Owned? - Chapter 67：A traitor among us

Arius slept for about twenty minutes then woke up with a jerk feeling paranoid. He was sweating and breathing heavy. I suppose he had a bad dream but I was right there beside him to calm him down.

I placed both my hands on his cheeks and made him look at me, “Hey! It’s okay. You’re okay.”

He calmed down as soon as he saw me and heard my voice. I saw his body relax and breathing slow down to normal.

As he stabilized himself he placed his hand on mine, “I’m fine.” He whispered but his voice felt dry.

“Do you want some water?” I asked him but he shook his head

“Just you.”

My eyes grew wide for a moment then relaxed and I smiled, “Okay.”

He didn’t say anything for a few moments, just sat there with his hand over mine. Two times he gently squeezed it to make sure I was there and I would reply with a simple answer, “Yes?”

He took a deep breath and brought my hand down with his, “We should go down and get ready for Huang-fei’s funeral.”

I nodded, “Yes. Everybody’s waiting for you downstairs.”

He nodded and got up to leave and so did I.

We made our way downstairs to the lounge. All the men and servants were still there, the light whisperings ceased as soon as we came into view.

Ayaan was sitting there on the floor by the casket’s side. His eyes were red from crying but as soon as he saw Arius he stood up and stepped back, giving space to him.

I stopped where Nora and the other stood while Arius walked to casket, cleared his throat and spoke, “We’ll start the funeral immediately.” I noticed the sky get lighter. Soon it would be daybreak, “We’ll bury him next to my mother and father.”

“Yes.” Ben stepped forward, “We’ll start preparing immediately.”

Arius nodded and stepped aside, letting some of his men take the casket to the ride outside that had been arranged beforehand.

“Let’s all leave immediately.” Arius said and followed behind the casket.

As he left, I heard everyone whisper again.

“Did you see that?” They all were pleasantly surprised.

“Those swollen eyes!?”

“I know right! Did he cry?”

“Did you guys get a closer look? His eyes were slightly red.”

“Wow. He really is human after all.”

“Do you guys really think he cried?”

“Why else would his eyes be swollen and red?”

“His voice felt a bit dry too.”

“I guess it’s just his position that doesn’t allow him to show that side to anyone.”

“I think you’re right.”

“But I’m glad though.”

“Me too.”

“Yeah.”

I saw everyone feel more at ease and I saw some of them smile.

They now knew he was just like them, a normal person but with more responsibility.

They now knew him a bit better.

***

The funeral was held at a cemetery on a grassy hill, it was held by a selected few people while the rest were told to go and rest.

It was already dawn, the sun was making its way up, brightening up the entire sky, painting it a lighter tone of blue.

The breeze was cool and it carried a sweet flowery smell of lilacs.

The funeral ended by the time the sun was up and Ben was assigned the work to arrange the proper tombstone for Hunag-fei’s grave.

As everyone was leaving I saw Arius standing quietly in his place. I turned my head and saw everyone descending when Caesar turned his face to me.

His eyes asked me the question he wanted to and I nodded. He nodded in return and then continued walking down.

I walked to Arius.

“You okay?” I held his hand and he squeezed mine.

“Better.”

I took a deep breath and stared at Huang-fei’s grave, “Do you know why I came to you in the cell?”

“No.”

“Because it was Huang-fei’s last wish.” Arius shot his head towards me in confusion, “He didn’t really need to make it his wish because I would have come to you anyway but I won’t deny when Caesar told me this it helped me go down there.”

“His last wish?”

“He passed away in Caesar’s arms.” I started, “He told him that since he won’t be here anymore he wants us to always be there for your sorry ass.” I grinned.

He was shocked at the sudden change of my words but then broke into a smile, “I’m sure he did not say it like that.”

“But I’m sure he meant that.”

“Yea. Maybe he did…” He looked at the grave again

“He also said that having a son like you was a blessing.” Arius closed his eyes in sorrow, “He said that he would have loved to see your marriage.” His grip on my hands increased, “That he was sorry he was going like this, completely unannounced.” I saw his forehead furrow, “And he wished you all the happiness.”

FInally I saw the tears form in the corners of his eyes as he gulped but he didn’t shed them.

It was morning now. The sun was shining brightly in the sky. He opened his eyes and gave Huang-fei a sad smile while holding back his pain, “It’s fine if you didn’t make it till my wedding. Having a father like you was a blessing too. I wish you didn’t leave but now I want you to rest. You’ve finally got the retirement you never accepted.” He chuckled as a tear fell down his face and I smiled slightly, “I’ll make things right and try to fulfill your wish.” He took a deep breath and gave him a genuine smile, “I’ll come visit every chance I get.”

He looked at me and I wiped his wet cheek with my sleeve, “We’ll be there for him Huang-fei.” I looked at the grave, “Don’t worry.” I pulled Arius’s hand and we bid Huang-fei good-bye, then started descending the hill.

“Caesar didn’t tell me all that himself…” He realized it.

“You know the reason why.”

“…” He sighed, “I won’t deny that part of me did blame him even though he’s not at fault. It was part of the reason I left the place and went down to the cell. I didn’t want to fight with him. He’s too important to me.”

I smiled. They really are inseparable. In such drastic situations one always ends up blaming someone, even their kids or parents but Caesar blamed himself even though it wasn’t his fault while Arius left the place to avoid any sort of fight.

Neither of them wanted to damage their bond.

“Caesar’s blaming himself too much. He reached Huang-fei too late or else-”

“He never would have let this happen.” Arius completed my words, “I know. Huang-fei was like a fatherly figure to him too just like he was to me.”

We reached the car waiting for us at the bottom and we sat inside. Lee was waiting on the driver’s seat.

As soon as we got in he started driving.

“Oh right!” I looked at Arius, “What info did you get from that assasin?”

“I found out that these assassins came to avenge the one I killed and,” He sighed while rubbing his temples.

“And?”

He looked at me in the eyes,

“There is a traitor among us.”