Chapter Text
“This decision is final. You have one month to find your fated mate before you’re married to the king of Yong’an.”
That was the King of XianLe’s final verdict on the matter, shattering any shred of hope Xie Lian had of staying far away from that place. One month wasn’t enough time-in all his travels, he had never come across his fated mate. How was he supposed to find them in such a short span of time…? He’d need a miracle!
There was no use arguing though. Xie Lian knew that his father would never listen to him, no matter the circumstances.
“I’ll be leaving the palace to search, then.” Xie Lian replied. ‘Alone.’
“Very well.” His father nodded.
“Be sure to take your two guards with you,” Mei Nianqing added, the state preceptor.
“I will, thank you.” Xie Lian replied, looking around the room at all of the ministers. “Is there anything else, your majesty?”
“Stay safe out there.”
Xie Lian smiled kindly. “Thank you, father.”
With nothing else left to discuss, Xie Lian turned and left the hall, doing his best to hide his scent. He didn’t want the servants passing by to know how distressed or angry he was. He didn’t want them to know how close to tears he was.
He was so tired. Tired of having no say. Tired of having no freedom. All because he was an omega.
Headed straight for his chambers, he opened the doors and immediately started packing. He didn’t want Feng Xin or Mu Qing to join him on this journey. He wanted to be alone. He needed to be alone.
‘It will be better to slip out during the night.’ He mused to himself as he gathered his things together, packing some plain white robes and other necessities. He looked out the window at the setting sun and sighed.
Double checking everything, he nodded to himself before grabbing his sword and a pouch of gold coin before throwing his bag over his shoulder and leaving his room.
Quietly, he made his way down to the stables. It didn’t take long for him to saddle up one of the horses and attach his luggage, or to ride out of the gates. The palace staff were busy with dinner, after all, and with their evening tasks. It would be a while before anyone noticed he had left alone.
And so he rode. He rode until the city was far behind him, into the dead of the night. He knew it was dangerous-the demons were causing multiple issues with XianLe and many other countries-the rumour on the grapevine was that there was an incoming war. Xie Lian didn’t think that was quite right though. Demons weren’t interested in war-they wiped out kingdoms with a click of a finger. Such was the power of the Twin Demon Kings.
Xie Lian approached a small village inn that was still open in the late hours of the night. He took his horse to the stable out the back before going in.
A small middle-aged omega woman was standing at the counter when he entered. She smiled kindly.
“How can we help you?” she asked.
Xie Lian returned her smile, though he was certain he looked exhausted. “Ah…can I get a room please?”
“Of course. Would you like anything to eat?”
“That would be wonderful, thank you.” Xie Lian replied gratefully.
“Have a seat, I’ll bring something straight out for you, dear.”
She headed out into the back to the kitchens, leaving him to sit down at one of the tables.
Xie Lian settled down with a tired sigh and looked out the window, spotting a glowing silver butterfly perched on the windowsill. He smiled at the ethereal sight, enraptured.
“Here you go, dear.”
Xie Lian tore his eyes away from the butterfly to see the proprietress had placed a bowl of hot stew down on the table with some freshly baked bread rolls.
“Thank you, it smells wonderful.” Xie Lian replied, and he meant it.
She smiled, “Enjoy your meal, dear. When you’re finished, just head up the stairs and it’s the first room on your left.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
The woman left him to his meal. When he turned his head back to the window to see if the butterfly was still there, it was gone, much to his disappointment.
‘That’s a shame.’
The meal was good. It wasn’t as decadent as the food at the palace, but it was full of flavour and very filling. Xie Lian smiled as he thought about his travels and all the different places he had been over the years. He was a bit sad that he only had a month to look for whomever might be his fated person. It really wasn’t enough.
“I don’t want anything to do with Lang Ying.” He murmured, clenching his fists on the table.
He shook his head. There was no point stressing over it right now, not when there was something that needed his attention more.
So, he stood and headed upstairs to where he was told his room would be for the night, and started getting ready for bed.
He fell into a dreamless sleep as soon as his head hit the pillows, not waking until the sun had risen well into the sky the next day.
Xie Lian felt better rested than he had in days, but the bone deep exhaustion was still there.
‘I made the right choice, coming without Mu Qing and Feng Xin. They wouldn’t understand.’ He thought to himself as he got dressed in a set of white robes, then made his way downstairs with his bag over his shoulder and sword strapped to his hip.
“Good morning! Did you sleep well?”
Xie Lian looked over to see the same woman from the night before beaming at him from the counter.
He smiled back, “I slept well, thank you.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Would you like something to eat for breakfast?”
“Yes please, if it’s not too much trouble.” Xie Lian replied.
“It’s no trouble at all. Take a seat, dear.”
While she headed off to the kitchen, Xie Lian sat down.
There were more people sitting at tables today, and he couldn’t help overhearing some of the conversations happening.
Sitting at a nearby table were a few men, all drinking a beverage of some kind-Xie Lian couldn’t tell what it was from where he was sitting.
“I’m telling you, that cave in the mountains is dangerous at the moment.” One man with a ponytail spoke. “It’s best not to go anywhere near them.”
“Yeah, the neighbouring town reported sightings of demons lurking around near their town.” One of the others added.
“What’s that got to do with the mountains and the cave?” Asked another.
“It’s the Twin Demon Kings. They’re currently making themselves comfortable there for whatever reason.”
“You don’t think they’re planning on wiping out…”
Xie Lian didn’t hear the rest of the conversation, distracted by the woman placing his meal down in front of him.
“Don’t mind them, dear. It’s nothing to stress about, I’m sure.” She smiled reassuringly.
“Ah, well… if you don’t mind, could you tell me what direction those mountains are?”
She looked shocked, and then worried. “Just keep heading northwest for half a days ride. But dear, it really could be dangerous.”
“I know. I’m not looking for a fight… you don’t have to worry. Besides, I know how to protect myself.” He smiled gently, hoping to soothe her worries.
She still didn’t look certain, but she nodded. “Alright, I believe you. Now, enjoy your meal.”
He looked down at his plate to see a couple of steamed buns and a cup of hot fragrant jasmine tea. He enjoyed both.
As he made his way to the counter, he was stopped by the men at the table.
“Hey wait!”
He turned, looking at them expectantly.
“If you’re planning on heading up the mountain, you should probably find an alpha to go with you. You’re an omega, right?” Ponytail said.
Xie Lian smiled. “Thank you for your concern, but I’m quite capable of subduing an alpha single-handedly. I can protect myself.”
Then, without another word, he continued up to the counter to pay.
“Keep the change-you’ve earned it.” Xie Lian smiled softly as he slid a gold coin across the counter.
“Are you sure?” She asked with wide eyes.
“I insist.”
“Thank you very much. Safe travels.” She smiled kindly.
“Thank you. Take care.” Xie Lian bid goodbye, and left the inn to get his horse, then headed off in the direction he was told.
…
Half a days ride was pretty accurate. Xie Lian was at the mountains in the late afternoon, allowing him time to start ascending the mountain trail. It didn’t occur to him that he had no idea where exactly this cave was until he was a fair way in, and it was getting dark.
However, his horse was refusing to budge, becoming restless.
Xie Lian dismounted. He was unable to sense anything sinister in the air, but it seemed that just meant the danger wasn’t close enough for him to be able to.
The horse started stomping its hooves and backing away, shaking its head side to side.
“Wait-“
The horse took off, leaving Xie Lian alone in the dark.
He groaned, slumping against the trunk of a tree and sitting on the forest floor. The sky above was beautiful, with the glimmering stars unobscured by clouds.
Out the corner of his eye, he spotted something glowing—that same crystal-like silver butterfly flew past his face, fluttering around his head a couple of times before he lifted a finger for it to perch on. It settled on his finger, fluttering its wings in greeting.
Xie Lian smiled. It was comforting, somehow, and brought back a hazy memory from his childhood.
‘Oh, maybe I have seen these butterflies before?’ He wondered.
The butterfly flew off of his finger, flying away and then coming back, then flying away and coming back again.
Xie Lian watched as it did this a few more times before he understood that it wanted him to follow.
“Alright, alright, I’m coming.”
He brushed himself off and started following the butterfly, mindful of what was on the path in front of him. The walk was peaceful-he could hear a creek nearby, and the forest nightlife was quite active. That was a positive sign.
He walked for quite a while, following the butterfly, but he could soon hear a waterfall. They came out into a small clearing; to his left, down below was a pool. If he turned to face that pool, then straight ahead would be the large waterfall, which was currently reflecting the moonlight and stars above.
A path led down to the pool, but that was not where the butterfly was heading.
Straight up ahead was a cave lit by a warm light, likely a fire.
Although nervous, Xie Lian steeled his resolve and willed himself forward.
The butterfly flew inside the cave. As soon as Xie Lian stepped foot inside, he was hit with the overwhelming scent of alpha-but more than that, his instincts were screaming at him, his inner omega telling him that yes, finally, the search was over.
Mates.
His next few steps were unsteady. He was afraid-afraid of rejection. Even more so than he was of the nature of the two in the cave.
“You’re welcome to come in.” Came a smooth, deep voice.
“Oh… sorry for the intrusion.” Xie Lian said weakly.
There was a soft chuckle. “There’s no need to apologise. We did lead you here, after all.” The second voice was also deep, rich but soothing.
Xie Lian felt that memory scratching at the edges of his mind again. The colour red…
Once he was inside, Xie Lian was shocked by the sight before him; two men dressed in red, black and silver butterfly jewellery sat in front of a warm fire.
One wore slightly more revealing clothing, with a silver armband around his bicep and silver vambraces, the same as his brother. His long black hair was done in a braid over his shoulder, with Crystal butterflies and flowers woven through, tied off with a red ribbon. In his ears hung mismatched silver and red gemstone earrings.
The brother’s hair was much longer, a single braid behind his ear on the right while a black leather eyepatch covered his right eye.
He wore an ornate butterfly necklace around his neck, and his leather boots were decorated with silver bells. His ears were also decorated with the same mismatched earrings as his brother.
“Have a seat.” They both gestured to the sitting log by the fire.
“Thank you.” He replied, unsure what to say-what to do.
Then he remembered why he came in the first place.
“I’m sorry if my knowledge is lacking, but you’re the two demon kings, correct?” Xie Lian asked hesitantly.
“We are.”
Xie Lian felt himself blush. “Ah… I’m sorry, I don’t know your names.”
“You don’t have to apologise to us.” The twin with the braid smiled, looking impossibly fond. “You can call me San Lang. My brother is Hua Cheng.”
“It’s an honour to meet your highness.” Hua Cheng smiled playfully, his obsidian eye sparkling with mirth.
“Ah…you know of me?” Xie Lian asked awkwardly.
“It’s hard not to. You are the beloved prince of XianLe, after all.” Hua Cheng replied.
Xie Lian smiled, though it was strained, and he cast his eyes downward. “Yes… I suppose that’s true.”
“What brought you into the mountains? Surely you’ve heard it’s dangerous?” San Lang suddenly asked.
“Oh-well…” Xie Lian scratched his cheek, “That’s exactly why I came. I heard a rumour that the two of you were here.”
“Oh?” San Lang raised his brow in interest, “Fascinating.”
“It was that merchant group.” Hua Cheng muttered. “They’re lucky they’re still alive after antagonising that demon.”
Xie Lian furrowed his brow. “What?”
“We’ve been out here cleaning up some messes made by demons, but it seems that some humans have also made quite a few of their own messes, like those travelling merchants who antagonised a demon minding its own business. Unfortunately it was about to raze down an entire village, so we had to stop that.” Hua Cheng explained.
Xie Lian couldn’t help but think that was a rather upsetting job.
“I’m sorry you had to do that.”
“It’s just human nature.” San Lang shrugged. “They’re afraid of things that are different. They’re like that with their own kind, too.”
Xie Lian went rigid. He tried not to let the distress deep into his scent, but their noses were sharper than the average alpha’s, courtesy of being a demon king.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.” San Lang immediately apologised.
“No-it… it’s true. I just-I’m human.”
Hua Cheng and San Lang glanced at each other.
“What does that have to do with anything?” Hua Cheng asked gently.
“You… aren’t you going to reject me?” He asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Their eyes widened, but Xie Lian was still staring at the floor feeling utterly helpless.
“Do you want us to?”
“NO!” He cried, unable to hide his distress at all.
Suddenly, he felt a warm pair of arms around him accompanied by calming pheromones. His head came to rest on a warm shoulder, and he realised after a moment that it was San Lang next to him, offering him comfort. It felt so foreign-he couldn’t remember the last time he had been comforted like this.
“It’s okay.” San Lang soothed.
“We don’t want to reject you, gege.” Hua Cheng said softly.
Xie Lian’s mind came screeching to a halt at the nickname. He was certain they were older than him-by centuries.
He’ll file that away for later.
For now, he felt relief. Relief that he had found his fated mates, and didn’t have to be shipped off to Yong’An.
“You must be exhausted. You should rest.” Hua Cheng added.
He didn’t do anything other than weakly nod. He didn’t even protest when San Lang picked him up-something he wouldn’t normally ever allow-but something in the back of his mind told him they wouldn’t hurt him. Not just because they were his mates, no, it was something else.
That hazy memory was still digging at his brain.
Xie Lian closed his eyes, drifting off within moments.
…
Running through a field of wildflowers, Xie Lian chased after the silver butterflies that fluttered back and forth in front of him in their game of chase. He couldn’t have been older than seven at the time.
His giggles rang through the air as he jumped through the air, his ears suddenly perking at the sound of footsteps behind him.
He span around to see two figures dressed in red-both adults. He ran forward to greet them, jumping into their arms.
He called their names in delight, but the sound was muffled, the picture blurry.
His eyes opened. He blinked a couple of times as he took in the scenery, finding he was in a cave, his head resting on something warm. Someone was gently carding their fingers through his hair, keeping him relaxed.
“You’re awake.”
He furrowed his brow. “Hua Cheng?”
“Mm.” Came the reply, “Are you feeling any better? You can be honest with us.”
“I can?” Xie Lian let slip weakly.
“Always. It’s okay to be vulnerable.”
“I’m…not okay.” Xie Lian admitted.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Hua Cheng asked.
Xie Lian furrowed his brow. He did. But… not now.
“Not yet.” He said.
“Okay.” Hua Cheng replied.
Xie Lian glanced around, noticing San Lang wasn’t with them. “Where is…?”
“He’ll be back soon. Our business out here still isn’t finished, so he’s just out finishing it off.” He explained, letting Xie Lian sit up.
As he sat up, Xie Lian realised that his head had been resting on his thighs and that:
1-they we’re comfortable to sleep on? How did he unpack that?
2-he didn’t have an issue lying there. At all. In fact, he’d probably gladly do so again if asked. Maybe.
Xie Lian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“I’m back.”
He was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard San Lang’s voice at the entrance of the cave.
A silver butterfly fluttered over to him and landed on the end of his nose, like a greeting. Hua Cheng lifted his hand in greeting as San Lang came into view.
“Good morning, your highness.” San Lang greeted. He seemed to be carrying a bag-one that Xie Lian recognised.
“Good morning, San Lang.” Xie Lian replied with a small smile.
“I found your horse while I was out, so I retrieved your things. Unfortunately I couldn’t bring the horse back with me-I’m sorry.” San Lang apologised as he handed the bag over, looking guilty.
“Thank you for going to the trouble. That was very thoughtful.” Xie Lian smiled, grateful. “Were you able to get everything done?”
San Lang smiled. “I did. There shouldn’t be any more issues for a while.”
Hua Cheng suddenly held out some fruit in front of Xie Lian-a bowl full of fresh grapes, cut apple, orange and melon.
‘Where did he pull this from?’
“Are you hungry, gege?” Hua Cheng asked.
“Oh-thank you.” Xie Lian took the bowl, and ate feeling rather relaxed.
“San Lang.” Hua Cheng spoke his brother’s name as if to warn him of something.
“I know. We have guests-so soon, too.” San Lang muttered.
“What’s wrong?” Xie Lian asked.
“Just trash, gege.” Hua Cheng replied.
“Are you sure? They might be looking for me.” Xie Lian said nervously.
“Exactly.” The twins spoke at the same time.
Xie Lian sighed softly. “So, they’ve already caught up then.”
Hua Cheng and San Lang both looked at him with concern.
“You don’t have to go out there and see them. We can take you away.” San Lang offered.
Xie Lian shook his head. “If I don’t, it will cause bigger issues. This is a mess I caused. I’ll solve it.”
He looked so exhausted. So at war with himself.
“Let us go with you?”
Xie Lian examined the faces of his two mates. There was nothing to suggest that they would deny his wishes not to be followed, should he say no, but he didn’t want to be alone right now. Perhaps it was an instinctual thing, as he had heard so often that it was difficult to part from your mate once you found them, but he was just so emotionally drained—he didn’t think he could do this alone.
And if it was who he thought it was, then it was going to be even more taxing.
“Please,” he replied, “I don’t think I can do this alone.”
“You won’t be.” Hua Cheng said, “We can go whenever you’re ready.”
“How far away are they?” Xie Lian then asked, trying to gauge how much time he had.
“Not far, but we can always cause a few issues to delay them.” San Lang smiled, looking quite eager to do so.
Xie Lian laughed. “San Lang, no.”
He pouted. “A shame. Your servants are loud-they could be knocked down a peg or three.”
Xie Lian didn’t know if he should laugh or cry.
“They’re my attendants.”
The twins just hummed.
“L-let’s go out to meet them, then.” Xie Lian hurried to his feet, but in his haste, one of his earrings fell to the ground.
“Oh…”
He’d forgotten to take out the red coral pearl earrings he’d been wearing.
Hua Cheng leant down and picked it up, holding it out for him to take.
Xie Lian took the earring and rolled the pearl between his fingers for a moment, thinking, before he removed the fittings. He did the same with his other earring, until he had just the two pearls resting in his palm.
Then, he turned to Hua Cheng, who was looking at him curiously. He reached out and secured one of the pearls into the end of the braid behind his ear, much to Hua Cheng’s surprise.
Then, he turned to San Lang, looking him over as he wondered where it would be best suited to go.
San Lang smiled. “May I?”
“Of course.”
Xie Lian watched as he picked up the pearl, and formed a thin silver chain either side of the bead with spiritual power, forming a necklace. He then clasped it around his neck.
“Show off.” Hua Cheng muttered.
“It suits you both.” Xie Lian smiled, “I’m glad.”
“We’ll treasure it.”
A warmth filled Xie Lian’s chest, setting him at ease. The sincerity in their voices told him everything he needed to know.
“I think I’m ready to go out and meet them now.” He said, feeling a lot stronger than he did moments ago.
“Okay.” They both gave him a smile, and walked with him out of the cave. The twins didn’t walk behind or in front of him, but rather at his sides. Xie Lian wondered when he last had someone treat him as an equal. Mu Qing and Feng Xin always walked slightly ahead, or acted like he needed babying.
As they walked, Xie Lian admired the scenery around him. Of the vibrant hues of the surrounding trees and the forest, which was so full of life.
Up ahead, he could hear the telltale sound of Feng Xin and Mu Qing arguing yet again, despite being mates themselves.
“They must have rode through the night to find me.” Xie Lian sighed.
“Were you that desperate to get away from the palace, your highness?” San Lang asked.
“Ah… well, it’s complicated.” He replied with a grimace.
“You’re always welcome in the Demon Realm if you need a break.” Hua Cheng offered with a mischievous glint in his eye.
“I’d like to see it some time,” Xie Lian admitted. He’d always been curious.
San Lang was about to speak, but before he could, was interrupted.
“Your highness!?”
It was Feng Xin and Mu Qing, both looking at him with wide eyes.
“Oh, hello.” Xie Lian lifted his hand awkwardly in greeting.
“What do you mean ‘hello’!? Do you have any idea who you’re standing with?!” Feng Xin glared at the two demon kings. “They’re both alpha’s-and reek of possessiveness.”
San Lang hummed. “And what right do you have in whom Xie Lian wishes to spend his time with, regardless of their secondary sex? You’re an alpha too, no?”
Xie Lian shivered at the way his name rolled off of San Lang’s tongue.
“And who are you to be using his name in such an intimate manner?” Mu Qing retorted. “We’re only concerned about his safety.”
“Hmm. They sure are slow on the uptake.” San Lang smiled coldly.
“Gege, it seems your servants don’t think you can look after yourself.” Hua Cheng rose one of his brows.
“Hua Cheng, they’re my attendants.” Xie Lian reminded him.
“Same thing.” San Lang scoffed.
“San Lang.” he scolded.
“Yes?” San Lang smiled innocently.
Xie Lian couldn’t help but laugh. “Behave.”
Feng Xin and Mu Qing both watched their interactions with some confusion, not understanding what was going on at all.
“Your highness?” Feng Xin asked, slightly horrified.
Mu Qing squinted his eyes for a moment, as if he noticed something. “Your Highness, don’t tell me you gave them your red coral pearl earrings.”
Xie Lian furrowed his brow. “Yes, I did.”
“That was a family heirloom!”
“Yes, and mine to give to whomever I choose.” Xie Lian replied calmly.
“But-you can’t give them to the demon kings! They aren’t even your mates!” Feng Xin spluttered.
A small laugh escaped Xie Lian as both San Lang and Hua Cheng’s scents soured with fury on his behalf.
“I can’t believe you really are that stupid.” Hua Cheng grinned.
“Excuse me?” Feng Xin growled.
Mu Qing’s eyes widened in realisation and he grabbed Feng Xin’s arm. “They are mates, you idiot! I can’t believe you said that!”
Feng Xin turned pale and looked back up at his prince, who was wearing a strained smile.
“But… your highness, you can’t… they can’t be trusted.”
“I think I can decide that for myself, Feng Xin. And I refuse to be sent to Yong’An as Lang Ying’s bride.” Xie Lian replied firmly. “San Lang and Hua Cheng have been nothing but kind and respectful towards me. If they wanted to hurt me, they would have.”
Neither of his attendants looked happy.
“Well, since you’ve found your mate…s… You need to return to the palace.” Mu Qing said, eyeing the two demon kings with distaste.
“No. I need a break-I’m tired.” Xie Lian shook his head.
“The offer is still valid-you need only say the word, my love.” San Lang spoke softly.
Xie Lian blushed, but nodded. “Then… let’s go.”
“Your highness!” Mu Qing shouted.
Xie Lian glanced up, “Tell my father that I’ll be back at the end of the one month deadline.”
San Lang pulled him close, keeping his arms secure around his lithe waist.
“Hold on tight.”
Xie Lian did by wrapping his own arms around San Lang’s waist, then they were engulfed by an influx of silver butterflies swarming around them. There was enraged shouting following after them, but soon it was cut off, replaced by a blissful silence