I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 50: Market

Minda and Kai reached the clothing shop without any other delays. Kai dismounted from the horse first and squeezed Minda's thigh.

"How do you feel?"

"I'm fine."

Minda's leg felt a little numb after riding a horse for over an hour but he didn't think it would be a problem. He moved himself closer so Kai could help lift him off the horse. Kai had his doubts he lifted him off the horse's back and held him in his arms. Minda sat in Kai's embrace waiting to be lowered to the ground. However, Kai had no intention to put him down and carried Minda directly into the clothing shop.

"What about my cane?" Minda asked.

"You won't need it." Was Kai's response to his question.

The moment they entered the shop they were greeted by the owner and the tailor MuFen who had been serving them since the beginning.

MuFen looked around in search of Auntie Feifei. When he didn't see her he realized he could only address Minda directly. A situation he was clearly uncomfortable with.

"Young Master Chen, your wedding outfits have been completed. Please follow me to the private room in back for the final fitting." He respectfully said.

"No need. Can you just give it to us so we can go." Minda answered. He was actually quite annoyed with how long it took them to prepare their outfits and wasn't afraid to show it. The tailor lowered his head knowing he had made a terrible mistake before leaving to get Minda and Kai their clothing.

"Are you sure you don't want to try them on?" Kai asked.

"There's no point. Even if they aren't perfect we only have one week until the wedding." Minda said.

...

Once they securely packed the outfits on the horse's saddle Kai and Minda mounted the horse again and headed towards the market.

"Stop." A guardsman said as they approached. Kai did as he was told and calmly asked for an explanation.

"Horses or other large animals are forbidden past this point." The guard said. Kai looked ahead and noticed the crowded street full of shops and stalls. Taking the horse further would certainly be difficult considering the people and size of the area.

"Is there a place we can safely tie up the horse while we shop?" Kai asked.

"The inn across the street has a stable out back. For a price they would be willing to watch your horse." The guard said in a much kinder tone.

"Appreciated." Kai said before changing direction and heading for the inn the guard had pointed out.

...

While Minda waited for Kai to return he started feeling a little shy. He enjoyed sitting in Kai strong arms and being carried by him but started to feel self-conscious when he thought about the crowded market from earlier.

"I never feel like this when we're at home." Minda thought surprised by his own feelings. As he struggled to understand his own thoughts and emotions Kai returned from inside.

"Are you ready to go?" Kai asked.

"I am. Kai, do you mind carrying me from behind as we go through the market?" Minda tentatively asked. He felt bad saying it as he played with Kai's sleeve after being lowered to the ground.

"Not at all."

Kai wasn't put off about the idea. He thought having Minda on his back made more sense for moving through the crowded market. He calmly knelt down with his back towards Minda. Minda looked at Kai's broad back it looked sturdy and strong and reminded him of how different Kai's physique was to his.