Untitled (Unfinished)

The mansion was stirring with whispers today. Rumors of Gansey and his gangs next move had been found out by one of the aristocrats they did business with, legal business that was. Gansey himself was a businessman by day, working his way up the social ladder. The ascents of his gang only aided in that climb, making other nobles rather jealous, leaving Gansey at the top of their many hit lists. Some believe him to be a dirty thief while others believed he was the devil himself. Nonetheless the only reason noblemen came to Gansey was to propose a business idea of sorts, in hopes of gaining the same amount of wealth and luck Gansey so easily attained. Gansey was selective that much was true. He wanted nothing to do with most of the men who claimed they would work well together. Even so Gansey accepted some of their business propositions, the ones that would aid him in both the real world and the underground. Of course, the man selected had no knowledge of Ganseys true intentions and if so they were ignored for the mere fact of gaining riches by having Ganseys signature as well as their own on the proposal.

Sir Michael Henry was the name of Ganseys current business partner. The two seemed to get along greatly, talking business once minute and about shared hobbies the next. He was a usual visitor to the Gansey mansion for the past few months. Those who worked there grow rather fond of him, believing he would last longer than Gasneys past business partners. Those at the mansion expected Sir Henry every Tuesday evening around eight. It was a routine of sorts. He would be checked in at the front gates, searched then escorted to the mansion itself. There, Gansey would greet him personally, make idle small talk before inviting the noble into the parlor for evening tea. After doing so the two discussed their usual matters. It was a boring routine at that, for both Gansey and Ai who more often than not had to wait outside.

The clock had struck eight as Henry’s carriage pulled up to the gates, only this time he was not alone. Accompanying him were several police units as well as Henry’s own investigators. Ganseys guards at the front gate were unfazed like any other of Henrys visits. They opened the gate willingly but stopped the pursuit before it could happen.

“Our apologizes,” began the head guard. “But we were only expecting Sir Henry. You gentlemen will have to wait outside the gate.”

Taking the gesture as an insult the chief of police made his voice known. “We have reason to believe your master is in charge of high treason to the state.” The chief, whose only intimidating feature was that of his tone hoppled to the front.

“And do you have a warrant to enter this facility my good sir?” The guard fired back in an unusual calm tone.

The chief, now dumbfounded stepped back. While gritting his teeth he spoke once more. “No warrant is necessary for the extensive amount of suspicion place upon that of your master.”

The guard shrugged. “No warrant, no entry. That is the law isn’t it chief?” He concluded, his words piercing through the officer like that of a dagger leaving the latter paralyzed in a sense. “Now then,” the guard continued while opening the gate. “Sir Henry, I believe you have a meeting with Master Gansey correct?” His smile, though it seemed like more of a smirk to the chief, directed itself to Henry. Adjusting his tie Henry cleared his throat.

“Yes indeed.” Henry spoke before passing through the iron bars. He cursed the police and their unpreparedness. Henry, being of nobility was one of a select few to gain the higher education he so appreciated. He too knew his way around the law, studying it in college before entering the world of business. The man was no fool on such matters and there decided that if anyone were going to make Gansey surrender to the police it would be him.

The heels of both Henry and the guard clicked in sync as they made their way up the cobblestone path. The sky seemed gloomy even though the sun had not fully set in the western part of the sky. It’s orange like rays streamed across the horizon to Henry’s left, leaving nothing but shadows around the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival the main entryway leading to the interior was as grand as ever, a dark chestnut wood color with markings along the side of its frame. The strange letters appeared to be that of Latin, something Henry did not study in his young years. Nevertheless the dead language only peaked his curiosity about Sir Gansey, being that the home was built well after Latin had died out. What did they mean and why were they here?

As if timed perfectly the door slowly creaked open, revealing the usual housemaid Henry so often seen. She gave a slight curtsey before signaling in the direction of the west wing. “We’ve been expecting you Sir Henry. Master Gansey is waiting for you in the parlor. This way please…”

The guard took that as his opportunity to slip away, back through the front entryway before closing it quietly behind him. Henry, who now accompanied the maid to the parlor looked about the mansion as if it was his first visit. He had never noticed how dark the interior was, in both light and architecture. Taken back but the sudden realization Henry had to hurry along in order to catch up to the maid, who did not turn her back once to him. All was different expect the door to the parlor. The same dark wood that made up the front door was present as well along with another Latin description along the frames. Staring up at the carvings in awe allowed for the maid to poke her head into the room without Henry noticing, announcing his arrival. It was only at the sound of Ganseys voice that Henry was brought back to reality and made to face the door. The maid was now gone, who excused herself while Henry dreamed of Latin letters.

“Come in. Come in!” Gansey called out which echoed throughout the parlor and out it’s door. As the door hinges creaked quietly Henry made his way into the room.

It was a tiny parlor at that, of course not the only one in the mansion. Gansey had reserved this one for business meetings and nothing more. Being that Gansey never really associated with many businessmen for that matter he believed it to be unnecessary to negotiate in a bigger setting unless it absolutely necessary.

The room was the same as always. That of a needlepoint carpet covered its wooden floors in the center of the room. The fireplace, which sat on the opposite wall parallel to the door, gave the room dim glow. Its warmth invited Henry in further as he closed the door behind him. Atop the carpet sat a couch and two chairs believe to be from 18th century France that suggested nothing but royalty. Accompanying the furniture were three of Ganseys most trusted men whose names were never made clear to Henry though their faces were all too familiar. They stared up at the man as if he were an insect. The master of the house sat at his desk that was to the right of the door. He was lounged in his usual armchair fit for king but this time he wasn’t alone. On his lap sat a young blonde whose skinny arms were so delicately wrapped around his neck. His legs were crossed and hung over Ganseys own. At the sight of Henry the boy drew himself closer to Gasneys chest and ticked his tongue.

“So this is the man you call Henry?” The boy began while eying the stranger down. “Tsk…he looks to be rather old to be doing business with you Gansey. Why, look at his wrinkles-”

“That’s enough Ai.” Ganseys cut in leaving Ai to huff and cross his arms. His attention then directed itself towards Henry. “Welcome.”

♔ Nightmares ♔

“Disgrace…dirty…mistake…worthless!”

“Stop!” Ai jerked awake, sitting up in a pool of his own sweat. His body was hot even with the presence of a cold sweat. The young boy painted for air, as if his lungs were failing. His light blue eyes searched the dark bedchamber only then did the tears start to fall.

            “Why?” he sobbed in an almost inaudible whisper. The blonde wrapped his skinny arms around his small frame, clutching himself like a lost child. Footsteps from the hall made themselves known as they approached the bedchamber door like that of a sprit. Ai jumped at the sound of the door slamming against the bedroom wall. Ganseys face was now visible thanks to the dim glow from the fire.

            “Ai.” He breathed, almost relieved but heartbroken at the sight of his lover.

            “Ga-gans…” Ai began but couldn’t muster up enough energy to speak anymore.

            With seconds Gansey embraced the young boy tenderly, pulling him against his chest as he sat at the foot of the bed.

            “Another nightmare?” He asked though already knowing the answer. The younger of the two nodded, sniffling into Ganseys chest.

            “Shh…it’s alright. You’re safe.” Gansey hummed, his fingers now running gently through Ais blonde locks.

            “I-it was terrifying.” Ai spoke, still shaking from the traumatic dream. “One minute you were there and then you were gone. I-I didn’t know what to do.” Gansey pulled his hand away from Ai as he lifted his head to face him.

            “And then the voices. They came back. They came back and said such awful things. I’m not dirty. I’m not a mistake. I’m not worthless!” His tears started up once more only this time resulted in what appeared to be an endless stream of them.

            Gansey tightened his grip around Ai. “You’re not worthless Ai.” He spoke sternly but still gentle enough to keep from startling the boy. Gansey brought his hands to the front and cupped both of Ai cheeks, brushing away any left over tears with his thumb.

            “You are not worthless.” He repeated. “Nightmares test our strength as humans. And you are strong Ai. Don’t ever forget that.”

            Skinny fingers met those of Gansey’s as Ai placed a hand over his. His head nodded as while his tears began to subside.

            “I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you fell asleep. I should have stayed with y-” Ganseys words were cut short as Ai silenced him by placing a finger over his lips. “Then stay with me now.” He mumbled. Without another word Ai climbed into the elders lap and curled up against him. “Stay with me forever.” He whispered after a few moments before his eyes fluttered shut.

            “I will.” Gansey vowed.

            With both arms wrapped around the blonde Gansey pulled them both under the covers, making sure Ai was comfortably tucked in. Gansey adjusted himself as well, leaving his chin resting on the top of Ais head.

            “Now sleep, my little prince.” He whispered lovingly before kissing the boys forehead. Ai who mumbled something in response cuddled closer to his lover as the feel of the other lips on his forehead.