Chapter 689: Everyone needs to know the basics

They’d managed to calm down after the doctor’s visit, even if it had felt like things were going to take a turn where they would all be whisked off to the bedroom and the things that Cass needed to get done were pushed to the side. Gideon went back to take over the duties that he and Sir Forsythe shared while he helped Lucian finish up the bathroom, and Edgar and Cass went back to their work.

Edgar had transitioned into writing letters, polite and by hand, to the nobles that Cass and Edgar agreed might be able to help him change the laws without bribes. Get those ones done first, and then move onto the ones that he would need to bribe.

He was a great assistant.

Lucian had gone back to work on the bathroom and he wouldn’t let anyone see the second that he’d covered from the functional part of the bathroom and wouldn’t give them a clear timeline as well. All Cass knew was that it was taking longer than he’d expected, which Cass assumed that was because he didn’t have the ever competent Sam helping him.

That wasn’t a comment on Sir Forsythe, but how overqualified Sam was to be in the position he was as Cass’ aide.

All this was to say that Cass and Edgar were in his office, Edgar’s office only a few days away from being furnished, when Lucian burst in.

"Good news, everyone, the bathroom is finished." Lucian pushed the doors open to the office, not knocking, with a giant smile on his face and paint and dust on his cheeks. Cass looked up from where he was working at his desk, while Edgar looked up from where he was writing on the coffee table.

Lucian’s hair billowed out from behind him, his shirt askew, and Cass felt his eyes narrow as he stared at the handsome, excited dragon.

That had taken longer than Lucian said it would.

"Really?" Cass asked and Lucian nodded.

"Finished the painting and used magic to dry it. It’s done. We had a small issue with some of the installation and that was taking us some extra time. It was Sir Forsythe who helped with the placement. I can’t take all of the credit sadly, but it’s finally done." Lucian was glowing. Edgar sat up, sitting back against the couch and Cass could see the smile on his face from where he was sitting.

"That’s great, Lucy." Edgar said sweetly as Cass put down his pen. He smiled at Lucian, watching as the other man’s orange gaze slid from Edgar to Cass, searching for praise. It was pretty cute.

"It is. Should we test it out tonight?" Cass asked and watched as Lucian’s eyes sparkled. The smile that crossed his face made Cass want to grab at his chest to keep his heart still. What a cute man.

"Can we?" He asked. "I was going to ask if you wanted to see it, but if you want to wait, that’s fine. That way Giddy can also see it at the same time." Lucian said and Cass smiled in response.

"I think that’s a great idea. Do you have anything you can do while you wait?" Cass asked and Lucian finally stopped holding the doors open to the office and ran his hands through his hair and over his clothes, smoothing himself, cleaning himself up.

"I was gonna go take a walk to calm myself down." Lucian admitted. Cass nodded. That sounded like a great idea, honestly.

"I think that’s a wonderful thing to do. Do we have enough meat for the next few days?" Cass asked and watched as Lucian’s eyes lit up.

"Oh! I can do that." He sounded thrilled at the idea and Edgar slid Cass a knowing look.

"Take your time, Lucy. We’re happy to wait and we won’t peek." Edgar told him, folding his hands into his lap. Lucian narrowed his gaze.

"I wasn’t worried before that you were going to take a peek early. Why would you say that, Eddie?" Lucian asked and Edgar raised his hands, chuckling.

"I was just trying to soothe you. It appears that wasn’t what I did. My apologies." Lucian softened.

"No, I’m just on edge because this is so exciting. I’m worried that you won’t like it. I know that I got it cleared by both you and Sam, Cass, but I am worried that none of you will like it still." Lucian admitted and Cass smiled at him. He raised his arm, resting his elbow on the desk before resting his head against it.

"Lucy, you silly man, I put up with the modifications that you made to my house in the capital. I never really complained about the dragon head faucets that you added, did I?" Cass asked and watched as both Edgar and Lucian blushed. The schemers.

Cass chuckled.

"I, uh, right." Lucian muttered. At least he looked sheepish now. That was all that Cass asked of them at this point. Edgar even appeared a little apologetic, and Cass just sighed. He found this too amusing to be upset.

"Is it because this is my permanent den?" Cass asked and Lucian nodded.

"This one always felt like yours. The other...that felt distant. Not the same. That one feels like it belongs to the fairies, and I think it’s intentional." Cass grinned, happy that he was able to sense that.

"Did you pick up on that when you went to visit my Aunt?" He asked and Lucian hesitated.

"Before then as well, but it was more apparent when I went to visit last. Taniora felt the same, as well, and she was grateful for your behaviour and treatment of the fairies." Cass waved it off with his hand, smiling.

"Cassian has more money than sense at this point. A house that was only given to him through stipulations to fuck over Duke Blackburn isn’t mine. Especially since I’ll become Duke Blackburn by the time this is all over." Cass said. "Now, you should be on your way before the day is over. Wouldn’t want to hunt too late." Cass teased.

Lucian stared at him, opening his mouth to say something but stopped himself. He sighed, shaking his head before he placed his hands on his hips. He smiled at Cass.

"Kiss for good luck?" He asked and Cass grinned.

"You have to come and get it." He told him and Lucian scoffed.

"Of course. As I should." He agreed, getting a brighter smile from Cass. He marched across the office, reaching for the back of Cass’ head to tug it back and kiss him deeply. Cass smiled into the kiss, letting Lucian do what he wanted and when he pulled back, Lucian licked his lips.

He turned to Edgar and huffed.

"You’re next. I’ll get Giddy on the way out." He promised and Cass felt him release his hold on his head and move towards Edgar. He kissed them the same way, Edgar’s face warm, his lips red when Lucian pulled back.

Then he was gone. As quick as he came in.

Cass and Edgar shared a look before they burst into laughter. It was nice to have the dragon back.

About 15 minutes later Gideon knocked on the door before he pushed open the doors to the office, his face flushed, confusion on his face.

"Did Lucian kiss you as well?" He asked and both Edgar and Cass chuckled.

"He said he was going to get you. Did he?" Cass asked and Gideon swallowed thickly.

"Yes. In front of the guards. I had quite a hard time answering questions after." Gideon admitted. "I had no idea what to say to explain our situation." Gideon said and Cass gave him a curious look.

He was a bit surprised that someone as smart as Gideon hadn’t realised the truth of the situation.

"We’re all husbands." Cass said with a shrug. "What more is there to explain? Fiona’s gone, so that’s that. We’re close together, we sleep together, we bathe together. If they have a problem with that, let me know. I’ll have a chat with them and explain everything to them in detail so excruciating they’ll either never ask again or learn some things about themselves." Cass said. He wasn’t joking.

Sometimes those that were the most bigoted were hiding their truth from themselves.

Cough cough, his grandfather, cough.

Gideon stood, shocked, while Edgar burst out into tinkling, sweet laughter.

"I might want to sit in on that lesson, Cass, and maybe the knights and guards should hear it. I mean, they get to stand around and look at naked men to their hearts content, and you can certainly tell which maids and butlers like to watch them too." Edgar’s eyes were bright as he looked over at Cass, who was growing thoughtful.

"Well, you are right that this world’s level of sexual education is varied, and not in a good way." Cass agreed. "Maybe I should add that to the list of things that needs to get done." Cass agreed. Gideon closed his eyes, sighing slowly.

"They are going to be so upset when they find out I’m the reason they got this sudden education session." Gideon muttered and Cass blinked.

"Who said it was just going to be them? I think there is a lot I can teach, and not just about men. I know a lot about women too. Much was learned against my will, but I think that’s only because I was never interested in them. Romance novels from my word were also informative when it came to women and their plights, where it’s not as obvious here." Cass said. "I should hold several education sessions, for both men and women. Lay the groundwork for the fact that we don’t care who you sleep with as long as you’re safe." Cass said.

Edgar let out a small gasp of delight.

"Oh, that’s a perfect way to start the motions of our plans. It shouldn’t reach too many people if it’s done here and the townsfolk already like you. I feel the fairies won’t care." Edgar said, sliding his gaze to Ember who had been in the room the whole time. When she realised they were looking at her for confirmation she gave a quick nod.

"I think it’s a wonderful idea, my lords. I have noticed the fully human members of staff have been lacking in sexual education." Ember said and Cass did not want to know more. He just nodded, took her words, and added it to his list.

It felt like one item was taken off and three more were added in its place.