Chapter 1: The First to Fall
Kai lounged in his study, a soft leather armchair sinking under his weight as he slouched further, looking like he might merge into it. A thick book rested on his lap, but he seemed more occupied with the drifting sunbeams slipping in through the windows, casting a warm, drowsy glow. His eyelids drooped, giving him an air of calm detachment, as if nothing in this world truly held his interest.
Edward, standing silently by the door, observed his young lord with an unreadable expression. As an assassin trained for speed, silence, and stealth, Edward had always prided himself on his precision and control. In his previous roles, he'd worked under stern masters who saw him as nothing but a weapon, an invisible blade. Yet here he was, assigned to Kai—the laziest nobleman he'd ever met, yet also the most peculiar.
Kai seemed to notice Edward only when he had to, not as a servant or a tool, but as something closer to furniture or background noise. There was no need for Edward to stand guard—Kai didn't seem to believe he'd ever be in danger. And, truthfully, Edward could find no immediate reason why he would be. But he found himself watching over Kai all the same, drawn in by the odd tranquility his lord exuded.
"Edward," Kai finally murmured, not even looking up from his book.
Edward straightened, his voice calm and collected as he responded, "Yes, my lord?"
"Is dinner ready?"
"Yes, my lord. The chef has prepared it just as you requested."
"Mm." Kai seemed more preoccupied with a patch of light warming his hand than the prospect of food. After a long pause, he set his book aside with a sigh and glanced up, his gaze sharp but surprisingly gentle, as if sizing Edward up for the first time. "I'm too tired to walk. Carry me."
It was a casual, almost sleepy request, but Edward's heartbeat quickened, feeling a surge of unexpected warmth in his chest. He'd been trained to follow orders without question, but never before had he carried a lord simply because they couldn't be bothered to move. Resisting the urge to let a smile slip, Edward stepped forward and knelt down beside the chair.
Kai blinked, looking at him almost in surprise, as if he'd expected a reluctant sigh or a comment about boundaries. But Edward only extended his arms, silently inviting him. Kai tilted his head, shrugged, and then slowly draped himself over Edward's shoulders with a lazy grace, as if being carried was the most natural thing in the world.
Edward felt the faint warmth of Kai's body as he stood, lifting him with ease. Kai's head rested against his shoulder, a soft yawn escaping him as he allowed his eyes to flutter closed, one hand loosely holding onto Edward's sleeve. In that moment, Edward realized just how close they were, Kai's breath warm against his neck, and his own heartbeat thundering against his ribs.
"Edward," Kai mumbled, voice muffled as he nestled a bit closer. "You're comfortable. Unexpected, for an assassin."
Edward felt his pulse race even faster. "Thank you, my lord," he replied, keeping his tone even, though he felt far from calm.
As he carried Kai down the hallway, Edward's mind wandered. He'd always known his role as an assassin, a tool with no emotions to interfere with his tasks. But with Kai, he found himself feeling... something more. Kai was strange, unaffected by the world's concerns or dangers, drifting through life with an innocent detachment that should have infuriated someone like Edward. Instead, it fascinated him.
Kai, meanwhile, had drifted off completely. Edward felt the gentle rise and fall of his chest against his own, every breath so natural yet somehow intimate. Each step he took felt heavier, not from Kai's weight, but from the realization settling over him—he wanted to protect this man. He wanted to be near him, to know him beyond his role as an assassin or a butler.
They reached the dining hall, but Edward hesitated. He wanted this moment to last just a bit longer. Kai, however, stirred, his eyes fluttering open with a drowsy gaze that fixed on Edward's face, inches away. For the first time, Edward saw a glimmer of curiosity in Kai's ice-blue eyes, an expression that made his heart skip.
"What are you looking at?" Kai asked, his voice still soft, the slightest hint of sleep lingering.
Edward looked away, feeling a rush of unfamiliar emotion. "Nothing, my lord. Only... admiring how easily you trust me."
Kai gave a small, sleepy smile, patting Edward's shoulder. "You're my butler, Edward. I don't have to think too much about it." He paused, narrowing his gaze slightly, as if mulling something over. "But if you ever stop catching me, then I'll worry."
The words lingered, brushing over Edward like a promise. He lowered Kai into his chair, but found he couldn't tear his gaze away from his young lord's face. Kai was already scanning the table, oblivious as ever to the effect he had, but Edward didn't mind. He'd guard Kai, with or without his acknowledgment. Because, he realized, he didn't need Kai to understand his feelings; he only needed to protect him.
And, without knowing it, Kai had created a loyalty in Edward that went far beyond duty—a silent, unspoken vow that Edward would follow him through anything.