Chapter Text
Kaeya sighs softly from where he was perched in front of the vanity in their bedroom. At the sound, Adeline briefly stops running a brush through his hair to look at him before resuming the action.
“Are you alright? What troubles you Master Kaeya?”
“Just thinking. Must we attend every event held in the vicinity of Teyvat?”
Adeline smiles at him and sets down the brush.
“Master Diluc holds great influence not only in Mondstadt, but in other regions as well. It is necessary for him to maintain appearances at these events to appease both the public and the officials of other nations,” she explains calmly. “He’s seen as a representative from Mondstadt, whether he wants to be or not. And the parties are often an excuse for the council to convene.”
Gentle hands twist blue curls away from his face, pinning them back before weaving hair pieces intricately between the strands. She sets a silver crown of crimson agate on top of his head, the delicate gems gleaming brightly with the reflected light. It completes the elaborate outfit Adeline put him in.
She intended to try something new tonight and Kaeya trusted her, letting her do as she pleases. And to be honest, it’s more than he expected, but he’s far from complaining. He’s wearing a beautiful red dress made from the finest of Liyuen silk, the fabric hugging tight to his every curve before flowing out at the waist in an intricate design of tulle, shimmer, and lace. Its windowed backside displays the tattoo of a red phoenix spread over the expanse of his back, only yet another mark of his belonging to Diluc.
“I know. I don’t mind attending,” he says, hands chasing away invisible creases in the dress. “But it’s the same uninteresting small talk and laughing at terrible humor that I could do without.”
“It will be over before you know it,” she soothes. “Besides, you look lovely and I’m sure Master Diluc will want to show you off.”
He scoffs. “Doubtful. He’s just going to hide me away again. But really,” he asks, turning serious. “This isn’t too much?”
“Of course not, Master Kaeya. There won’t be a soul at the party who won’t pale in comparison,” she assures. “You are beautiful, charming, and a delight to look at, even without all these accessories. Master Diluc is simply being protective. You know how he is. He doesn’t want to attract any unnecessary attention to you.”
“I know, but he forgets that I can take care of myself just fine. I’m not helpless.”
Adeline smiles gently at him. “Master Kaeya, I do not doubt that you are fully capable of defending yourself, but you tend to forget that it’s okay to let others take care of you too. You do not need to do it all alone. Master Diluc just wants you to trust him. It’s his way of showing that you can rely on him for anything.”
I do trust him. With my life. But he doesn’t say that. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you, Adeline, for everything.”
“Please, you need not thank me. It is my duty to serve Master Diluc and that duty extends the same to you. You are family now.”
With the final finishing touches of added jewelry, rings, and a choker for his vision, Adeline sends him downstairs to where Diluc was waiting.
“Do try to enjoy the ball this evening Master Kaeya,” she calls after him. “And please refrain from causing too much trouble.”
“I’ll try, but no promises.” he laughs.
-
Approaching the foyer, Kaeya can see Diluc from the top of the stairs. With his red hair pulled back into a high ponytail, his lover looks insufferably handsome in his white suit and black dress shirt, held together by a clasp the loveliest shade of ruby. Compared to Kaeya, his outfit is simple, but equally as capable of showcasing its wearer’s beauty. Diluc is, unfairly so, a walking piece of art.
His dork of a lover is speaking softly to his treasured falcon, petting gently at her feathers. Kaeya clears his throat to get his attention and Diluc turns, speaking even before his eyes settle on him.
“Finally done? Elzer has been–” the words are caught in his throat and he stares unblinkingly at the sight in a mix of surprise and awe. Archons, he is so beautiful, Diluc thinks.
Kaeya smiles softly as he descends the stairs to stand in front of him. “Like what you see?”
In his amazement, Diluc’s brain is slow to catch up on the question and he spits out the first thing that comes to mind.
“...It’s uh, nice.”
“Really?” Kaeya says, raising his eyebrows. “I’m wearing all this and that’s all you have to say? It’s uh, nice? No ‘wow Kaeya, you look beautiful,’ or ‘damn babe, you look fine as fuck?”
Diluc blushes lightly, both at the obvious teasing and his momentary brain lag. He rolls his eyes, but the clear amusement flickering through them betrays him.
“Damn babe, you look fine as fuck.”
Kaeya laughs, delighted, and leans forward to kiss him– a simple peck in fear of having Adeline scold him for ruining her work. “Thanks honey, not too bad yourself. Where did you get this nice suit?”
“You bought this,” Diluc deadpans and Kaeya only laughs again, shaking his head to himself.
“Yeah, that's the joke dear, now come on. Elzer must be tired of waiting for us.”
“For you, you mean. I’ve been here for a while.”
Kaeya scoffs. “I can’t just wake up looking like a snack, babe. It takes time.”
“Really? I think you look perfect when you wake up. In fact, you don’t just look like a snack. You’re a whole meal.”
The bluenett raises an eyebrow. “Even if my face is swollen and my hair is a mess?”
“Mhm. Even then. You always look beautiful. Besides,” Diluc continues. “In the morning is when I get to see the most natural Kaeya. I love every side of you, but I especially love the you with no pretenses. That’s when you truly shine.”
Kaeya blushes and stops in his tracks, not expecting such a sincere compliment. It’s quite out of character for him but for the first time in his life, he feels at a loss for words. Archons, he does not deserve this man. His mouth opens and closes a few times as he tries to pull together what to say, but he eventually settles for tugging the redhead into a kiss, makeup be damned. He tries to put everything he didn’t have the words for into it. Because actions speak louder than words after all, or so he’s been told.
Without needing anything to be said, Diluc understands what Kaeya wants to convey. He returns it with everything and more, hoping that it’s enough to show that yes, Kaeya does deserve this. He deserves everything. And Diluc would give him the world if he asked.
~
It’s only been a solid thirty minutes at the party and Kaeya has nearly slit the throats of eleven people, and that’s not including every person that so much as breathed in Diluc’s direction. As he expected, he was definitely not having fun.
It was an ocean themed event, as per the wishes of the hosts. Or one of them at least. A shallow pool of water covers the white marble floors, barely above ankle height, with snapdragon petals floating serenely on the surface. Starconches adorn the walls and line the flower beds of lotuses spread throughout the room, each lit with the glowing light of fireflies and cor lapis. In the center of it all, marble gives way to glass, showing the aquarium of marine life that lies just underneath the floor. The decorations were truly a sight to behold.
Like many of the others– chosens, lovers of the Uncrowned Kings, that is –he’s resting on a plush chair hidden behind a tinted screen on an elevated platform, able to see out, but no one able to see in. These private “chambers'' line the width of the grand ballroom in which the party was being held. Private servants tend to his every need and he picks at the lavish plate of appetizers laid out before him. Occasionally, heads of allying families and other high standing officials, from a select group privy to his identity, request an audience with him and Kaeya permits them to enter. He smiles politely and indulges them in meaningless conversations about the current state of Mondstadt and how the Ragnvindr business has been thus far. Even Jean, acting Grandmaster of Mondstadt’s Ordo Favonius, had come in not too long ago to greet him with Lisa attached to her side. But despite the familiar faces, his patience thins and he has since refused any further meetings.
He sighs. Already having had three glasses of Death After Noon and currently on his fifth glass of champagne for the night, it’s clear to anyone that he’s less than happy. From where he’s sat, he has a clear view of Diluc surrounded by an overbearing crowd of people. A few of them dreadful dignitaries that attempt to sell their children off like pieces of meat, but many more of them damsels that shamelessly flirt with him. Gods he sometimes hates how much status Diluc has.
Their men standing guard a few paces away glance worryingly in Diluc’s direction, seemingly wanting to step in and pry them off. There’s hesitation in their eyes and they look towards him, asking for permission. Kaeya responds with a subtle shake of his head and they back down.
That won’t be necessary.
But when yet another nobleman’s daughter sidles up against Diluc’s arm, fluttering her eyelashes at him, Kaeya decides that he’s had enough. He sets down his glass of champagne and leaves the room before he does anything he regrets. Two of his men trail silently behind him, more to protect others than Kaeya, really.
Using just his memory, he follows a path that leads him to the main balcony overlooking a magnificent garden. While he steps out into the open air and makes his way across the terrace, his men hover off to the side, keeping watch but also giving him room to sulk.
He takes the time to try and clear his head, admiring the silk flowers and glaze lilies that populate the greenery below him. Golden lanterns light up a small path that winds through the garden, leading to a large fountain. A stone whale sits in the center, water spewing from its spout and Kaeya’s lips quirk up slightly in a fond smile at the sight of it. He would choose a whale.
Unfortunately, the small distraction isn’t enough to quell his displeasure and the ever present sound of the party happening on the other side of the glass doors reminds him of why he is here in the first place.
Sigh.
Being so agitated is rather unfitting of him, he supposes. But he can’t help it. Maybe it was all the alcohol in his system. Maybe the boring parties were finally getting to him. And most of all, maybe he would not be this upset if Diluc was even the slightest bit attuned to what they were doing. But he just smiles politely and lets them hang off his arm, continuing to talk while Kaeya is a hair’s breadth away from mass murder. If only Diluc’s awareness of these admirers measure up to when it’s Kaeya they take a liking to. Sadly, it seems that things like that only go in one direction in Diluc’s mind.
Another sigh .
Really, he knows the smiles and appearances are all for show, but can’t you just tell them ‘hey, I’m taken, can you back the fuck off?’
Don’t get him wrong, he’s not blaming Diluc. He blames the ignorant fools pawing dirty touches on what doesn’t belong to them. Sure they weren’t officially married yet, and ninety percent of them have no idea who he is or if he even existed, but Diluc was his for Barbatos’s sake. And archons forbid, hell will freeze over before he lets anyone take him away .
A third sigh.
Leaning against the railing, he watches distastefully through the glass as yet another girl– Donna, if he remembers correctly –laughs so hard at everything Diluc says that she practically throws herself into his arms.
Calm.
He takes a deep breath, closing his eyes as he tries not to lash out impulsively.
10, 9, 8, 7 –
Fuck it’s not working.
Come on, Kaeya. Breathe. Poise. Grace. Control.
His anger stills, held back by sheer will alone, and he relaxes.
Donna’s father is a part of the Council of Seven and they never liked him. They don’t want him in Teyvat and they especially don’t want him, an outsider, taking one of their beloved Kings off the market. He’s sure Donna is a part of one of their schemes to tear apart their relationship.
She’s wearing red today. Her first mistake. He hates it . She stands next to Diluc and wraps a hand around his bicep. They look so, so – Fuck. Any shred of composure he’s managed to piece together escapes him and he’s tempted to turn the entire party into a living ice museum. Maybe that will–
His thoughts are interrupted by the soft murmur of two voices and the sound of footsteps approaching. Who’s there? Cryo immediately pools at his fingertips, ready to bend at his will, and his men shift to shield him. When his visitors come into view and he sees the familiar flash of ginger hair, the ice melts away and he waves his men off.
“Kaekae, I thought I saw someone brooding outside on my balcony. I didn’t quite expect it to be you,” the figure calls out. “Are you alright?”
Childe and his husband were both dressed in matching shades of autumn colors. His best friend dons an elegantly made Liyuen style dress that accentuates his bright orange hair. A bold slit runs down the right side from the hips, showing the imposing brand of a dragon tattoo that stretches down his thigh. The latter of the two wears a formal grey shirt, black pants, and a long brown and gold coat. Simple, but demanding in the way he radiates power.
“I’m fine,” Kaeya says, with a halfhearted smile. “But if it isn’t the man of the hour himself. Are you sure you have the time to be chasing down every lonely soul at your party, Glia?”
His friend laughs. “No, of course not~ You know I only chase pretty things. And you look absolutely gorgeous tonight. But like you said, it is my party. I am free to do what I want. Why are you here alone though? Where’s your little bloodhound?”
“Diluc?” he scoffs. “Quite the popular one tonight like usual. Surely you didn’t miss him? Red hair sticks out like a dull blade.”
Childe walks the few paces to step into his space, and soft calloused fingers brush against his cheek. “Careful, honey,” the ginger chides. “Your jealousy’s showing. Are you really going to let a few imbeciles ruin your night?”
The corners of his mouth lift uncontrollably and he tilts his head into the gentle hand, eyes darkening.
“It’s more than just a few, Glia.”
“Never stopped you before. What changed? Has being pampered made you soft?”
“Soft? No. Hesitant to make a scene? Maybe.” He burrows his head into the warm chest and Childe immediately slides his arms around him, providing the comfort Kaeya needs.
“You know, hesitation is an assassin’s–”
“Downfall. I know. But this isn’t just about me. It’s Diluc too. And that's why I– ugh nevermind.” He collapses back into the sturdy hold and allows it to anchor him while he thinks.
Childe frowns at the lump in his arms before gently lifting Kaeya’s head to meet his eyes. “It’s okay, Kae. Just do what you need. Li and I will always back you. Right babe?” he glances over at his lover, who nods at them.
“Fret not. I have spoken to them and we have agreed that it is time for new hands to bear our will. You will only save us the trouble of having to rid them ourselves.”
“And don’t forget you have flamehead too,” Childe adds. “He’ll choose you over anything.”
At their words, something akin to relief flickers in Kaeya’s eyes. The tension, that has been unknowingly building up in his body, is soothed by the assurances he’s wanted to hear. After a few moments, he asks, “Would you mind if I made a mess?”
Gentle hands rub small circles on his back and a kiss is pressed into his hair. “Of course not, love. It’ll be cleaned before you know it.”
“...And if I kill them?”
“Honestly, I’d be worried if you didn’t.” Tartaglia laughs and Kaeya can’t help but smile along with him.
“Thank you, both of you... I’ll make sure they know their place. No one touches what’s mine.”
Childe only grins. “I wouldn’t expect any less from you, Kae. Don’t hold back.”
He pauses from where he’s halfway through the door and looks back at them with a wild look in his eyes. “Hold back? That’s insulting, Glia. When have I ever?”
Childe’s grin widens and he’s relieved at the familiar bloodlust in his best friend’s eyes. He never liked to see him upset, rare as it may be.
“That’s my boy.”
When Kaeya disappears back into the hall, the young ginger turns to face his husband, poking lightly at his chest.
“I didn’t know you all decided to eliminate them. Why didn’t you tell me?” he pouts.
“You never asked.”
He huffs. “You’re no fun, old man.”
Zhongli laughs, a deep sound, mirth flickering in his eyes as he replies.
“You love this old man.”
Tartaglia scoffs. “Yes, unfortunately. Now come on, I don’t want to miss the show,” he says tugging on his lover’s arm.
But when he’s dragging them back into the crowd, he can’t help the fond smile that blooms across his face.
Yes he does love this old man. He really does.
~
Back in his “room,” Kaeya downs another glass of champagne and gestures for a servant. A young man hurries over and bows before him.
“Tell me your name, child.”
“I am called Huajun, my liege.”
“Huajun...where will the council meeting be held tonight?” Kaeya asks.
“On the third floor, my liege.”
“Take me there.”
“Of course. Please, follow me.”
He lets the servant guide him up to the assembly chamber on the third floor, his entourage following closely behind. When they arrive, Kaeya constructs himself a throne of ice on one of the central platforms and settles down gracefully. His men position themselves obediently next to him, three on one side, two on the other.
Huajun kneels at his feet. “If I may inquire, what is it that you need from here? How may I be of assistance?”
Kaeya observes him carefully and after a few moments pass, he finally speaks.
“There is a girl out there. Red dress with light brown hair. Bring her to me.”
A look of understanding crosses his face and Huajun bows to leave the room.
“As you wish, my liege.”
-
In less than seven minutes, Huajun returns with Kaeya’s request. Donna trails haughtily behind him, her form an unsightly blemish among the impeccable decor of Childe’s home.
When she finally drags her ass to stand before him, the wretched thing has the audacity to not greet him properly and even demands he tell her why he was “wasting her time.”
Kaeya stares at her, waiting. Waiting for her to realize. Waiting for an apology. But when it was clear that he would not be getting one, he sighs. Mistake two.
“You’re wearing red,” he states pointedly.
“Of course. I am to be wedded to Master Diluc,” she sniffs. “It is only fitting that I do.”
The temperature drops noticeably and he raises a delicate eyebrow, unmoving.
Calm. Control. Breathe.
“Hm? What a coincidence. It seems that I too am to be wedded to Diluc. Isn’t that funny?”
Surprise flashes evidently across her face. “T-that’s impossible. My father is part of the Council. He told me himself that I would be arranged to marry Master Diluc. You’re a liar!” she screeches. “I was promised to him first!”
Mistake three.
“Is that so?” He holds his hand up to admire the glittering diamond nestled on the band around his fourth finger. “A shame that one of us will have to surrender that right. Unfortunately, it won’t be me.”
“Where did you get that?” she demands.
“Isn’t it obvious?” he laughs. “I thought we had already made this clear.”
Donna seethes. “You cannot bear him an heir,” she hisses coldly. “He will choose me. And when he does, you won’t be laughing then.”
Her dress swishes in dramatic effect as she turns to leave the room. But not even halfway to the door, she’s stopped by cryo snakes crawling up her body from the ground, holding her in place. A new trick he learned.
Kaeya watches, amused, as she screams, thrashing in an attempt to free herself.
“You! Release me at once. My father wi–.”
One of his little pets finds its way to her neck, coiling around it and choking her. She claws at it futilely, gasping for breath. Kaeya rises to his feet and walks calmly to where she’s encased within their hold.
“Say Donna , do you know... what I hate the most?”
A strangled gasp of reply.
“...I hate when people touch what’s mine. I hate when they run their dirty little fingers through what doesn’t belong to them. And I hate when they try to take what’s not theirs to take.”
He reaches out to grip at her chin, harshly raising her head to face him.
“Red doesn’t suit you.”
Donna tries again to speak, and this time manages. “It s-suits me far better than it will ever suit you.”
She musters up what she can and spits at his face, grinning smugly when it lands in his eye.
He pauses, grip slackening.
And smiles.
Mistake four.
“Oh? It seems I have misjudged. Perhaps red does suit you after all.”
Before she could process what he meant by those words, a thick spear of ice pierces through her chest and the first blood of the night spills.
The last thing she sees before the darkness engulfs her, is the piercing gaze of a single silver eye.
~
There are a total of three ruling powers across Teyvat. Well, officially two, but in actuality, three.
Each nation has their own respective governing authorities who hold largely regional power— They include Mondstadt’s Ordo, Liyue’s Qixing, and Snezhnaya’s Harbingers. Then there’s the Council of Seven, made up of seven ministers, with one from each nation. They serve mainly to execute the will of the archons and act as the primary form of communication between the seven cities. Finally, and most of all unofficially, there are the Uncrowned Kings. This group consists of individuals who head Teyvat’s oldest families and largest syndicates. Their power stems from the immense wealth and influence they’ve gathered, whether through the use of pretty words or blood, guns, and steel.
The Council of Seven meet intermittently, sometimes on set days but most of the time, simply convening at formal dinner parties and events. This has been true for the many years since they had first been established. It is also true that these assemblies are generally only between the seven. Rarely have the Uncrowned Kings ever made an appearance, much less their chosens. And when they do, they’re hidden behind the barrier of privacy screens and curtains.
Therefore, to see Kaeya standing at the meeting room without one, was near blasphemous. But that is not what shocks them. Far from it.
He turns his head to look at them, eyes terrifyingly blank and unchanged by their revelation.
As if the sight of Donna impaled on the shard of ice, skewered like chicken and mushrooms, was nothing more than a passing decoration.
“W-what? What is this–?”
“Do you think Childe would appreciate this new centerpiece?” he muses. “I could freeze it up for him. It would be a lovely addition to this assembly room...wouldn’t you agree?”
A strangled scream escapes one of the ministers. Heads turn to face the source of the sound. Mondstad’s representative, ...and Donna’s father, rushes up to her body and Kaeya lets it fall into his arms.
“What did you do to her? How could this happen !?”
“Hn...? I’ve given her an entire night of chances, Mr. Kraus. Don’t you think I’ve been kind enough? You should be thanking me.”
“Thank you?! Why would I thank you? You killed my daughter.”
“That’s a bold accusation coming from someone who wasn’t even here to witness her death,” he scorns. “But due to your loss, I will allow you this one slight. Her death is no fault of mine. It was simply a decision she made on her own.”
“Lies! You’re nothing but a murderer. ”
“Murderer?” he muses. “You forget who I am. Murder is nothing new to me.”
“He admits it! The whoring spy. A traitor to both the wretched place he hails from and the nation that had so kindly taken him in.” the man rages. “He seduced Master Diluc into falling for him and now he schemes to end us all!”
Kaeya scoffs. “Seduce? How pitiful. Unlike your daughter, I do not need any underhanded tactics to get what I want. Diluc willingly chose me and I will not betray him. Besides,” he continues. “I just wanted to know.”
“Know?” another minister echoes, confused.
“If she suited red as much as she claimed she did. ”
Something unsettling seeps into the once empty blankness of Kaeya’s mismatched eyes. A spark ignites and cold fury burns with the need to destroy and consume.
He waves a hand and unleashes his men upon them, their cries swallowed up by a glacial storm.
And when it ends, his cryo vision gleams happily as their bodies collapse around them. Crimson blood paints a sea of red against the white canvas of pristine floors when Kaeya’s favorite red appears at the door.
A smile spreads across his face as he steps down gracefully from his regal stage. Ice solidifies under each stride he takes to meet his waiting lover. And when he reaches him at last, bodies tangling in a dazzling clash of red and blue, the bloodlust holding him captive finally, finally fades.
Diluc will always choose him. Always...
because no one suited the red more than his blue.