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Today was terrible. And tonight will be only worse. Why is every day so terrible. Feron starts losing it.
His amazing younger brother Louis decided the easiest way to cheat on his wife well, entertain nobility is to organize a ball and invite everyone he knows. Feron thought he was joking when he mentioned it first time. But then king actually started planning and he realized he was not joking. So in next few days marquis tried to persuade his brother, who insisted on his presence, that he cannot be there. He assumed Louis only enjoys watching him suffer but later learned that he genuinely want him there, because in his opinion ‘it will be fun’. He was furious when he found out king canceled every possible meeting Feron could have had, (or at least those he knew about) because this way he didn’t have any excuse. He even offered he will look after little prince, but now queen too agreed with her husband it won’t be necessary because boy will be sleeping unbothered. And so Feron was left with no choice but to go there and ‘have fun’.
“I cannot fucking believe it.” He complained to himself as he get really for the ball. Feron couldn’t remember last time he had to dress up like this and spend hours pretending to enjoy things that causes him pain. He hates those clothes. They are so uncomfortable, for him it hurts to move around and it hurts much more in corset and heels. Moreover he feels too old for this kind of stupid entertainment but king clearly commanded him to be present so there isn’t much he can change about it.
He took his medicine and put some in his ring in case the pain will worsen. Which definitely happen. He took his cane and prayed. Again, in very long time, to whatever gods there may be, to spare him this terrible experience.
When he came to the main hall most of guests had already arrived and now we’re doing their own stuff. Dancing, eating, drinking and so on. Feron looked for the king and find him surrounded by ladies which he assumed were wives of befriended dynasties.
“Oh, brother! I’m glad you’re finally here!” said king already drunk.
“Can we possibly talk in private?” Feron asked. Louis sighed and told the women to leave them alone.
“Look Lois, you know I fully support your every decision…”
“Then? What’s the problem?” king cut him in middle sentence.
Feron took a deep breath: “the problem is my health. My body won’t handle this. I can't stand loud noises, I feel dizzy from bright lights and my whole body hurts from every movement. This isn’t for me. Please allowed to leave.”
“I won’t.” Louis shook his head. “You need something to distract you from that terrible pain. And this is it. So stay here, relax, you’ll see it’ll help you. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.” He said with smile.
“I don’t think anybody want me here anyway..” Feron mumbled. It wasn’t really an argument. Just a fact.
“That’s not true. And even if nobody wanted you here, you’ll be here. Its your duty. Understand?” ordered his younger brother.
“Understand.” Feron nodded and bowed his head.
With that king turned on his heel and walked back to the crowd.
I hate that stupid king, I hate his stupid ideas, I fucking hate them all. Feron thought as he wandered across rooms full of too happy people. He noticed some familiar faces and knew they noticed him too and ignored him on purpose. That’s what life of a bastard is like. He knows.
The only people who paid any attention to him were Red Guards which were on watch, checking that everything goes smoothly and nothing happens. They saluted when Feron passed by them. He didn’t want them to be there. Why didn’t king asked his favorite musketeers to do that? Why it had to be his Red Guards.
On the other hand, they at least have respect for him. And Feron kind of like them. So he can rely on their company when no one else is around.
It didn’t take long and marquis found his favorite one. The captain of Red Guards noticed him almost instantly and bowed his head.
“Governor? I didn’t know you would be here.” Marcheaux said surprised. The soldier had weak spot for older man for several different reasons, so he appreciates his company any time. More over, he felt blessed to see Feron in so beautiful clothes. Of course he wears fancy clothes often but it simply isn’t that fancy as what he’s wearing tonight.
“Trust me, I did not chose to be here.” Marquis sighed and leaned on the wall behind him.
“You look tired. Are you sure you don’t want to get to your room and rest, my Lord?” Marcheaux questioned looking around for anything that would distract him from staring at governor.
“You have no idea. I’d love to miss out this damn ball, but king insist I have to stay. It hurts so much.” Feron almost whispers the last words. He feels under terrible pressure. Everyone acts as if all he ever done was complaining. They don’t know how hard it is for him. They don’t know what he has to go through. They all can’t just fuck of and let him be. No, they will make every minute of his life unbearable. Since childhood. The only one who doesn’t make him feel so worthless is Grimaud, but he can’t possibly be by his side all the time. And well, Red Guards aren’t all that bad neither, but they are young soldiers mostly so they know nothing about life. Feron can’t rely on them to understand. No one understands him like Grimaud does.
“Just tell me if you need anything.” Marcheaux said hoping marquis will give him some order and he’ll get to stick around him for while longer. And it is quite irritating to watch other people having fun while he has to stand still and do nothing.
That was time when order from the king and queen spread about guards don’t have to work because ‘nothing will happen’ and can either stay for ball or go home.
Feron felt his headache worsen as the room got louder with cheering guards and surprised guests. He stoned quietly wishing he could disappear and hide somewhere where will be dark and silence. To think, he once used to suffer in such a places, for who-knows how long. And now he ache for a moment back in those pits.
He looked at Marcheaux deciding weather he should ask him for help. Governor really didn’t want to bother him. He knows that his soldiers enjoy partying and he doesn’t want the captain to miss the chance have some fun. Because in comparison to him Marcheaux was young, handsome and full of life. He does enjoy things like this. Who would ever sacrifice something like this for tired old man like him. No, Feron won’t say a word. He’ll be fine on his own.
“So is there anything I can do, my Lord?” asked Marcheaux again. His voice buzzed in Feron’s ears. He shut his eyes and tried to concentrate. Guard stand still, but one could see excitement in his eyes and satisfied look that he doesn’t have duty for the rest of the night.
“Don’t you want to enjoy tonight? Either here or you could get a good sleep.” Marquis suggested, very surprised from captain’s question. He is very aware how little rest soldiers get and even more how they use to spend their free time. He was not pleased when he heard about it for the first time. But he can’t order them what to do in their free time.
“It.. it’s not important for me. I would rather help you- I mean, I don’t mind doing for you something if you need, my Lord.” Soldier answered nervously and visibly flushed. He turned away when Feron looked at him.
“Thank you, that is very considerable of you,” governor smiled, “mind bringing me something to drink? I need to take my medicine.”
Marcheaux quickly nodded, but hesitated before leaving: “Don’t you want to sit down somewhere? You don’t look very comfortable standing, my Lord.” His suggestion wasn’t completely irrelevant since it may have been few hours he’s been standing and he certainly started to feel it.
“Yes, yes that sounds like good idea.” Feron admitted after while. Unconsciously Marcheaux stretched his hand to governor to offer him support and before he could realize that Feron already took his hand and lean on his shoulder.
Without a word soldier lead him out of the main hall to coridor and sit him down in one of armchairs there.
“Can you open the window please? In the main room was so hot. I need fresh air.” Complained Feron.
“It’s cold night. I don’t think quick changes of temperatures are good for your health, my Lord.” Said Marcheaux troubled.
“It’s alright.” Marquis shook his head. Red guard nodded and did as he was said. Then left for glass of wine.
Feron closed his eyes and rest his head in his hand. Finally some quiet. He thought. His mind started wandering around thought what would he be doing if he didn’t had to be here. Probably Lucien would come visit him and they could think through next steps of the plan. That was his intention for tonight wasn’t it for his brother stupid idea. He had to cancel it and couldn’t even come up with excuse that makes sense. He didn’t wanted Grimaud to know about this terrible ball.
Then heels clacking sounded again. That means Georges is returning. Good. Feron smiled at that though. He really enjoys his company. The young soldier is always so gentle with him. Same as Lucien. He loves being treated like that.
“I’m back, my Lord.” Announced Marcheaux, thinking governor fell asleep.
“I know, I heard you coming.” Said Feron quietly. Soldier blushed slightly and put bottle of wine and glass to the window frame after he closed it.
“Does he knows? About this thing?” Marcheaux took a deep breath between the questions. He’s asking about Grimaud. Captain of the Red Guards is the only one who knows about their secret meetings, which take place almost every day and night. He deserves to know about it. He plays quite important role in it. Many would hesitate before supporting takedown of the king or revolution overall. But Marcheaux decided in an instant. That’s why Feron likes him. He’s so loyal.
“No, I didn’t tell him about the ball. Only asked him not to come tonight. Why bother him with the rest. He doesn’t need to know.” Feron sighed. “That means you won’t tell him either.” He added, hoping it sounded more like order than a plead.
He feared Grimaud would questioned him about the ball. Like: Why do you need to be there? What are you going to do? Are you sure it’s safe for you or is it okay with your health? And mainly: what’s that? Governor could almost here his voice. No, he didn’t wanted to explain all of that shit.
Soldier open mouth and wanted to say something but instead just nodded. Then opened the bottle and poured red liquid into glass.
“Thank you, Georges.” Mumbled Feron as younger man handed him glass. He put there piece of medicine from his ring and shook it gently. After while of self-reflection and regrets he drank it all.
“You could bring glass for yourself too, you know? Or don’t you feel like drinking?” Marquis asked smiling as he put glass back on the frame.
“I’m not in the mood, my Lord.” Marcheaux shook his head, obviously lying. He’s always in the mood. But he don’t want to lose focus around the governor. And his dignity.
“Whatever you say.” Feron hummed in visible better state now. “You might return back to the ball, if you want. I believe your assistance won’t be necessary for a while.” He added after moment of silence.
“Are you planning to return there, my Lord?” Soldier asked and in his voice one could hear that he would like that. But younger man knew that it is terrible idea so he didn’t get his hopes too high.
“You would like that very much, right?” Marquis answered with a smirk. He sees right through his second in command and he noticed captain’s interest in his company. Why not grant him his little wish then?
“Uhm, no no, nothing like that. It’s just, uhm, I wanted to… ehm,” Marcheaux’s cheeks turned red, he took few steps back and covered his face with hands, “I was just interested weather...” Fuck. He cursed to himself as he tried to came up with some excuse.
“Of course, I have to go back. The king insist on that. But I would be very grateful for your company for the rest of the night. Your presence would make it much more bearable.” Feron confessed as he got up. Marcheaux didn’t even had time to say anything before governor took his hand and lead him back to main hall.
“As you wish, my Lord.” Was all response soldier could do while marquis held his hand. He let Feron lean on him more, so it would be easier for him to walk.
Music got louder as they were closer to the dancing floor. Nobody noticed that they came back same as nobody bothered when they left. Feron scanned the hall looking for his half-brother and found him surrounded by many pretty ladies. And unimaginably drunk. He sighed quietly.
“Somethings bothering you, my Lord?” Marcheaux eyed him, wondering what could caught marquis attention.
“No, it’s nothing. Would you like to dance?” Feron shook his head. His cheek got visibly red as he asked that. He knows he shouldn’t. He knows it’s stupid request. Captain of Red Guards will definitely say no and come up with a very logical argument why it’s probably the worst idea.
“Wouldn’t that make you uncomfortable, my Lord?” questioned Marcheaux. He avoided governor’s eyes and continued: “I would love that anyway, but I’m not sure, you wouldn’t regret that afterwards.” He finished, feeling his cheeks burning. He knows he won’t be able to live with himself if something happen to marquis because he hadn’t stopped him. Feron would hate him. And Marcheaux knows he wouldn’t handle that. He could not keep living without governor in his life. He doesn’t know anything else besides being soldier. If he had to quit he might as well kill himself instead.
“That will be on me. I won’t blame you for anything that happens.” Feron ensured him almost smiling. Red color slowly faded from his face but his cheeks still felt hot for him.
“Whatever you want, my Lord.” Marcheaux bowed down symbolically. Even through he feared drawing attention, he could not waste chance like this. On the other hand, Feron knew they would be ignored. Nobody will mind him dancing with a soldier.
Marcheaux watched him took a deep breath before he spoke: “Lead, I will follow.”
Feron put his cane aside and took few steps to the rhythm holding captain’s hand firmly. He can’t remember how to dance properly. Can’t remember if he ever could really. But judging by Marcheaux hesitating moves, he assumes soldier can’t either.
It was quite entertaining, that’s for sure. And enjoyable too, Feron had to admit. He just prayed that his body won’t start protesting next minute. He didn’t wanted his sickness to ruin this moment. His mind didn’t remembered last time he could do something like normal person. He was very aware he will feel terrible tomorrow, so it didn’t really matter weather it will be from noise, drinks or dancing.
Marcheaux felt embarrassed. Not in the shy way but in the awkward way. He sucked at dancing. He never really learned that, so he had no idea what he was supposed to do. And wished Feron wouldn’t mind that. And also never brought that up again. Not that he wouldn’t enjoyed that. He does. However, he feels like he would faint if somebody asked him about it or even mentioned it.
Soldier carefully observed governor’s steps and tried to match them. It wasn’t as hard as he feared it would be, but it could gone smoother, he believes. It was pleasure for him to watch Feron dance. He looked beautiful. Deep down he was suffering, Marcheaux knew, but on the outside he seemed satisfied, happy even. His cheeks blushed again as he got lost in his thoughts.
“What’s the matter, Georges? You appear disturbed.” Pointed Feron with a smile on his lips. He, obviously, noticed Marcheaux blush and couldn’t help but wonder, what cause it.
“What?” Captain blinked visibly confused. He didn’t hear the music, he didn’t hear other people talk, he didn’t paid attention to any sound. The only thing that could bring him back to senses is governor’s voice. He could listen to that for hours without complaining. He wouldn’t noticed he was red all over if Feron didn’t mentioned that. How embarrassing. He thought.
“Should I repeat question?” asked governor. From his expression was readable he was entertained by Marcheaux’s reaction. Soldier thought for few seconds and then slowly nodded. Feron took a deep breath and almost cracked laughing before he spoke again.
“Is there any particular reason your cheeks are redder than usually, Georges, or its just the hot air in here?” he smirked. Marquis’s voice echoed in his ears.
“Uhm, well, it doesn’t matter, really. Its unimportant, my Lord.” He mumbled and shutting eyes, turned his face away.
“Is it? I thought it might had been caused by dancing,” governor whispered quietly, “anyway, don’t close your eyes, you need to focus.” He added after while.
Yeah, focus, Georges. He repeated in his head again and again and again as he tried to keep up with dance moves, he didn’t understood. It was hard. It was much harder than he hoped it would be. Not dancing itself, but to stay undisturbed by Feron’s company, looks, body or his breath which captain could feel on his face. He had never been this close to governor, never even thought about it could actually happen, but he has always dreamed about that. And, of course, he always tried to be as close to him as possible. Just now he’s realizing Feron probably knew.
“No, nothing like that. I’m worried about you, my Lord. That’s the only thing that bothers me.” Soldier admitted. He couldn’t stay silent about that anymore. If he knows governor as well as he believes he does, he can see the pain he’s in.
“It will hurt tomorrow…” Feron hummed, closing his eyes and leaning more into Marcheaux’s touch.
“To be honest with you, my Lord, I don’t like how that sounds.” He said with troubled expression on his face. Then he hesitantly slowed his moves and stopped dancing.
Feron gave him confused look.
“I’m sorry, my Lord. The last thing I want to do is ignore your orders, however I really think you’ve done enough for tonight.” Captain said all blushed with trembling voice.
“Why?” Governor asked almost soundlessly.
“I care for you. And out there is someone else who cares for you as well, I assume.” Soldier suddenly looked much younger. Like a boy who’s scared to reveal some of his secrets. Feron gave him nod to continue. “Grimaud won’t be pleased if you’ll be in bad condition. And if you won’t tell him what had happened, he’ll ask me. And I will have to tell him.” He explained briefly.
Marquis took a deep breath. He never thought somebody would care for him like this. Of course, it’s only two people, but they care like nobody else. Lucien told him that few times actually. I like your ideas. I like your company. I like your voice. I like you. He remembers these random stuff Lucien tells him during their long night talks. They are unimportant for their plans and Lucien doesn’t even means it, most likely. But they echo in Feron’s mind, and even if they are lies, they mean something to him. He’s not even sure he wants to know what exactly.
“Now, you should return to your room, my Lord.” Marcheaux said to cut silence, since there was no response from governor. Feron didn’t react, so soldier grabbed his cane and lead him to the corridor.
“How can you say that?” Marquis whispered as they walked through the hallway. Marcheaux gave him confused look, as if he just spoke some foreign language. Young soldier was already quite surprised with what was happening all night so all he really wanted was make sure that governor gets rest and he will have time to calm down and sort his thoughts and he'll manage that until sunrise. Some sleep would be cool too.
“Say what, my Lord?” Marcheaux answered with question. He wasn’t sure if he insulted governor but he feared he did. “I’m sorry.” He quickly added at the end.
“No, no, there is nothing you should apologize for. It’s so kind of you,” Feron said with smile and took a deep breath before he continued, „it’s so kind of you that you care. I wouldn’t thought.” His voice sounded through the empty corridors of second floor of the palace. Captain couldn’t get any reaction out of him.
After moment of thinking governor added: “I’m very happy to hear you are close with Grimaud, however, I would still appreciate if you would not mention this to him.”
“He’ll notice it, even when you will try to hide it. And he will push me to admit I know what happened.” Marcheaux protested as they get closer to marquis’s room. Feron hummed in acknowledgement.
“I would also like to correct you, if you wouldn’t mind, my Lord, since I believe you’re bit confused about my relationships with that man,” Georges sighed as he opened the door with shaking hand, lightly embarrassed by Feron’s misinterpreting of what he said about Grimaud, “I’m sorry to tell you, but two of us are not friends nor close in any way.”
“Yes, I can confirm that,” answered shadow pacing around the room, “my Lord.” Grimaud added mockingly at the end and faked a bow, eyes firmly fixed with Feron’s.
There was noticeable shock in governor’s face mixed with disbelief and slight discomfort. Be it anger or embarrassment his cheeks colored red against his vain effort to hide it.
“Lucien?! I told you not to come tonight. I specifically said, you are forbidden to come here.” Feron growled as he entered the room. Lucien did not look bothered by this remark and continued moving closer to him. Marquis passed by shorter man, ignoring his attempt to caught his hand. Grimaud, call it confused or offended, looked to Marcheaux, who still stood in doors. What’s this supposed to mean? His eyes clearly asked the soldier. Feron didn’t mind their exchange of looks and sit down on his bed. Fuck me. He thought when he realized he will have to explain everything to his…. No. To Lucien.
Marquis's eyes closed and he fell to his pillow. His body hurts. He wants to take off this stupid clothes and curl up in bed and sleep. But, of course, he can’t.
Grimaud didn’t fully understand Feron’s bad mood, however he realized, his client won’t be talking to him right now. So he crossed room and stopped in front of the captain of Red Guards. Marcheaux closed door behind him and leaned on it to keep as much distance between him and Grimaud as possible. He was something on scale from disturbed to furious with assassin’s presence.
“What are you doing here.” Marcheaux hissed.
“Not your fucking business, tell me what happened.” Grimaud quickly cut off his question and growled order. He spoke in voice loud enough for soldier to hear him clearly but too quiet for Feron to catch his words. At least he hoped so.
“Not your fucking business…” Captain answered with same phrase imitating Grimaud’s voice. Childish. Financier thought.
“Stop messing with me and give me proper explanation.” Assassin responded coldly.
“If you keep arguing, please, do so outside of this room. My head ache from noise.” Feron whined from bed. One word was enough for both of them to fell silent.
“Apologies, my Lord. I’ll leave right away.” Marcheaux hung his head down in embarrassment, face red all over.
“I’m sorry, Feron.” Said Grimaud in calm and caring tone. His expression quickly shifted when he looked at governor. Then he approached him carefully.
“Do you need help with getting this off?” he asked as he sat down at the end of the bed. Feron did not respond. Yes, of course I need. I can’t do anything on my own. Definitely not now. He thought to himself. He knew his voice would sound too weak, too vulnerable if he tried to speak, and he wants to keep his dignity. He just nods instead.
Grimaud glanced at Marcheaux, who returns confused look. “Come here, I think it may need your assistance.” He said after he realized soldier can’t read faces. Then, he reached for Feron and help him sit up. As Georges approached them he could hear whimper and whispered sorry from Grimaud. He didn’t like the thought of Grimaud touching governor, and he wanted to shout at assassin to let him rest, but he knew it would be no help. So he decided to bite his tongue.
Feron felt horrible. Grimaud held him in his arms, which helped a little, and he focused on staying awake. Marcheaux soundlessly sat on the other side of the bed and slowly and carefully started untying marquis’s corset. Feron breathed heavily and felt like crying. Not that he wouldn’t appreciated help from these two, it just always made him feel guilty when someone else had to do simple tasks for him.
“Thank you, Georges..” Feron mumbled after captain removed the corset. Grimaud hushed him sooner than he could continue wasting his breath by patting his head.
“No problem, my Lord.” Marcheaux said pleased he can help him feel more comfortable.
“Are you all right, Feron? You’re trembling ?” Grimaud comment as he stroke his hair again.
“It’s just cold.” He answered almost inaudibly. He could finally breath normally after hours of suffocating due to corset and hot air in the main hall. However, he only now realized how chilly actually was. And he was wearing only thin shirt, which was almost see-through, so no wonder his hands were cold as ice. Grimaud probably noticed that too, because he took Feron’s hand in his own and breath on it. Then kissed it gently. Governor didn’t mind. Why should he? At least someone is caring and gentle with him. Who cares if it is a merciless assassin.
Lucien does not mind being there for Feron. No, in fact he quite enjoys that. They share many opinions and marquis does not treat him like some madman who should be locked up and executed in worst possible way. He treats him more like wounded animal which is more scared of humans than they are of it. Which is surprisingly fitting for Grimaud. That’s why he tries to repaid it to his client by treating him way he likes and, well, need, financier learned very soon. For him is very foreign concept of physical touch or tenderness but he does what he can for Feron. He seems to appreciate that even though Grimaud use to be sometimes cold and rough, it’s in his nature. Assassin tend to said that governor deserves better, but he never commented that remark.
But tonight he is terribly bothered by two things. First is that Feron didn’t intend to tell him about anything connected to the ball, because he ‘doesn’t need to know’, so in other words he would let Lucien wonder what so important came in that night that he wasn’t allowed in the castle. And second is Marcheaux. Why he has to be here at all? Grimaud though every time he remembers that soldier is present. They don’t really see eye to eye and at best they try to avoid each other as much as possible. He feels weird about being gentle in company of somebody else, especially this young captain.
As much as he would enjoy being with Feron alone, he knows it will be much easier to convince governor to allow himself be helped if there will be two of them. So why not misuse Marcheaux’s presence a bit.
“Bring him some different clothes.” Grimaud eyed soldier after while of silence. And after he thought Marcheaux was doing nothing for little too long for his liking. Marcheaux didn’t say a word and did as he was told. That’s what he’s paid for after all. To do as he’s told. After he left Grimaud glanced back at Feron. Luckily, at least someone in this room can read faces so marquis understood perfectly fine and nodded in agreement. Then Grimaud carefully undressed him before Marcheaux returned. The clothes that Feron was wearing was bit fancier as ones he usually wears but the main difference was probably how thin was this fabric in comparison to the others. Grimaud felt like commenting on that but he didn’t want to make governor uncomfortable with questions.
Marcheaux came back with different clothes and was surprised to find Feron in Grimaud embrace. Captain didn’t want to believe that the assassin can be so gentle. Also he envied governor how comfortable and calm he is able be around the shorter man. Marcheaux is always so anxious in his presence. Not necessarily scared, but he doesn’t like that feeling. Worst thing is that Grimaud knows it, and even through he isn’t very expressive, soldier is aware it’s entertaining for him. He doesn’t enjoy much working with him. They don’t understand each other. They’re not friends.
He handed Grimaud clothing and let him dress governor. It’s not like he don’t want to help, he do, but he knows very well assassin won’t appreciate that. He can only help when he is ordered to. Moreover, he’ll have to leave when he won’t be needed anymore. But he secretly wishes that Feron would send away Grimaud too. That probably won’t happen since he is dependent on someone all the time, however if he really wants company of other man, Marcheaux wish, that he could be the one.
There wasn’t any exchange of words for a good while. Feron was too tired to speak, Grimaud doesn’t talk unless necessary and Marcheaux wasn’t sure whether he was permitted to speak, and even if he was he didn’t know what to say.
“Rest.” Ordered Grimaud after he laid Feron down and covered him with blanket. No instant response.
“Yes, of course. Thank you.” Marquis whispered underneath his breath after several minutes.
At this point Marcheaux just waited until governor adds that he should leave or that assassin will send him away. That doesn’t happen. Feron fell asleep in blink of an eye, he will hate himself in the morning, that’s obvious, both Grimaud and Marcheaux knows it. And with nothing else to do Georges searched for assassin’s eyes to figure out whether he should go or what.
Grimaud eyes were still locked at governor. He looked so calm watching him sleep. It took a moment until he realized he’s being checked out by the soldier. He sighed quietly. Licked his lips before speaking.
“Are you going to stand there all night?” he commented mockingly, his eyes meeting Marcheaux's. He noticed how the captain twitched at the sound of his voice. He couldn’t help but smirk.
“Of course not! Ugh, I’ll leave,” mumbled angrily as response. He didn’t want to. He so didn’t want to. But he had no choice. Grimaud now more-less obviously told him to get out. In a very polite manner. Or something like that.
“But nobody told you to leave.” Grimaud said, shifting himself so now he’s sitting on the floor next to the bed. He’s not a big fan of chairs, as anyone who spend few days with him would notice.
“What?” Marcheaux stand still. He was mildly disturbed by the fact that the assassin wants to order him around for his joy. However, if he is truly allowed to stay, he will be even thankful.
“I thought, whether you don’t want to sit down or something,” explained short man uninterested, “I mean if you’re want to leave… you know where the doors are. I can’t keep you here against your will.” He added shrug at the end, because he doesn’t care and it shows.
“Wait. Am I not supposed to leave? Why am I needed here?” Marcheaux asked in low voice. Grimaud rolled his eyeballs. He doesn’t feel like persuading this damn soldier to stay. He’ll give him reasons, but that’s all. He won’t be begging for his company.
“No, you can stay. To keep an eye on Feron in case I’ll fall asleep. He might wake up and need something. And in case somebody from that damn party will come looking for him, you are very welcome to inform them to fuck of and let governor rest.” Grimaud explains whispering.
“Yeah, sure. Whatever you say.” Marcheaux nodded with confused look.
Grimaud licked his lips and thought about saying something but after seconds of reflection realized there aren’t words necessary. He looked back at soldier and then patted place next to him. Marcheaux wasn’t thinking anymore. He was too confused. So he obediently walked closer to the bed and sat on the floor just a few inches from assassin. Then he tilted his head back and leaned against the edge of the bed.
“Are you going to sleep?” asked Grimaud and it almost sounded as if he was actually interested.
No response. Marcheaux was too done with everything to pay any attention to his voice. He just kept staring at the celling. So assassin didn’t bother to repeat his question. Instead he just exhaled quietly and leaned on soldier’s shoulder. That twitched him slightly. Marcheaux’s attention immediately shifted to the other.
“What are you-“ He yelped little too loudly for Lucien liking so he covered is mouth in middle of sentence.
“Are you mad?” he whispered angrily, “You’ll wake him up.”
Captain just mumbled some swears under his breath and returned his attention to the celling. Not minding assassin leaning against his shoulder anymore. He closed his eyes and tried to relax. As soon as Grimaud noticed his attempt of sleep he takes his hand in his and starts brushing it gently.
“All good. Yeah?” he tried to ensure soldier. Silent nod was his reaction. Grimaud can sound so persuasive sometimes. Marcheaux doesn’t remember such a quiet night. He definitely likes it but is aware he cannot get use to it. Didn’t take long and he fell asleep. Assassin observed his movements and searched for hints that he is asleep and not just simulating. After while that Marcheaux didn’t show any signs of waking up, he looked at Feron again to check whether he sleeps peacefully too. That was enough to comfort him. Even through he had no intention to sleep, his eyelids felt so heavy they involuntarily closed and his body went numb within few minutes. He didn’t realized he had fallen asleep but that doesn’t matter now. Some sleep was definitely beneficial. For all of them.