Anyway, the North Duke is already loyal to the Royal Family, the Emperor doesn't need to set him up, for now"