I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 30: Silver

The next day Kai stared down at Minda debating whether to wake him or not.

"The first time I snuck out of bed while he was asleep Minda woke up crying. The second time wasn't much better. According to Feifei he couldn't fall back asleep after I left." Neither were things he wanted to put Minda through but he had to pick one.

"Not being able to sleep is better than crying." Kai finally concluded as he gently shook Minda awake.

"... Sleepy..." Minda mumbled as he tried to push Kai's hand away.

"I'm about to leave." Kai whispered directly into his ear. His hot breath tickled Minda and he rubbed his head into his pillow to escape. Kai found it amusing and purposefully blew into his ear again. Annoyed Minda groaned and grumbled as he shook his head.

"Minda, I'll be back soon. While I'm gone promise me you'll eat, rest, and take your medication." Kai lovingly whispered.

"If you're worried you can always stay." Minda said his mind finally clearing.

"I'll be back soon." Was all Kai could say. He knew Minda would miss him. He would miss him, too. But a part of him felt it was necessary for him and Minda to have a healthy mature relationship. Which meant they couldn't lock themselves away in the estate avoiding the outside world.

Minda was clearly unhappy. Despite how he felt he still reached his hand out and grabbed Kai's sleeve. Kai stopped and looked down at him with the same kind eyes Minda loved.

"Be safe." Minda muttered.

"You, too." Kai said as he gently caressed Minda's puffed cheeks.

...

Kai left with a horse, cart, and everything he needed. After talking with Ran he learned there was a tiger sighting on a Mountain to the North. It was one of the larger mountains with snowcap peaks and rough terrain. Unlike ZiLong Mountain it was rocky and cold but a treasure trove for hunting according to Ran and local hunters.

With the horse he was able to reach the Mountain after a day of traveling and set up camp in an open area halfway up the mountain. It was already April but there was still snow on the ground not far from him. Despite the cold and rough terrain Kai had high expectations for the area.

"I saw a few promising tracks on the way here. If things go well I might even be able to head back early." Kai mused with a smile.

After setting up camp the sun had already begun to set. He didn't know much of the area so it was best to wait until the next day to hunt. With nothing else to do he started a fire and pulled out the wood and carving tools he bought at the blacksmith's.

"There is only so much I can do without the metal fittings but I should be able to get the overall shape done while on this trip." Kai thought as he started whittling away at the wood meant for the crossbow.

...

Minda woke up feeling cold and alone. It was better than the last time but Minda still struggled with nightmares and a lack of sleep.

"Young master, I've made porridge and buns for breakfast this morning." Auntie Feifei said as she helped Minda over to his wheelchair. Minda wasn't hungry but he promised Kai he would try to eat while he was gone.

The day passed quietly. Unlike the last time Minda didn't spend the day brooding in the garden. Instead he was in the study trying to think of a gift he could give Kai.

"I could make him a painting but it doesn't feel that special. Paintings are things I can do at any time. This is for our wedding it needs to be one of a kind." Minda thought as he sat with his ink brush in his hand.