You got it! :)) Thank you for your patience. 

29. “I thought you were dead.”

Even though it was the only place in this god forsaken world he could consider home, Judal never gave much thought to the capital city until now. Given all that has happened, even he could not resist the smile that tugged on his lips at the sight of the familiar rooftops and the buzz of the citizenry below even in the dead of night. The musical silence that was the absence of a certain blond buffoon’s complaints regarding the lack of women was also a welcoming bonus.

But these little pleasantries was nothing compared to the grand prize of being able to see his treasured king once more. Judal had longed to see him and the beautiful darkness that enveloped him. He was quite surprised that the city itself wasn’t swallowed up by Hakuryuu’s madness. Not that it mattered to him either way. Perhaps it was even better that way as he wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun of homes set ablaze and panic stricken innocents.

When he had arrived at the imperial palace, Judal made a beeline straight for Hakuryuu’s bedchambers ignoring the gasps and cries of surprise that he encountered along the way. He didn’t even bother to make eye contact with the guards, who knew better than to stand in the way of a magi and his king anyway, in front of the bedroom door before marching in.

Hakuryuu was the type of person to drift off as soon as his head hit the pillow, therefore Judal wasn’t the least bit surprised to be greeted with the sound of snores. Normally, the magi would have snickered while concocting brilliants ways as to arouse his sleeping beauty, however there was a something different in the atmosphere that hit him full force.

His black ruhk has vanished.

Recalling his inner promise of not forgiving Hakuryuu if his determination ever faltered, Judal clenched his fist in anger and closed the gap between them in two large strides. He had meant to bring his fist down on him which as much force as he could muster, but instead found himself pushing the anger aside and stroking soft blue tresses from off his sleeping face with an unusual gentleness.

I’ll save the ass kicking for another time.

“Judal,” mouthed a still sleeping Hakuryuu.

Judal’s eyebrows hitched up awaiting more.

“I thought you were dead.”

Judal’s usual smirk plastered itself onto his face. “I’m way too stubborn to die,” came Judal’s response, watching Hakuryuu’s eyes flicker at the sound of his voice. “You should know that by now.”