Chapter 20

Kurtis

Walking in the garden, I'm unsure what I want to say to Hyun-Ki. I'm just worried about so many things. I also am not sure I even have a right to say anything. I wasn't allowed to be a proper older brother to Han Lee. The look of admiration he used to have now makes sense. However, that look has been replaced with worry and insecurities.

I finally stopped at the sculpture where I proposed to Astari.

"I know you wanted to talk to me, but I have something to say to you as well." Hyun-Ki comments. I turn to him with a raised eyebrow. Hyun-Ki is standing with his arms crossed and barely concealed rage. Interesting.

"What is it?"

"I cannot begin to understand your feelings. I have learned that everyone feels pain differently. 30 years of being alone and feeling abandoned couldn't have been easy. Now you find out the Head of the entire Syndicate is responsible. I would be a lot more rebellious than you. Whereas Lee had nothing to do with this. He's a victim, just like you. You shouldn't ignore him." His gaze never leaves me, and he remains firm in his conviction to defend my brother.

"Oh? Then, what gives you the right to come to me about it?"

"I… As for the right, I don't have one. I just care about Lee. I hate seeing him despondent over something beyond his control." Hyun-Ki says, still holding my gaze steadily.

"What will you do if I don't 'feel' like dealing with this?" I question him with my arms behind my back.

"That…" He looks away at the statue as if he has finally noticed it. His arms drop to his sides, and he approaches the figure. "I lost so much back then. I cannot say I understand your feelings. However, as the parent separated from your child, it is also difficult. I constantly ask myself, 'is she ok? Is she eating all her vegetables? Does she miss me? She starts school soon. Will she be ok without a parent? What about the family day? Who will come to be there for her? Did she see them do those terrible things to her mother? Would she remember?'"

"So many questions. No one will answer them. All I get is, 'Mari's not your concern.' I don't even know what she looks like. If this is how I feel, then how must Lee feel? Knowing he has a brother he couldn't see until recently. How happy Lee must have been to be able to talk to you and learn from you. The brother he heard so much about. He admired you and admires you."

Hyun-Ki finally turns to me, emotions raw on his face. I don't know why, but I began to feel agitated and angry. I don't want to think about this.

"Enough!" I shout at him.

"No, you need to hear this. Now that same brother knows who Lee is and hasn't spoken to him since. Barely even gives Lee a glance. Leaves for a few days and probably longer if it wasn't for this incident. Doesn't answer his calls or texts. How would you feel if it was you?"

"But it's not me! You have no right to meddle in my family affairs. However, I wonder, do you fancy him a maiden that needs protecting?" I finally broached the topic.

"I wouldn't dare!" Hyun-Ki refutes forcefully. "I know he's a man capable of handling his own affairs. But are you even capable of handling this?"

"You don't dare? I heard you kissed him? That was bold for someone who wouldn't dare." I say quietly.

"Those are two different things."

"How are they different?" I ask him, but he doesn't respond.

Looks like he's barely keeping control of himself. I realize I am purposely provoking him. I redirect my gaze to the sculpture.

"What exactly do you want from him? Why did you kiss him if you know he's a man?"

"Why do you feel you have the right to ask me this? You won't talk to him, but you want to play the big brother now?"

"So we both have no right to confront each other, it seems," I murmur. Hyun-Ki doesn't respond. Just gazes at the child statue with a blank expression on his face.

"Since it's like this, let me say this, don't lead Lee on. Don't confuse him. Don't approach Lee again unless he approaches you first. If this… if you are what Lee wants, then I will support it."

"Thanks. You should still consider talking to Lee and spending time with him." Hyun-Ki comments.

"I will see what I can do about Bu Marie. I cannot promise anything." I ignore the bit about Lee Han.

"Thank you." He bows to me. Letting it go.

"I'm not doing it for you but for her." And myself. Hyun-Ki smirks and straightens but says nothing else. We just stand in silence.

"What are you guys doing?" Lee startles us, and we both turn to face him. His eyes are suspicious and worried. Strange. Lee finally settles his eyes on me, and I can see the worry and insecurity I have been avoiding.

"Have you seen this?" Hyun-Ki turns to the statue again. Lee glances at it briefly before looking back at me. I sigh inwardly.

"No." He responds. His gaze is piercing.

"Where did you go?" I finally ask him.

"I was invited to tea by Lady Tang and Lord Yaotián Sr." He answers. By his tone when he mentioned Lady Tang, he didn't find her excellent company.

"Oh? How'd that go?" Hyun-Ki must have picked up on it since he posed the question.

"I can see why people are distant from her."

Lee's polite way of saying he'd rather not see her again and his face looking as if he smelled something foul have me laughing. I met her long ago. She was rude and looked at me as if I was trash beneath her feet. This morning, she was so pleasant and sweet that I almost gagged. Lord Yaotián's apologetic looks were almost comical. How he married such a woman is beyond me.

"Why are you guys here?" Lee returns to his earlier question.

"I was just talking to Hyun-ki. It's been a while. I should find Astari and see if she wants to attend the meeting. I'll head out first." I make an excuse and turn, leaving those two looking after me.

Heading in, I come across Prince Xaoi-He. I rarely see this man. He's covered in blood and appears to be in a hurry. He stops when he sees me, then walks toward me.

"Did Prince Kim find you?"

"Oh, yes, he's in the Gardens with Lord Bu. Did you need something?"

"No, I just wanted to make sure he was ok. Are you ok with him being with Hyun-Ki?" He asks, his arms crossing with a smile as if he finds this all amusing.

"It would appear I have no right to encroach on his personal life. I'm going to get Astari." I answer with obvious annoyance. I hear Xaoi-He's chuckle as I walk past him.

"It's getting so interesting being back home." I hear him say. Dismissing him, I continue on. In my opinion, things are more troublesome. This is why I left to begin with.

Arriving at my cousin's room, I see Astari and her sister sitting at the table, chatting quietly with Danielle. Danielle's the only one who doesn't look at me any differently, which is refreshing.

"Astari, will you be coming to the meeting?" I ask, interrupting their conversation.

"Yea. I will go." She responds, "Will you be coming?" She addresses the other two.

"I'll come with you." Khelani agrees to the astonishment of all present.

Khelani never seemed interested before. Typically she would be off gallivanting with some of the young Lords. Thinking about this, I begin considering who all is in the house right now. There are a lot of bachelors. I am glad I don't have a little sister. My only female relative is my cousin, Danielle, who is already promised to Myo. Myo is my best friend, and I know he will always respect her, even if he can be a bit overbearing. Danielle can handle it. Consequently, I am not worried.

"Kurtis, before you go, can I talk to you? It will be quick." Danielle pulls me out of my thoughts. I lean against the door and nod. "I am not going to pry into your feelings, but I just ask that you take Han with you when you return. Han needs something to do. Presently, I don't really have anything. My guard is here, and I will have Chief Yaotián decide how best to handle them for now. I would come too, but Li would have a fit."

Why is it this again? What she says makes sense. I can take him with me. I just don't want to. Is he really that pitiful? He doesn't seem really broken up. I don't even know what I would say to him. How do I be a big brother to a grown man? He's not a child and is completely capable.

"You want me to take Lee back when I leave?" I ask to clarify.

"Yes." She types.

"Hyun-Ki will most likely follow him there," Astari informs me.

I direct my attention to my beautiful fiancé. Astari has been on my case about our siblings and our intimate relations. I would rather not be around Lord Bu. His nearness may even complicate my relationship with Astari and my brother. Astari's eyes are pleading with me, silently eliciting a sigh from me. I suppose I can give her this.

"If that is your wish, I will bring him with me," I tell Astari. Her eyes light up with delight, and she smiles. Turning to Danielle, "The meeting will start soon. Are you not coming?"

"I will wait for Li," Danielle informs me. Nodding, I hold my hand out to my fiancé. Astari smiles and takes it as she rises. We turn and leave, with Khelani following behind us.

"You're not going to attack my brother, are you?" Khelani asks me. I laugh at this as we walk down the corridor to the lobby and the dual staircases.

"I would have done it already. As long as Hyun-Ki does as he promised, we will be fine. No need to worry."

"He promised something." Astari questions.

"Don't worry about it." I dismiss her.

"Who is that?" Khelani asks as we reach the lobby.

There's a tall man with broad shoulders in a black suit and a buzz cut. He's blocking Prince Yaotián Xaoi-He from escaping and pressing his lips forcefully onto Prince Xaoi-He's lips. Prince Xaoi-He's hair is pulled back in a ponytail. It is obviously wet, as if he just got out of the shower and headed to the meeting before being accosted by this man. As for Prince Xaoi-He's enjoyment in the affections of the man, it would seem that he's two seconds from castrating the fellow with a knife he slipped out of his pocket.

"Man, gay men are everywhere, aren't they?" I murmur to myself. Astari punches my arm.

"Be nice. Don't be that guy."

"Whatever," I say.

"You're not going to do anything?" Astari and I turn to look at Khelani, whose agitated voice chimes in.

"By all means. Don't let me stop you." I tell her. She blushes but advances anyway.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in someone else's house?" She demands.

At her critique, the man steps back and licks the blood on his bleeding lip. Prince Yaotián spits on the man, the blood in his mouth from biting so hard, and pulls the knife in his hand back away from the guy's groin. I notice it's the son of one of the Vice Premiers, Park Zixin.

Park Zixin has continuously harassed Prince Yaotián Xaoi-He. I couldn't say if it's ever gotten physical before. Nor did I expect it was for this… I tsk and feel Astari's nails dig into my arm.

"So dangerous…" He tells Prince Yaotián.

"If it wasn't for your father, I would have killed you long ago. Regrettably, you're off limits." Prince Yoatián advises menacingly.

"You should learn to exercise some restraint Mr. Park Zixin." Khelani accuses the man. He smirks when he sees her and smiles.

"Is this your new escort?" Park Zixin queries as he approaches Khelani.

Before anyone can react, a projectile flies between the three of them, stopping Park Zixin in his tracks. We all turn to find Lady Yanyun approaching with two of her Lady Guards. One of the guards has another arrow drawn.

"Now, Zixin, I told you not to touch him without his permission. Should I get my payment now?" Lady Yanyun reminds him sweetly. Her eyes are as cold as ice.

"No need, My Lady. It's been so long since I have seen him. His beauty had me bewitched. I forgot myself. I promise it won't happen again." He bows to her.

"I suggest you go find yourself in the conference room. It's up the stairs and to your left. Just at the end of the hall. In case you forgot that as well."

"Of course, My Lady." He bows to her and leaves.

"Lady Yanyun." We all greet her except Prince Yaotián, whose furious expression makes us all unsure what to do.

"XaoiXaoi. Are you ok?" She ignores us.

"I'm fine. Thank you, Lady Khelani." He bows to her and leaves us, heading up the stairs.

"Thanks for showering." His mom calls after him. He just waves his hand and continues on.

"Then, we should go," I advise as we begin walking away.

"When it's convenient, will you tell him Jaidan is out of surgery and awake? He's recovering fine."

"Sure, but why didn't you tell him just now?" I acquiesce, pausing in my advance to the stairs.

"You'll see. Xaoi-He should attend the meeting. But if he seems to lose his composure or needs a way out, let him know. Jaidan should be up for a while." She turns and leaves.

"What's this about?" Astari's brow creases in confusion.

"Whatever it is, it cannot be good if she gives him an escape route. Prince Xaoi-He is not one known for his patience like his brothers." Khelani surmises.

"Let's just go." As we head up the stairs, I see Myom-Li and Danielle on their way.