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The plan had been to drop some papers off and then leave.
That was it.
Kaidos had been completing contracts and collecting anything that could be used as blackmail amongst the Upper City, keeping them all obedient under the rule of Bane and Bhaal’s Chosen. The Bhaalspawn even had the decency of wiping most of the blood off of himself and his weapons before stepping foot into Wyrm’s Rock Fortress. His footsteps were swift and silent as he crossed through the long office to reach Gortash’s desk.
The entire room was empty besides a pair of Steel Watchers which chugged idly from their positions at either side of the chamber. The small stack of papers Kaidos had collected were dropped alongside a separate pile, which was seemingly untouched - it must have been delivered recently. Most of it looked unremarkable; reports from underlings, business proposals (which would be tossed straight into the fireplace), business proposals (which would receive an overzealous and oddly personal response), and invitations to events (which Gortash would never attend willingly).
However, there was also one further envelope which caught Kaidos’ eye and made a frown instantly etch itself across his brow.
The envelope was sealed with blue wax, signalling the contents would be passionate. This alone made the beginnings of jealousy bubble within Kaidos. Gortash had personally taught him all about the subtle messages and etiquettes the nobility used, coded colours of sealing wax included. Kaidos’ nose was so sensitive that he barely had to lift the parchment before the sickly sweet smell assaulted his olfactory system. The paper was heavily perfumed with jasmine and orange blossom. The Bhaalspawn frowned as he attempted to recall where he had picked up such a scent before…it must have been from one of the balls held by the tyrant, but which person was it in specific?
Those events always felt like such a dizzying smorgasbord of scents for the Bhaalspawn. So many clashing perfumes, so many low necklines which revealed unmarred skin that was begging to be sliced open. So many stupid nobles that drank so much they could barely walk themselves home, becoming vulnerable in turn. So many patriars who all dressed and acted the same.
Sometimes it was difficult to pick out just one disgustingly rich face from the crowd.
The Bhaalspawn had at least been careful in opening the envelope. His pointed nails slid under the seal, popping it free from the parchment.
And that was when the heartbreak started.
The pain came twofold; a letter that was heavily doused in perfume and a necklace which dropped back down onto the desk as Kaidos unfolded the paper. It was a gold pendant in the shape of a devil’s head, the entirety of it encrusted with both diamonds and rubies. It was horribly tacky, and Kaidos could only frown as he picked it up and let it lay in the palm of his already twitching hand.
This person clearly knew Gortash well if these were the designs they picked out for him. Had they been to one of his estates before? Seen the interior and got inspired?
The thought of another visiting one of Enver’s private homes made his jaw clench. The Banite knew better than to invite anyone business related near his personal life. This letter was not from somebody he wasn’t not fond of, it couldn’t be. Enver didn’t let his human tools get that close.
Bhaal’s Chosen tilted his hand, letting the necklace fall back down on the desk so he could focus on the parchment instead. The writing was neat and had a slight angle to it - this person was likely left-handed. That would at least make it easier to identify them.
The contents inked onto the paper were disgusting.
Dearest Enver,
Ever since our eyes met mere months ago at the Lady Ophal’s cotillion, I have not been able to get you off of my mind. Those flames of passion we shared had only been stoked higher when I came to visit you in your fine city. I do so wish we will be able to spend more time together at The Hissing Stones.
Alongside all of the words my heart yearns to share, I am also writing to you to inform you that I will be travelling back to Baldurs Gate in the coming weeks. I would so enjoy seeing you again, dearest Enver. I long to hear you call me your sparkling treasure once more.
If you feel the same, which I so desperately hope you still do, I will be staying with family friends by The Lady’s Hall.
With love and anticipation,
Your sparkling treasure.
Pain shifted into disgust which turned to white-hot rage .
Kaidos felt lied to. Betrayed. The thought of his partner’s hands on another in true affection. Someone else seeing his authentic smile. Someone else making him smile. The obvious response to this would be to wait by The Lady’s Hall of Tymora’s temple. To stalk the streets until this wretch would appear and, no doubt, rush into Enver’s arms. And then, before they could even utter a word to their supposed beloved, the Bhaalspawn would plunge a blade straight through to their stomach - rip out their tongue and force them choke it down so they would never be able to speak such foul words to Enver again. Gouge out their eyes and shove them down the oesophagus so they could never look at him again. He would rip out their heart. It would beat for no-one no more. Kaidos would keep it as a trophy; a reminder to what happens to those who think they can get as close to Enver Gortash as he.
The Bhaalspawn had been so lost in his bloody thoughts that he had not heard the office doors of Wyrm’s Rock Fortress groan open.
Gortash hadn’t had the opportunity to enter his own office yet. Swamped with touring various warehouses until the early hours of the morning, he had scarcely been able to get any type of rest in before starting the next day.
The Banite was only running on a couple hours of sleep, but it would have to be enough.
As he was being escorted through the echoing halls of Wyrm’s Rock Fortress - multiple Banite guards in tow - he was lost in thought while producing a mental checklist of what he would need to complete for that day, and which things to expect on his desk. Bane’s Chosen was not expecting to see Bhaal’s Chosen until much later today.
As soon as he entered his office, Gortash could tell something was wrong. Firstly, the fact that Kaidos was present while it was light outside. But in addition to this detail, it was in the way the ever-vigilant assassin hadn’t even reacted to the noise of his arrival; the stiffness in his limbs, the blue wax seal on an opened envelope before him. The Banite silently raised a hand, dismissing the guards who had been at his heel. He waited until he heard the grand doors close completely behind him before walking further into the room and around the meeting table, both hands neatly folded behind his back.
“You are opening my correspondences without permission now?”
Kaidos didn’t respond at first, glaring down at the paper and necklace in front of him. When he did move, it was sudden and fast. He had picked the pendant up and thrown it straight towards the Banite. Gortash flinched out of the way, but he wasn’t quite fast enough.
The precious metal contacted the skin of his stubbled cheek at high velocity, cutting the skin open before clattering to the ground.
“What is going on with you?”
Gortash ignored the pain as he felt small beads of warm liquid run down his cheek. He glared at Kaidos, his eyes only further narrowing as the Bhaalspawn didn’t even give him the grace to walk up to him properly. He had taken one lunging step up onto the meeting table to beeline straight toward his partner - stepping on reports and kicking empty cups out of his way before landing back on the floor directly in front of the tyrant.
“Who are they?”
Kaidos pushed the letter against Gortash’s chest, the force of the motion making him take a single step back. He snatched the paper away from the Bhaalspawn, making sure to give him one last glare before looking down to read over the words of passion and flattery.
“Are you honestly believing that any of this is reciprocated? Is that why you are this irate?” Gortash scoffed, “I thought you would have known me better by now.”
“I do know you, Enver.” Kaidos scowled, “I know that you conveniently leave parts out of the stories you tell me. I know that you have lied to me if shit like this is on your desk.”
“I do not lie to you!”
Gortash snapped back, interrupting the end of Kaidos’ sentence - he sounded personally offended.
“I am nothing but honest with you.”
The Bhaalspawn did not take kindly to being interrupted. And for Gortash to deny such things right to his face? Before he even knew what he was doing himself, he had grabbed the Banite by the throat and slammed him down against the meeting table. Any cup that hadn’t been disturbed before was now knocked over through the force of the motion.
“You lie by omission. You’ve never told me a story in its entirety, have you?” Kaidos’ fingers and thumb squeezed hard, “Was there more to Franc? To Wisteria? To all the others you’re so quick to brush off in conversation?”
Both of Gortash’s hands clamped around Kaidos’ wrist in the hopes of alleviating the crushing pressure, but there was no moving his hand.
“Who are they, Enver?”
Kaidos leaned down, his words barely remaining steady amongst his anger. Their eyes remained locked.
Cold, cruel, bitter and dark.
Hot, brutal, burning and bright.
The grip Kaidos had on the other's throat only tightened…he was starting to lose control.
Gortash couldn’t breathe.
He would only have a matter of minutes at most if he didn’t break Kaidos out of this trance for him. With the heel of his jackboot, Gortash slammed down on Kaidos’ left knee. The Bhaalspawn grunted and loosened his grip on the Banite’s throat but not releasing entirely as he felt his kneecap be wrenched out of place with a sickening crack of cartilage. The Bhaalspawn broke their intense stare to look down and check if his knee was indeed dislocated, with how unstable his stance now felt.
Gortash took advantage of the slight shift in position as he lifted his legs up enough to drive both heels into Kaidos’ hips and push him to the floor. The Bhaalspawn joined both the necklace and letter on the cold stone, his kneecap contorted and pushing at the skin from underneath at an unnatural angle.
“They’re a nobody .”
The Banite coughed, his own hand coming up around his own throat to help soothe the pain. He climbed off of the table, taking several steps away from both it and Kaidos. He needed at least a little bit of space between them to be able to react in time.
“They’re a tool, just like all the others. They’re going to give us further contacts in Athkatla.”
“Give me a name!”
Gortash watched as Kaidos forced his knee back into place with a dull pop of ligament-on-bone, climbing to his feet so quickly that he briefly stumbled. The adrenaline that no doubt rushed through his body with how he was shaking must have mitigated any pain his body may have been screaming about.
“Why? So you can lose control and squander our chances of infiltrating the city? You need to think more practically about this, Kaidos.”
Gortash made it back over to his desk. One hand was resting on the ornate handle of the top drawer. There was a dagger within, and he was ready to grab it if needed.
Kaidos only grunted in response. His body moved itself back toward the desk, his hand resting on top of Gortash’s to slam the desk drawer shut just as the Banite was starting to pull it open.
“You’re doing more than just gaining a new toy. We read the same words on that letter. You’re enjoying it – them. ”
Gortash’s free hand came up to gently rest on Kaidos’ chest as if he were attempting to soothe a wild beast.
“I promise you; I am not. I am just getting this contact to trust me. To trust us , my dear. They will be on our side, and we will have all the necessary people vouching for us on the Council of Five in no time.”
“So they’re someone on the Council.”
That would take the list of candidates down to five.
“No, no. We cannot swing so big so soon.”
An odd smile appeared on Gortash’s face. It was the one used on patriars when he was spinning a web to get them on his side. It was one which came automatically to him whenever the signs of conflict may occur, just to soften whoever his target was at the time.
“They simply have friends in all the right places, and that is something we can use to our benefit.”
Kaidos hated that smile. Gortash was trying to placate him.
What an insult it was that Bane’s Chosen would think such a played-out trick would work on Bhaal’s Chosen – the Dread Lord’s scion. He had seen such a smile used on so many others before. Did Enver really think Murder Incarnate would be placated so easily?
The Bhaalspawn wrapped his fingers around the Banite’s gauntlet, forcing him to open the desk drawer for him. He snatched up the blade and held it to Gortash’s throat before the human was able to react.
Kaidos wanted answers, and he would get them.
The assassin watched as the tyrant simply tilted his head up to meet his gaze. They both knew Gortash would not back down from his equal. He was not scared of him.
“When were you going to tell me about them?”
The tiefling sounded as if he was demanding an answer out of Gortash rather than asking for one.
“Once I was certain using them would prove successful.”
Despite the threat of cold metal against sensitive skin, his tone remained level and composed.
“And if they aren’t useful?”
Kaidos’ grip on the handle tightened in anticipation. Any tighter and he would likely snap the blade from the hilt entirely.
“Then they will silently disappear, just like all of the others.”
“Have you decided which one they are yet?”
“I am leaning toward useful. If I meet up with them once more, I will have my answer for certain.”
A gauntleted hand slowly raised up and curled around Kaidos’ wrist. Once it was certain no sudden movements were about to be made, it slowly pushed the knife down and away from his throat.
The blade felt light in Kaidos’ hand. It was honestly more of a letter opener than a dagger. The hilt was gaudily decorated; pure gold with filigree and rubies set in clusters along the handle. The blade was dainty; long and thin, running in perfectly straight lines until coming to a sudden and incredibly sharp point.
Kaidos only had to pull slightly to break his wrist free out of Gortash’s grasp. And as soon as he did, the knife was raised up once more. He dragged the blade lightly down Gortash’s chest. Just enough pressure to cut through the uneven lacing of his shirt and leave a thin red line on his skin. His whole body ached to go further now that he started.
Kaidos yearned to tear his chest cavity open and climb inside. But he would control himself.
Kaidos was careful with this one. This one was to be protected until all others were gone, and then he would allow himself to give in. To finally make them one under Father’s gaze. Even if he was going to betray his trust like this with whoever this wretched ‘contact’ was.
The Bhaalspawn’s gaze intensified. He watched small droplets of blood form and run down the Banite’s chest. His free hand came up, his finger swiping the liquid off so he could slowly suck on the digit to truly savour the taste. Enver’s blood was sweet and iron-rich. A low guttural groan escaped him. His burning eyes flicked back up to his Enver’s dear face. The cut on his cheek had now stopped bleeding, but fresh blood still sat on the surface of the wound.
The dagger clattered down against the stone floor.
Strong hands roughly grabbed Gortash’s skull, tilting his head back slightly to keep him steady as Kaidos’ tongue left a thick strip of saliva up the side of his face as he licked up the dried blood first. The tip of his tongue then pushed into the wound, swiping across and taking in the sickly-rich liquid which had pooled there.
Kaidos would make sure this one would scar. Another mark on Enver’s handsome face to prove he was his. One day he would indulge further than simple cuts and small trickles of blood…but not right now. He would never forgive himself if he did not show restraint with this most special union of cunning and blaspheming flesh.
Kaidos rested his forehead against his partner’s.
“Promise me that I can have them once their usefulness has run out.”
Usually when such a request would be made, an excited smile would have already creeped onto the Bhaalspawn’s face. However, his expression had remained serious and his voice a whisper. He was still controlling something; pushing an Urge down.
“You have my word, my dear.”
Gortash sounded breathless, his mouth was hanging open slightly as he gazed up at the monster which held him so tightly.
“Promise me that you will watch as I slice their flesh sack of a body open and devour their innards.”
“Of course,” He nodded as much as he could amongst the hands which wrapped around his skull. “Always.”
The tips of Kaidos’ fingers curled inward slightly, pulling Gortash’s face even closer to roughly kiss him. Even if he had wanted to, the Banite wouldn’t have been able to move away. He had only just been able to reciprocate the kiss with how much pressure Kaidos was applying alone.
Mine. Only mine.
Gortash’s hands slowly lifted to cradle the backs of Kaidos’ arms, golden claws digging into the heavily inked skin.
Kaidos took his time in pulling away. But even when he did, they were still so close that the tips of their noses grazed against one another.
“I don’t ever want to find out about a contact like this again, Enver.”
Kaidos also wanted the little tyrant to look at nobody but him for the rest of their days, but even he knew not all demands were going to be accepted.
“Only if you agree nothing will happen to them until I say otherwise – useful or not.”
Gortash’s dark eyes reflected the flames which still burned hot within Kaidos’. They were still angry, but the source was different now. He was no longer burning white-hot with heartbreak and a sense of betrayal but instead with simple possessiveness. If something like this were to happen again, there was no guarantee Kaidos would be able to limit himself to shouting and inflicting minor injuries again. An element of that excited Gortash. To know the one he so dearly cherished; the one that was always on his mind, it was all reciprocated to a degree so extreme that this was the type of response Kaidos had at just the concept it could end due to another.
In all honesty, Gortash didn’t want any other to touch or smile at him, at least not for the reasons of genuine emotions and intimacy. If no other noble was to ever lay a hand on his arm to subtly squeeze his bicep ever again he certainly would not lose sleep over it. No other made Gortash smile or stand up just that little bit straighter in the way Kaidos did. No other was as nearly as genuine. No other was worth his time.
“Don’t fuck them and I won’t ever have reason to.”
Kaidos released Gortash’s head from his tight grasp.
“Or flirt with them. You’re the leader of Baldur’s Gate; you don’t need to chase after others anymore.”
“One of the leaders-” Gortash was quick to correct the Bhaalspawn, “-and I do not chase after others. They come to me now.”
He was starting to sound a little too cocky again. Even if he didn’t want them touching him, the attention from such a range of people was still a big ego boost.
“Promise you will not do this again.” Kaidos’ expression remained serious.
“I swear it, my dear-” Gortash gently squeezed his partner’s arms as if to further reassure him, “-no other will ever be pursued to the degree you were.”
Kaidos narrowed his eyes at the Banite. That wasn’t what he said. The bastard was trying to twist the situation to his own benefit, even now. But now that he had received reassurance from Gortash that nothing with anybody else was ever genuine, his anger had subsided enough to allow for practical thought. The honey trap which the tyrant laid had aided them in multiple plans. Even before the two had met, Gortash was successfully social climbing through the same methods. He had found what worked and stuck to it. If no emotions were involved, who was Kaidos to complain?
He would one day have to bend to his Father’s demands for siring further Bhaalspawn. Would Gortash object then, despite knowing Kaidos would hold no emotions for whoever he would choose?
“Fine. Good enough. I will uphold my pledge to not harm nobility unless requested otherwise.”
Kaidos stepped away from the desk, stalking around the meeting table this time to pick up both the discarded letter and necklace. He wouldn’t be able to stomach reading such sick words again, so folded the parchment closed.
“Are you going to keep these?”
“No. I have all the information I need from the letter, and the jewellery can be deconstructed. Calishite rubies and diamonds alike will go for a good amount.”
The Bhaalspawn dropped both the letter and necklace on the table. Someone less disgusted by the items could deal with them.
A pause hung between them for a few moments. Bhaal’s Chosen was still calming down and deciding what to do next, and Bane’s Chosen was waiting to act accordingly. Gortash knew when to lead and when to follow.
“ My sparkling treasure .”
Kaidos broke the silence with a scoff as he shook his head a little, “I would slice you clean open if you ever tried that on me.”
A fond smile appeared on Gortash’s face despite how irritated his partner still looked.
“I have no need to play such tricks on you, my dear. The words that have come naturally and honestly to me have always seemed to be enough.”
The Bhaalspawn turned his head away slightly to avoid looking at Gortash’s face. He would not let the man make him smile. He was still angry at him.
“I can always tell when you are acting anyway. You blink a lot when you are lying.”
“Then it is a blessing that only you have noticed that.”
The Banite could tell he was close to already breaking this wall Kaidos had barely tried to put between them.
“Is there anything you wish for me to do to rectify this…hiccup? A dinner of your choice? There should still be a bottle of Suzailian Sweet in the estate by the Citadel Gate.”
Kaidos was quick to break his own childish rules as he glanced over at his partner at the mention of his favourite wine, “You remember that?”
“Of course. I ensured it was there for you.”
Gortash was openly grinning now that it was guaranteed that the Bhaalspawn wasn’t going to reject his advances. Kaidos was just as susceptible to the tyrant’s charms as every other person currently in Baldur’s Gate, and now seemingly beyond with this new reach into Amn.
To further gloat this undeniable fact, the Banite reached out to his dear Bhaalian, a gauntleted hand smoothing across his back before wrapping around and squeezing his waist.
“Stop it.”
Kaidos was quick to step out of Gortash’s teasing hold.
Of course he did enjoy receiving such attention from the one who was so clearly his favourite human, but his pride would not allow him to openly forgive misdemeanours so quickly. To succumb to his manipulation and charms so readily would be embarrassing.
“Dinner and wine will be decent enough. For now.”
“Wonderful.” Gortash clapped his hands together, “I can call ahead and make all the necessary arrangements for this evening.”
He picked the letter up and easily tore the parchment in two. Both halves were idly tossed toward the fireplace on his walk back to his desk.
“Usual time, I presume? And please do use the front door this time. I need to know when to dismiss all the servants.”
For the first time since entering his own office Gortash could pay attention to the rest of the papers stacked up on the solid surface. Kaidos’ bloodstained reports were the first ones to be picked up. As always, he had been efficient and precise with the required information. Perhaps Gortash would be able to find more than just the one bottle of Suzailian Sweet for tonight.
Kaidos only grunted in response. He could tell with the small, concentrated frown that was already forming on Gortash’s face that he would not receive much more attention. The tiefling would follow all requests given to him, and both Chosen knew that. He did not need to give proper verbal confirmation, even if it was the polite thing to do.
“See you this evening, my dear.”
Gortash did glance up from his reading just as Kaidos started to pull the large doors to the office open.
“See you this evening… my sparkling treasure .”
The Bhaalspawn could barely keep the grin from his face. He had been so close to remaining serious for the entirety of their confrontation.
The Banite could not help but smile himself. He gave a small shake of his head as he watched the tiefling silently step out of the room and pull the door closed behind him.
Kaidos was certainly more deserving of grander names.
His dearest treasure.
His beloved.