Notes: This was originally as part of the Tenipuri-xpair exchange for Feihu.
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"Welcome to the empire," Sanada greeted his guests, who were bowing so deeply that he could not yet get a good look at them. "Rise and explain to me why you have come here." The Rikkai empire was strong and fierce and often got visitors of varying kinds. From nearby peasants who had qualms with each other to nobles that wished to garner his favour or to submit a complaint about his military or some such. It was not his fault that nobles stupidly got in the way of his general. Any idiot that thought to come between Yukimura and his goals deserved what they got. Though he hoped that with Yanagi now sent off to advise Yukimura on battle tactics, his general and army would decide to go around noble strongholds who were loyal to the crown and not through them. Expansion and victory were good. But dealing with whining nobles made his head hurt and made him want to hurt someone.
But this entourage did not look like either peasants or annoyed nobles. They were certainly well dressed enough to be nobles and the man in the front had a large enough entourage. But there were just a number of small things that pegged him for something else.
"Thank you for having us, your majesty," the man said as he rose. "My name is Atobe Keigo, of the Atobe merchant family. We deal with especially rare and exquisite materials and jewels. Having heard of the empire's wealth and discerning taste, I was of the belief that my services could be of use to you."
"I see," Sanada said. He eyed up Atobe and then glanced at his still bowing entourage. He had heard of the Atobe name, it was hard not to when it seemed that every province and kingdom they had incorporated into the empire had dealt with the man and his family. Yes, the goods that he had been shown were exquisite, but he had plenty of such things around the castle and throughout the kingdom. He did not see the need to do business with a foreigner, no matter how handsome he may be. "And what can you offer that my own merchants and traders cannot procure?"
"My family has been in business a long time, your majesty, and we have built up a large collection of unbelievable goods, and have numerous contacts and favours that other traders can only dream of having. Anything you can think of and desire can be yours," Atobe said. It was obvious he was good at his job, and even Sanada was becoming intrigued.
"And if I am bored of jewels and fancy cloth?" Sanada asked. He had an excess of that. "And I said that you can rise, this includes your entourage." He gestured once more for them all to rise and hoped that they would understand. He demanded respect from his citizens and visitors, but he considered himself fair and did not need people simpering and bowing to a nauseating extent around him. He knew he was strong and powerful, he did not need an excessive show of deference to prove it.
"Then perhaps you are interested in near mythical weapons, old books filled with stories of the world, or various spices and foods from around the globe," Atobe said.
Sanada thought he might have gone on listing more things that he could offer, but his entourage was finally rising and, as he skimmed the faces and the outfits, he noticed that the one closest to Atobe seemed to be wearing what could be described as a military type outfit. He was unarmed - as a guest in the kingdom, it would be quite rude to go before the emperor armed - but he held himself like someone used to the weight of a sword on his hip. But it wasn't the fact that he was a soldier that drew his eye. As a merchant, it would make sense for the Atobe family to employ a fairly large military contingent to make sure goods were transported safely and deals were followed through. So it wasn't the fact that Atobe had guards that was curious. And as the emperor, he personally saw soldiers everywhere on a daily basis. Even now the room was dotted with highly trained soldiers acting as his guard.
No. It was something else entirely that drew his eyes to the man and kept his attention solely focused on him. When the man looked his way, obviously feeling the sting of his gaze, he felt his breath catch.
He had never felt such an instant attraction to a person in his life. And all he could think of was that he would pay Atobe his whole fortune if he would sell him that man like one of his beautiful goods.
"What if I told you that I wanted your guard," Sanada said, cutting off whatever Atobe was still saying to him.
He had obviously startled the man, but much to his credit, and undoubtedly to his years of training in the business, he recovered swiftly. "I thank you for acknowledging my guard's appeal, but I'm afraid he's not for sale."
"But you said you can get me anything," Sanada countered.
"Anything. Not anyone. And he's currently under contract to me and not for sale," Atobe said.
Sanada glared at him and then shifted his look over to the guard. He hadn't reacted at all to the exchange, other than a quick glance to Atobe at the start of it. He wanted to know what the man was thinking about this. If he had offended him, he was confident in his ability to set things right later. But at the moment, he needed to ensure the other stayed here in his empire, in his city and preferably in his castle.
"I will pay any price," Sanada said, with emphasis. It was a bold and somewhat unwise offer to make. Atobe could ask for quite a lot, and right now, Sanada would be tempted to give it to him.
Sanada could see Atobe hesitate at the offer, but one glance at the guard had him turning back to Sanada with a firm look. "I'm afraid that he's too rare and special to sell. Even to a glorious emperor like yourself," Atobe said.
"Rare?" Sanada asked. "He seems a common enough soldier."
"If he were so common, why would a great and powerful man like yourself desire him so much, your majesty?"
Sanada frowned. He supposed that Atobe had a point. Stopping to think about it a moment, he doubted that a normal human guard would draw his attention like the man had. "Then what makes him so rare?"
Surprisingly, it wasn't Atobe that answered, but the taller man beside him. "I am a shifter, your majesty." At the low and smooth voice, Sanada felt himself growing hard. Fortunately, the layers and cut of his clothes would hide it. But it was odd for someone, even a shifter, to have an effect like that on him with such casual words. It just made the man all the more intriguing.
"Of what variety?" Sanada asked.
"Your majesty," Atobe interrupted before the guard could answer, "As my guard is not for sale, why don't we bring our talks to more productive topics."
Sanada was annoyed at being thwarted at every step. But Atobe was a man of business, and he could play that game well enough to make sure that the merchant had no reason to leave his city anytime soon. And in that time, he was quite sure of his ability to get close to the guard and get what he wanted through other means. Just because he wasn't used to being patient didn't mean he didn't how to be.
"As you say…. Then I require you for other services," Sanada said. His accountants may not like this plan if he ended up buying too many frivolous things from Atobe, but right now he didn't care. And as emperor there was, fortunately, nobody around who could tell him to stop being foolish over a guard. Though perhaps he would see what seeds and bulbs Atobe could procure for him just to make sure that at least Yukimura would be on his side.
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Tezuka panted as he pulled out of Atobe's hot body and rolled to the side. The sex had been satisfying, as always, but it hadn't sated Tezuka's desire like he would have wanted. Much to his shame, it had not been Atobe's deep blue eyes that he had seen in front of him as he had headed toward completion. Instead, he had pictured the deep brown, hard gaze of the emperor.
The man unnerved him. And he certainly didn't like that he seemed to think that he could buy Tezuka, as if he were property. But even with that, he could not deny that he felt some strange, strong attraction to the man.
But Tezuka knew that those were dangerous thoughts. And he was thankful for Atobe's ability to keep his head around the strong man and firmly tell him no. Unfortunately, that did not seem to deter the emperor, and Atobe was too savvy a businessman to miss out on the opportunity that having an emperor who wanted them close could bring. Not only would it be bad for business to leave now, it could also be bad for their health if the emperor decided to use force instead of his wallet to get Atobe and his entourage to stay.
It was worrisome, and that worry combined with the need to convince himself that he felt nothing for the emperor had led him into Atobe's bed. It was not his first time here. He had been Atobe's body guard for quite some time and his casual lover for nearly all of it. There were no expectations or sentiment between them, though they certainly respected and liked each other.
Fortunately, they were both hard workers, not sentimental types. So it wasn't odd for either of them to leave the bed shortly after coupling. In fact, they both only tended to stay the night when they had drunk a bit too much at a party, or they planned on enjoying each other a few more times before morning.
"I should check on the supplies," Tezuka said.
"You worry far too much about the competence of my other guards. But if it makes you feel better, it certainly won't hurt," Atobe said, still sprawled comfortably on the bed.
"It's our first time here and we don't know how our reception will be after the meeting earlier." The emperor taking such a keen interest in him, and Atobe being so unhelpful about it, could cause any type of reaction. It never hurt to take extra precautions.
"True. And I imagine that you will be familiarizing yourself with the city after?"
"Of course. Knowledge is power, and your safety and the success of your trading requires both."
"You are far too good for me," Atobe said, giving Tezuka a small smile. "Which is why I will never sell your contract to the emperor. But he's a powerful man, and you know I can't disrespect him by sending you away."
Tezuka frowned. They had already gone over this - If they should stay or go, or if Tezuka himself should stay or go. He didn't like the choices or the reasons, but he understood them. And as much as he was reluctant to do so, he would play the part required of him and do his job to the best of his ability, as always. "Just try to keep me away from him as much as possible. He seems the type to be very focused on what he wants."
"I'll do the best I can. Though you shouldn't let him get to you. You're strong enough to resist him, and if he tries to be forceful, it will harm his reputation and we would leave immediately."
Tezuka nodded. That was more than he expected from Atobe and it pleased him to know that Atobe would put his safety ahead of a good deal. Even if it had to get to an extreme before that happened. But as a strong shifter trained in fighting, there was no need to worry for him until it reached that point.
Though, this wasn't helping him to not think about the emperor and how he wasn't sure that Sanada would be forcing him into anything if he were put into a compromising position. What he needed was to clear his head of sex and strange emperors. Checking in on their guards and going for a walk in the city would hopefully help with that.
"Let me get you a cloth to clean you up. And then I'll go," Tezuka said. He moved from the bed and went into the bathroom to clean himself off and prepare a warm cloth for Atobe. He returned and gently cleaned him. "There you go."
"Thank you."
"Will you be getting any more work done today?" Tezuka asked.
"No. I think it best I get a full night's rest and an early start tomorrow. I feel the emperor will be keeping me busy and on my toes."
"Alright. Then sleep well." Tezuka pulled the blankets up back around Atobe and gave him a light kiss. Just because his thoughts were all over the place and he had thought about inappropriate things during their coupling did not mean that he held any hard feelings toward Atobe, or that he didn't care for him. Kindness towards Atobe cost him nothing.
He returned the cloth to the bathroom and cleaned it before putting his clothes back on. Sure that he was presentable, he first went to check on their goods and the guards. Satisfied that everything was in order and there were no concerns, he headed to the gate that would take him from the royal grounds, where their lodgings were, and into the city. It was fortunate that this city didn't seem to employ a curfew like most seemed to. Or perhaps as a guest he was exempt. Either way, he found that nobody stopped him from leaving or warned him of when he needed to be back.
The city was mostly quiet and dark at this time of night, but Tezuka made his way easily down the streets. He doubted that there was anything lurking in the dark that could truly harm him. And with it being too dark to properly admire the architecture of a new kingdom and to take in the details, there was no reason to move slowly. Tonight was just about familiarizing himself with streets and the general layout of the city. He could work on the details later.
As he turned a corner to head to what seemed to be the the seedy, nightlife filled district, he felt a presence nearby. He had felt slightly as if he were being watched for a while now, but had dismissed it, as he had not seen nor heard anyone. But now it was stronger and he paused in the street and turned around to see the vague hints of a figure.
"Skulking around mister?" A voice asked from a shadowed area across the way.
Tezuka was of a mind to ignore him and keep going to the more populated area before the shadowed figure spoke again.
"It'd be a shame if the emperor's new toy was up to no good."
That made Tezuka frown. He was not the emperor's new toy. And he disliked that such gossip had started already. Annoyed at such talk, he had no patience to play with people he couldn't see. "Perhaps you are the one who should stop lurking in the shadows," Tezuka said.
"It's night time. I'm afraid it's really nothing but darkness and shadows right now. The perfect setting to get up to no good," the figure said. He then stepped away from the shadowed path and further into the light. The man was smiling far too broadly for Tezuka's comfort. But then, he thought that he recognized him. Just with a more serious look on his face.
"I'm just going for a walk," Tezuka said.
"At this hour? Something on your mind?"
"Nothing that concerns you." He much prefered being an anonymous guard in Atobe's employment to having the emperor's, and what seemed to be one of his own guard's, attention on him. Because now he could remember where he had seen the man before. It had been in the throne room of the emperor. Though he had been in an uniform then, and while he had not been on the dias, he had been close enough to it to be of a fairly decent rank in the guard.
"On the contrary, everything that happens in this kingdom concerns me. Even the thoughts going through your head."
With that as the only warning, Tezuka felt a jolt of magic as the man moved from the shadows and poked his forehead. His own innate magic instantly reacted, repelling the man back away from him and onto the ground. But it was obvious from this that this guard was just no ordinary foot soldier.
"Interesting…" the man said as he stood and dusted off his clothes.
"I don't appreciate being attacked by strangers," Tezuka said.
"I'm not a stranger. I'm Niou. We met in the hall. Well… we saw each other in the hall," Niou said, giving him another grin.
Tezuka did not consider briefly seeing someone in the same room meeting them. And even if he had, that show of magic would still not have been welcome. "It is still inexcusable to look into someone else's mind."
"Maybe…. but it's not like it mattered, right?" Niou asked.
"That is beside the point."
"Well either way, I guess I'll just believe that you aren't skulking for now. Things to do, people to see and all that. I'll see you around, Tezuka. Probably before you see me." And with that, Niou slunk back into the shadows.
Though Tezuka could still feel the eyes on him. He knew he could probably lose the man in the crowds if he wanted to venture into a tavern or two. But suddenly his desire to explore the city was gone. With one last look at the direction Niou had disappeared in, he turned and started making his way back to the castle.
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The situation with Sanada had only compounded his dislike for this kingdom and his desire to leave, so it was with great reluctance that Tezuka put on his uniform and prepared to stay close to Atobe.
He knew that Atobe had meetings planned with various nobles of the court, which may or may not require his presence at Atobe's discretion. But he also knew that the emperor had asked Atobe to join him for afternoon tea to discuss acquiring various things, and there would be no way he wouldn't be forced into attending.
The morning's meetings went by far too quickly for once, and before he had figured out what to feel or think, Tezuka found himself waiting a few paces away from Atobe on a balcony that overlooked beautiful gardens. The table was already prepared for the afternoon tea and the only thing missing was Sanada.
Tezuka was thankful that he had always been good at holding a neutral expression, his stoic appearance had rarely failed him over the years. Because when Sanada came marching through the doors, Tezuka felt a myriad of emotions flow through him, none he felt comfortable letting others read on his face.
He bowed along with Atobe and straightened when told to do so. As Atobe and the emperor took their seats, he moved further back toward the door and out of the way, where he hoped to be forgotten.
"Will your guard not join us?" Sanada asked, as he reached for a quiche and moved it to his plate. Tezuka noted that it looked vaguely comical, with how large Sanada's hands were compared to the small quiche and the delicate looking finery around him. So distracted by the contradictions, it took him a second to realize what Sanada's question meant.
"It's not customary, your highness," Atobe said. "He's trained to stand guard and protect me."
"You have nothing to fear when in the heart of my castle," Sanada said, then gestured to the empty third chair at the table. Tezuka had seen the chair there earlier, but had hoped that it was a common fixture or that Sanada would be bringing a guest.
As to having nothing to fear, Tezuka begged to differ. Yes, Atobe may be safe from assassination or angry merchants, but Tezuka doubted that he could say the same about himself. Especially when the emperor looked at him as if he wanted to devour him in various ways.
"Then I'm sure that Tezuka would be willing to cede my protection to your own guards for a time," Atobe said. He glanced his way, obviously in apology for not being able to get him out of this, but Tezuka had expected as much. He just didn't know if the feeling was dread or delight as he moved to take the seat with them.
"Thank you for the honour," Tezuka said politely. He gave another small bow before sitting.
Tezuka poured himself tea and did his best to ignore the eyes of the emperor on him. Thankfully, Atobe got right down to business and Sanada was forced to look away.
"I'm afraid you weren't overly specific in what you may be looking for. So I prepared a portfolio of some of the more interesting things currently with us," Atobe said, and opened up the folder he had brought. "Of course, if there's anything you're looking for that we don't have with us now, I'm sure we could procure it for you."
"Would you and your entourage be required to leave for that, or would you send a messenger to retrieve it?" Sanada asked.
"It would depend on the item. If it is Atobe possession, a messenger would suffice. If it required travel and careful negotiation to get for you, then my personal attention would be necessary," Atobe said.
And right away, Tezuka knew exactly which items the emperor would want from Atobe, and he was sure that Sanada was clever enough to drag out the process as long as it took for him to get what he wanted from Tezuka, or to grow bored of the game.
The meeting went on for quite some time, though thankfully, besides an odd input into how the food was or what he thought of a certain item or two, his opinion was not required, and he was almost able to relax despite being so close to the emperor. Of course, it would have been easier if the emperor did not insist on finding any excuse to lean into his personal space, brush fingers against his when passing things, or stare at him.
Still, it had been mostly painless for him and quite lucrative for Atobe.
"That was quite the successful meeting," Atobe said, walking back to their rooms as he reviewed the notes he took. "Thank you for behaving yourself."
"I'm not a child, Atobe. I know how to do my job." And he knew how to do it well. Even when it required things typically outside of his job description.
"I know. But I also know that the emperor makes you uncomfortable. And I can't say I approve of his fixation on you," Atobe said as he entered the room that he had set up as his receiving room and office. The emperor was not the only client Atobe planned on having in Rikkai, even if he seemed to be to the most lucrative.
"I'm sure that it's a passing fancy. You of all people should know how those with wealth and power change tastes quickly," Tezuka said.
Atobe looked at him for a long moment. "I will choose to take that as a comment on my business, which relies on ever changing and fickle tastes of nobles, and not on me directly," Atobe said. He undid his jacket and slid it off before tossing it on the back of a sofa. He then moved behind his desk and sat down to look at the stack of papers he had to get through. "It seems that I'll be preoccupied here for rest of the afternoon. If you wanted to check on other things, now would be a good time."
Tezuka gave a nod. He could explore more of the city or even more of the palace grounds. Both would help to clear his head. What he would really have liked to do was find a secluded spot to shift and stretch, but that was risky at the best of times, and in a foreign city where he wasn't yet familiar with all the rules and nuances of the culture would make it too dangerous.
"I'll be back in time to see you safely to dinner," Tezuka said. And with a small bow excused himself from Atobe's presence.