I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 92: Lake

After a long discussion they reached a decision and the meeting concluded. Minda would be fully dressed in armour and hidden away in the cart driven by Daniu. Once the battle ensued the carriage and carts would position themselves in a cluster. This way Kai could remain close to the cart Minda was hiding in without revealing his position to the enemy.

"Are you still worried about tomorrow?" Minda asked Kai as they rode their horse towards the lake.

"Always." Kai responded.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No."

"Really?"

"MinMin, my worries aren't rational. Until the fight is over and I can hold you unharmed in my arms they won't go away. They might never go away." Kai explained as he hugged Minda close.

Kai didn't need to say more and Minda didn't need him to. He understood Kai was worried because he loved him. Instead, Minda decided to help by distracting Kai with their trip to the lake.

"Honey, when we reach the lake do you want to go fishing? I asked Daniu to borrow his fishing poles."

"If that's how you want to spend our time, I am fine with it."

"I don't know if we'll catch anything but if we do I'll make your favourite braised fish with it." Minda said.

"In that case I will do my best to catch a big fat fish." Kai said as he brought the horse from a gentle trot to a fast gallop. Minda was taken off guard by the sudden change in speed and fell back into Kai's firm chest. Kai didn't slow down. Instead, he wrapped an arm around Minda and held him close as they continued forward towards the lake.

...

The lake was small. Some might even call it a pond. Even so, Minda was excited to spend time fishing and exploring the area around it.

"After we leave the country let's find an inn by a lake to spend a few days. Someplace we can swim, fish, and just relax while we plan our future." Minda said.

"I'll have to ask around but that sounds like it could be nice." Kai said as he prepared the fishing poles.

"Is there anything you want to do once we leave the country?" Minda asked.

"I'm happy as long as we're together."

Minda burst into a deep blush. Kai's words were sweet and he was tempted to throw himself into his embrace but before he could he noticed Houtian riding past on his horse.

"I almost forgot we aren't alone." Minda thought as he stepped back with his cane. Kai noticed his hesitation and turned to find the cause.

"Why is he so close. We agreed he's stay out of sight." Kai thought as he shot Houtian a nasty look. The ever vigilant Houtian noticed and nudged his horse to trot away.

"Is the fishing pole ready to be used?" Minda asked in an attempt to change the topic.

This wasn't the first time Minda had gone fishing. Not long after leaving the estate Daniu had taught him how to fish while Kai was busy setting up the campsite. Since that day Kai had secretly asked everyone to talk to him first before teaching Minda new things. Not because he didn't want Minda to learn and experience them but because he wanted the chance to teach Minda himself.

"Use that one. I've already added bait to the end." Kai said as he pointed at the pole leaning against the rock next to them. Minda happily took the fishing pole and using his cane made his way closer to the lake.

"Be careful. The ground is..."

Splash!

Before Kai could finish his warning Minda's cane slipped in some mud and he fell into the water. Kai dropped everything and jumped into the water to save him. The water was surprisingly deep and even the tall Kai couldn't touch the bottom.