The Crimson Feather (1/12)

[london9calling]

Rating: NC-17
Length: 18k+ (ongoing)
Pairing(s): Xiumin / Luhan
Summary: Cho Kyuhyun disappears, carrying a document that may signal an end to the Prince Regent. Luhan and Minseok are hot on his trail - until their lives are turned upside down by an unexpected addition to their household. A regency inspired story. The sequel to The Masquerade.

A single crimson feather.

She didn’t even remember why she had it, who gave it to her, or what it meant. If she had even known what it meant to begin with. She clasped it tightly in her hand. She felt it over and over, caressing it nervously, holding onto the small token she imbued meaning into it. A token of comfort, or simply something to hold onto when her world was suddenly turned upside down.

A single crimson feather was the only item they found on her body, when it was pulled from the river.

***

“No, no, no.” Kyungsoo tried to wave the man towards the other end of the bedroom “The trunk should be placed there. No, not there. THERE.” Kyungsoo pointed his finger, moving his arm to emphasis the exact space he was referring to.

The strong, young footman grumbled under his breath as he moved the trunk to the exact place the valet had instructed him, only to receive further scolding. If he wasn’t a man of principle, loyal to the Hayden family, he would likely have quit right then and there.

“Kyungsoo, how are things progressing?” Minseok stood in the doorway, his hands on his hips, a smile playing on his face as he took in the sight of his frazzled valet ordering the footman about. The footman turned to bow at the sight of Minseok, nearly dropping the trunk as he did so.

“Be careful.” Kyungsoo scolded the footman before turning towards his employer, “Sir, it is going well. Though I dare say ensuring everything is orderly is quite the task.”

“Thank you Kyungsoo, for being so diligent. I appreciate it.” Minseok left the room after thanking his valet, smiling as he heard Kyungsoo return to barking orders at the hapless man. The house was swarming with liveried servants, busy moving the various trunks, furniture, and other items that would be added to the townhouse.

Luhan and Minseok, at the insistence of Luhan’s parents the Duke and Duchess of Hayden, had made their move back to the city complete with a new residence. Luhan bid his bachelors apartment farewell while Minseok had made the decision to let out the D’Adderleigh townhouse. Their new home, larger than either man’s former residence, was in a newer and more fashionable part of the city.

Situated on a terrace, a crescent moon shaped row of similar townhouses, the home was on the larger side for city residences. Four rooms per floor, with four floors total, including the kitchen which took up the basement and opened up towards the back of the home.

The Duke and Duchess insisted that the newlyweds needed all of the extra space, considering they would surely be entertaining more now that they were married. Minseok had wanted to explain that he abhorred entertaining at home almost as much as he abhorred attending social events, but he thought better of pointing this out. Especially since his new in-laws had footed the bill for the new residence. Minseok had considered that their more than generous gift was in an effort to make up for their past behavior; namely their once unfavorable opinion of their new son in-law.

Minseok had to admit that his new home was nice, very nice indeed. Large windows offered plenty of sunlight, the home was situated on a street with the newfangled gas lighting that was overtaking the city one neighborhood at a time, and the neighbors seemed to be of a very agreeable sort. Honestly, Minseok thought, all of the aforementioned were perks. The real reason he found favor with his new home was the fact it wasn’t his home alone – it would be the first home that Luhan and him could call their own.

“There you are.” Luhan smiled as Minseok walked down the hall towards him. Minseok took in the sight of his husband, Luhan’s face red and hair mussed up, his arms full of books. “Why do you have so many books on farming equipment?”

Minseok laughed. It wasn’t as though he hadn’t attempted to explain to Luhan the more intricate and fascinating sides of agricultural technology, he had made an effort more than once when they rambled about the D’Adderleigh estate during the honeymoon. Luhan, however, likely was ignoring him at the time. Their focus of their honeymoon wasn’t exactly long discussions on their bizarre hobbies.

“Why don’t you ask my estate manager?” Minseok nodded towards the staircase, Luhan turning to see who Minseok was gesturing at and almost falling over from the weight of the books.

“Yixing. How was the journey?” Minseok asked the man who was currently ascending the staircase.

“Very good, sir. Where shall I put my things?” Yixing asked, bowing slightly before he spoke. A handsome man with a dark mop of hair, kind eyes, and a shy composure, Yixing had been the estate manager at the D’Adderleigh estate for years. He had grown up on the estate, his parents were tenant farmers. Yixing’s impeccable knowledge of farming in conjunction with his innate business savvy had made him a perfect fit for an estate manager.

Yixing had traveled to the city for the express purpose of attending the latest scientific exhibition, the Wayside Exhibition, to be held throughout the week, an opportunity to showcase the latest in farming techniques and equipment that he had perfected back on the estate. His stay in the city was expected to be short in duration, he would take his leave after the exhibition.

“There should be a room on the fourth floor. Please choose whichever room isn’t already occupied.” Minseok answered. The fourth floor was reserved for the servants – which true to his past would consist of only his valet. Well, only his valet - Kyungsoo - and Luhan’s valet, Jongin. Luhan’s parents had fought Minseok on the lack of a formal staff for the home, though Minseok stood firm, Luhan supporting him. Minseok hated living in a place brimming with staff, he preferred a simply run household.

“Very good. Thank you sir.” Yixing passed by Luhan, smiling slightly at the sight of his employer’s husband standing in the hall, his posture and expression so frazzled. As Yixing smiled a single dimple appeared, an endearing trait that had made him quite popular among people his own age back on the estate.

“Here, let me take some of those.” Minseok reached forward to relieve Luhan of his burden, however his actions had unintended consequences. Luhan struggled to hand some of the books over and Minseok struggled to receive them, ending in the pile of books falling onto the floor with a crash.

“Sorry.” Luhan scurried to pick up the fallen books, Minseok doing the same, resulting in the men hitting their heads together as they leaned down in tandem.

“We are quite a pair, aren’t we?” Luhan rubbed his forehead, smiling broadly.

Minseok nodded, breaking into crooked smile. He began picking up the books, stacking them into a neat pile, when Jongin interrupted.

“Sirs, you have a visitor.” Luhan’s personal valet, now their valet – well, as much as Kyungsoo was now their valet as well – called up from the floor below.

“Oh, good. It should be Jongdae” Minseok pulled Luhan to his feet, both quickly forgetting the small library of agricultural marvels in favor of greeting their friend.

***

A half an hour later the three men were seated in the large sitting room on the first floor, sipping tea. Kyungsoo had practically ran down two flights of stairs to brew tea for them, an action which was not at the request of his employer but based on his own innate sense of how those of a certain social position should entertain their guests, even if said guests were old friends.

Jongdae had been given a very brief tour of the home before the three of them made themselves comfortable, remarking on the spacious rooms and efficient layout of the home during the tour.

“How have you been, since we last met?” Jongdae asked both men, knowing very well that his question was as much a show of polite decorum as were his remarks as he was shown about the townhouse. He had visited for a reason, a reason that Luhan and Minseok were very well aware of.

Kim Jongdae was now a man with an important position, an official working for the Home Office. He had been promoted a couple of months prior, taking his own Uncles position after the man resigned due to improper actions during an investigation. An investigation that had Minseok being accused of a crime, facilitating some time as a fugitive. In the end Minseok’s name was cleared, thanks to the work of Jongdae and the help of others- like Luhan. Now that the tumultuous case had been closed, ending with the perpetrators receiving lengthy prison sentences, Jongdae had approached the newlyweds for help on another case – the reason for his visit.

“We have been well.” Luhan answered for the both of them “Though we all know you did not pay us a visit to exchange pleasantries.”

“You have me there, old boy.” Jongdae was quick to pull a packet of papers form his suit coat, ruffling through them he began speaking “I must admit that I was relieved that you moved up your return date to the city, because the case has taken a rather interesting turn.”

“Interesting?” Minseok quirked an eyebrow, “How so?”

“As I mentioned, Cho Kyuhyun has gone missing.” Jongdae explained, pulling out a piece of paper form the packet “Ah, yes, here it is.” He handed the paper to Minseok, Luhan leaning over his shoulder to read the document.

“Cho Kyuhyun, I believe you are both acquainted with to some degree. Luhan, you were his schoolmate. Minseok, you knew him when you had your sojourn in Normandy.”

Minseok nodded. He had known Kyuhyun for a short period of time four years ago, back when he had moved to France after his Father’s death.

“As you are both aware Kyuhyun is the son of a very wealthy mercantile family, only recently elevated to the nobility. He went missing three weeks ago, apparently carrying a document that could have serious implications for the Prince Regent if it were to fall into the wrong hands.”

“And this is the document? Or at least a copy of it?” Luhan guessed, scanning the paper. It mentioned, rather brazenly, very blatant descriptions of a plan to depose certain members of the House of Lords, replete with vulgar language and vile nicknames.

“More or less. Though never fear, the Prince has no real ability to put any such plan in action, dare I say it but he was being his rumored foolish self, writing such a thing in a drunken fit. Though if this were to be made public it would be enough for the public to demand his abdication in favor of his younger brother.” Jongdae sighed “And I do believe, no matter how much or how little you follow the political situation of this country, you are aware of what is whispered of the Prince’s younger brother.”

Minseok knew very well some of the things that had been said about the Prince’s brother, including the fact that he was extremely susceptible to falling in with more radical factions of government.

“The fact that the Prince could be forced to abdicate if this letter is found is distressing, indeed. However there appears to be another, more alarming matter at hand.” Jongdae leaned forward, tenting his hands. A gesture that Minseok recognized meant his old friend was tense, nervous, worried. “Kyuhyun did not disappear alone, though we only recently discovered this fact. There is another missing person, a very important person with potential international implications.”

“International implications?” Luhan was confused.

“Have either of you made the acquaintance of the Comte Labeaux?” Jongdae noticed the blank expressions from his audience, “He was a particular favorite of the French court. His daughter, Victoria, appears to have gone missing alongside Kyuhyun.”

“Vic..toria?” Minseok felt a wave of recognition. Victoria? He was certain he had met her. She had been with Kyuhyun in Normandy when he had made the man’s acquaintance “I believe I have met her, in Normandy.”

“They say she is quite beautiful, or at least Heechul assures me that is the case.” Jongdae smirked at the thought of his boyfriend, the notoriously flamboyant and fabulously wealthy Kim Heechul, gushing over Victoria’s style and poise. Quickly shaking off his momentary appreciation for Heechul’s tendency to dramatize certain individuals, Jongdae continued “Victoria’s disappearance may have serious consequences. If the French nobility were to gain the letter Kyuhyun was carrying, or should I say, the French nobility in exile that are currently attempting to desperately work their way back into power in France, were to find that letter, they could very well sell it to those in power in France as a means to further madness.”

“A war?” Luhan said aloud what Minseok was thinking. It was no secret that their country and France were not on the best of terms, consistently scuffling over the tiniest of matters, effectively at each other’s throats – certain individuals in both countries looking for any excuse to start a war and decimate the other.

“Yes, a war. It does not help that the Prince Regent mentioned more than one member of the French government in the letter, as well.” After receiving the case of Kyuhyun’s disappearance Jongdae had desperately wanted to sit with the Prince Regent and scold him like a Mother would scold a small child – imbue the stupidity of having written such a letter in the first place. Jongdae was thankful, for his own safety, that he had no ability to do so. He was not of a station in life where he ran in the same circles as the prince.

“A war or a revolution may well be the end game if this letter is not located.” Minseok stared at the document. “Is there any indication Kyuhyun would sell this information? How was he privy to the letter to begin with?”

“Cho Kyuhyun, I must admit, had a rather amazing ability of gaining the confidence of certain people. He received the letter from the Prince himself.” Jongdae thought back to how the incident was described to him. After a rather lavish party, attended by Kyuhyun and the Prince, the two men apparently went on a rather long drinking binge, Kyuhyun carrying off a letter he had urged the Prince to write. The matter may never have been reported or taken note of if the Prince Regent’s very faithful friend had not been present as well – thankfully completely sober.

“I dare say this investigation is urgent.” Minseok thought of what may happen if the letter were to slip into the wrong hands. The destruction that could occur, the death of innocent civilians. “Please, fill us in on all of the details of the disappearance.”

“Gladly. However I must insist you burn the document first.” Jongdae motioned towards the paper he had handed Minseok “I was quite on edge even carrying a poor copy of the original.”

Minseok stood up, walking over to the fireplace he threw the paper into the flames, watching it burn. Hoping that the original letter, wherever it may be, would soon cease to exist as well.

***

Junmyeon was almost asleep. He really shouldn’t have been drifting off, considering he was sitting in a very well-known club, waiting for his Father’s arrival. If his Father, the Earl of Collingwood, discovered his only child snoring in an exclusive social club, Junmyeon would never hear the end of it. Rather fortuitously Junmyeon’s drowsy state was rectified by a hard pat to the shoulder.

“Junmyeon! You boring sod you.”

“Hm?” Junmyeon opened his eyes, blinking rapidly he strained his eyes, trying to regain his focus. “Changmin?”

“The one and only.” Changmin answered, taking a seat across from Junmyeon in the sparsely populated library. Changmin was a tall man, with a dark complexion, a wide mouth, and dark eyes. He was often described as exotically handsome by the old matrons who plied their trade gossiping about each and every single and marriageable member of society.

Changmin, was, by all of high society’s expectations, a rather good match for a young man or woman bearing a title and little else. Or a young woman or man possessing a modest fortune, a good lineage, but the need of funds to fill their family’s coffers. Changmin was wealthy beyond belief, his Father operating a far reaching exporting and importing operation that traversed much of the globe. The one thing their family lacked was a title, a barrier to the highest rungs of society. Changmin had money aplenty, what he was lacking was the lineage to go with it.

“Are you well? I haven’t seen you in ages?” Junmyeon rubbed his eyes, trying to wake up.

“Not at present, no, I am not well.” Changmin answered “Have you been privy to the news?”

“News?” Junmyeon thought. What news? There was the usual gossip, wedding announcements, scandalous outpourings on the society pages. None of which he recalled being particularly noticeable as of late.

“Cho Kyuhyun is missing, as is the Comte Labeaux’s daughter.” Changmin stared at Junmyeon, making the younger man curious given his friend’s serious expression.

“I did not hear of this, no. Is this upsetting to you?” Junmyeon hadn’t seen Changmin in over a year, he couldn’t recall ever seeing him in the company of either person Changmin mentioned.

“Yes, I find it rather upsetting when my intended goes missing alongside my best friend.” Changmin continued staring, his dark eyes seeming a bit sad.

“Intended?” Junmyeon hadn’t heard that Changmin was planning an engagement, though that was not completely surprising considering the length of time it had been since he had seen the man. “I am sorry, old boy, to hear of this.”

“I am too. Very sorry indeed.” Changmin sighed, a loud exhale that had his shoulders shaking from the effort “I hadn’t properly proposed to her.”

“Perhaps there is some sort of misunderstanding?” Junmyeon offered, trying to look on the bright side.

“I hope so, old boy, I certainly hope so.” Changmin reached forward, patting Junmyeon’s knee “Now please keep this between the both of us, as friends. I wouldn’t want her reputation ruined if she were to return.”

“Certainly! I am not one to gossip.” Junmyeon tried to sound confident. He wasn’t about to go spreading rumors, though he was a bit taken aback Changmin was so ready to confide in him. They had been friends for years, though Junmyeon didn’t consider Changmin to be one of his closest friends.

“And what are you two young, foolish men conversing about so secretly?”

Junmyeon stiffened, recognizing his Father’s voice. Turning, he watched as his Father strode up. “Nothing, sir.”

“Nothing? Very good then, because I suggest we go converse somewhere less formal. The Wayside Exhibition is underway at present and I would suggest we take a trip to see the exhibits.”

Junmyeon should have known his Father would find such an activity amusing. It was no secret his Father was attracted to the latest in technological advances.

“I would like that very much, sir.” Changmin brightened at the suggestion, forcing Junmyeon to agree to go along with the idea. A trip to the exhibition it was.

***

Minseok mulled over the information, trying to categorize and dissect what he had just been told. It helped that Luhan and Jongdae were busy discussing Luhan’s past acquaintance with Kyuhyun, Jongdae finding the tale interesting.

Kyuhyun was last seen two days after the letter came into his possession, his disappearance noticed by his staff and facilitated by the fact the Prince sent someone to his home to collect the scandalous correspondence – with no success. He was last seen by his servants, earlier that day. He hadn’t taken anything substantial from his home indicating he expected to go on a journey. Victoria’s disappearance, it seemed, was even more puzzling. Her servants were mum on the matter and her last known whereabouts were up for debate.

Minseok considered where they should start investigating, the lack of solid and verifiable information frustrating. He replayed in his mind time and time again the details surrounding the case. There must be something to focus on, somewhere to start. And then his attention was turned elsewhere.

A knock sounded on the sitting room door.

“Sir, Lord Sehun is here.” Kyungsoo’s voice sounded from the other side of the door, a note of sarcasm evident. Kyungsoo had disliked Sehun for years, ever since his broken engagement with Minseok.

Sehun was a consummate brat, never quite finding time to care for others. Yet he was trying to make amends.  At present Sehun was making every attempt to help Jongdae at the Home Office, apparently attempting to make something of his life of leisure, garnering inspiration from the Minseok and Luhan’s efforts to clear Minseok’s name a few months prior.

“Please, let him in.” Minseok called out, Luhan and Jongdae halting their discussion as the young nobleman entered. One look at Sehun and Minseok could tell that something was amiss.

“Jongdae, they found a body in the river. It may be Victoria.” Sehun reported, not bothering to exchange pleasantries with the men, too focused on the task at hand.

Minseok felt his heart rate increase. The investigation was already proving to be an unexpected one.

***

The hackney carriage rambled on, traversing the congested city roads, a serious discussion taking place within.

“Who found the body?” Jongdae questioned Sehun.

“Two men who ply the river, looking for corpses.” Sehun answered.

Minseok wondered if the two men Sehun was referring to would turn out to be Taemin and Minho, Jongin’s brothers. Minseok had met them when he was on the run, they had given him shelter in his time of need.

“Is there anyone that can positively identify her?” Jongdae followed up. It would matter little if the body was found if there was no way to confirm her identity one way or another.

“Victoria’s brother is in town, newly arrived, however we have not been able to locate him.” Sehun explained. Minseok watched as Sehun, a serious expression on his face, described the events surrounding the discovery of the deceased woman. Minseok was amazed at how mature Sehun sounded, how much he had grown up in just a short amount of time. It was mind boggling.

Minseok’s attention was momentarily diverted from Sehun to Luhan when he felt his husband’s hand find his own, gently squeezing. Minseok realized Luhan was likely feeling overwhelmed. It would be his first time helping with an investigation – at least one that was not focused on Minseok himself.

Minseok squeezed Luhan’s hand back, hoping that the gesture offered a bit of comfort amid the chaos.

***

The Wayside Exhibition was held in an ornately decorated building constructed expressly for the exhibition. The building was a mixture of large glass panels interspersed with oriental themed architecture – the size of the structure was enormous, a place meant to indicate that to the world that the exhibition was of great import – that this exhibition, this country was at the forefront of all that was cutting edge in the world.

Junmyeon found the architecture impressive, he couldn’t help but stare up at the ceiling as he walked through the cavernous place, leading to more than one incident where he almost collided with someone.

“Watch where you are going.” Changmin pulled Junmyeon to his side, putting an arm around his shoulders “Or I dare say you will never make it out of here alive.”

The exhibition was swarming with people, proving the public’s fascination with the latest in technology. Small booths lined the walls, with larger exhibitions held in one of the long halls that jutted off from the main thoroughfare. Trees and statues were part of the décor, as if to indicate this building was in fact a great achievement of man – giving the place scale.

“Sorry.” Junmyeon decided it was best to focus on watching where he was going. His Father had ducked into a lecture on the fascinating topic of road structure, specifically how to make a road more level and last longer. Junmyeon and Changmin had mutually decided the topic was not for them, leaving the Earl to eagerly listen to the hour long presentation.

“Junmyeon, old boy, what have you been up to of late? I feel as though for the last few hours we have conversed but not really caught up at all.” Changmin asked, his eyes flitting about the place as he took in the wide range of sights of the exhibition.

“I have been learning the family business, largely.” Junmyeon thought about the long hours he spent with his father, The Earl, learning how best to manage the estate and the investments of the family.

“Ah, yes. The business. Quite important thing, that.” Changmin laughed “And to think, I have to actually learn a business.”

Junmyeon wasn’t quite sure what to make of Changmin’s words, because to Junmyeon managing an estate was a business. There was income and expenses and a lot of decisions to be made. Sure, he wasn’t worrying about a large shipping fleet or exporting and importing of goods – how treaties effected shipments or how to make the most money with the smallest effort – but he was very much invested in how his family fortune faired. Before Junmyeon could suggest to Changmin that he also was managing a very real business, the older man yanked his arm, leading him to a booth.

“Will you look at that, old boy?!” Changmin marveled. The booth was medium sized and held a bevy of what appeared to be agricultural equipment. A man was in the booth, currently offering a lecture to a small crowd of people.

“Yes, the important thing to remember is crop rotation…” The man started explaining one of the mechanisms, Changmin hanging on his words.

“It is amazing to think what the modern farmer can do, how much he can achieve on only his little plot of land. No longer beholden to the master of the estate.” Changmin whispered, not wanting to interrupt the speaker.

“Yes, I suppose that is rather amazing.” Junmyeon stared at the speaker, feeling as though he had perhaps seen the man before, but he couldn’t place him. He was certainly unique looking, with a rather handsome side profile and an animated way of speaking that was reflected in his dark brown eyes. Where had he seen him before?

“Sorry to interrupt, but what is the point of all of this equipment if you are only going to be using it to fill the coffers of those who already are wealthy beyond imagination? Certainly a simple farmer could not afford such marvels.”

The small crowd turned to look at who had spoken. He was a tall man, blonde, with a posture that spoke of good breeding. His expression showed disdain, though Junmyeon wondered if he was someone who might always look like that, whether he meant to or not.

The speaker in the booth looked flustered, blushing slightly he answered “Sir, the equipment and methods I am speaking of are affordable to the average farmer, tenant or not. I sir, am descended from tenant farmers. I designed such marvels to be of benefit to the masters of the estates as well as those who own their own tracts of land.”

“Is that so?” The tall man cocked his head to the side. “Yet you yourself are an estate manager, no?”

The speaker flushed again. “Yes, sir I am. And rather proud of it. I have been working on the D’Adderleigh estate for many years now.”

Junmyeon knew where he had seen him now – of course, it was Yixing, the D’Adderleigh estate manager. He hadn’t seen the man in years, not since they were young. Since they were rambling about with Minseok and Jongdae on the D’Adderleigh estate, making good use of their youth by playing about the large acreage.

“D’Adderleigh?” The tall man seemed to recognize the name. Junmyeon noticed he spoke with a slight accent. Was he French? “Pray, is D’Adderleigh currently in town?”

“I am not sure why you ask, sir. If you need to see him I can relay a message.” Yixing answered curtly, his annoyance starting to show.

“Yes, Please.” The tall man smiled “Tell him the Comte Labeaux – no, tell him Kris would like to see him at his earliest convenience. He shall know where to find me.”

With that the tall man turned and left, Yixing quickly recovering and launching back into his speech. Junmyeon watched the man go, curious how he knew Minseok. As the man passed by Changmin, he nodded slightly, Changmin returning the gesture. Did he know Changmin as well?

***

They arrived at an old building near the East End, a building that still bore the early timber frame façade that marked the place as having been constructed prior to the great fire.

“They brought the body here.” Sehun explained as he took the lead, pushing open the door and holding it open for the other men to pass. The building reeked heavily of smoke and some other, unidentifiable smell.

“It was used for tanning, I dare say.” Jongdae remarked, having understood the wretched smell as soon as he set foot in the place. Sehun guided them a door, opening it he announced their arrival.

Minseok looked behind him, noting that Luhan looked pale. “You don’t have to come in if you don’t want to.” Seeing a deceased person, likely bloated and decaying from their time in the river, was surely not going to be a pleasant sight.

“I am alright.” Luhan assured his husband, offering a weak smile. He wasn’t so sure that was true once he was inside the room.

The woman was lying on a table, her body was indeed bloated from her time in the river. She was dressed in what appeared to be a white dressing gown, or underclothes. Rigor mortis had set in, her posture alien and inhuman in appearance, her hands clutched tightly as though she was holding on to something.

A man, whom Jongdae greeted warmly, leading Luhan to believe he must work for the Home Office, explained “Two men found her this morning. There aren’t any signs of injury, appears she drowned.”

Jongdae neared the body, inspecting the woman’s arms, her face, her neck. “Do we have a positive identification?”

“No, sir. Though this was found in her hands. A rather odd thing, if you ask me.” The man produced a small crimson colored feather.

“A feather?” Jongdae took the object, turning it around under the light cast through the small windows of the room. “I wonder if it means anything.”

Luhan found his attention focused on Jongdae, so much so he didn’t notice that his husband suddenly looked pale, very pale. Luhan never did notice the fact, it was Sehun who pointed it out.

“D’Adderleigh, is something the matter? You look ill.” Sehun’s words drew everyone’s attention away from the curious feather and to Minseok.

“I…I think I know who she is.” Minseok could barely get his words out. Because he never thought he would see her ever again.

“Who?” Luhan asked, Jongdae echoing the question.

“She is Victoria’s maid. I – I” Minseok swallowed “Made her acquaintance in Normandy.”

“Her maid?” Jongdae looked back at the body “This does not bode well for Victoria. I wonder if her maid had disappeared with her.” Jongdae had been markedly frustrated at how quiet Victoria’s servants were being on the matter, not giving the Home Office any more information than was absolutely necessary. The bare minimum was what they had to go off of.

Minseok noticed that Luhan was staring at him, a questioning look in his eyes. He noticed but he didn’t want to draw attention to the fact he noticed. No, he wasn’t ready to explain himself. Not yet.

“I dare say our first point of business is gathering more information from Victoria’s staff. Luhan, Minseok, can I entrust you to the task?” Jongdae asked, Minseok blinking hard once then twice, trying to will his mind to the present.

“Yes, we will visit her residence.” Minseok answered, his tone flat. Luhan was still staring, questioning.

“Very good. Sehun, please follow me back to the office. We need to see what we can do with this feather, if there is anything to do with it at all.”

Sehun nodded vigorously, showing once again his overeager attitude to please.

***

“How did you meet her?” Luhan asked once they were alone, sitting in a carriage on their way to Victoria’s townhouse.

Minseok knew that the questions would start coming fast and furious, he had tried in the short amount of time he had to brace himself for Luhan’s query. “When I was newly arrived in Normandy I made the acquaintance of Kyuhyun. Victoria was with him.”

“And how does that end with you meeting Victoria’s maid?” Luhan was curious, very curious. His curiosity was particularly increased by the way Minseok had reacted to seeing the woman. He didn’t just recognize her, he knew her.

“Are you suspicious of me, Luhan?” Minseok blurted out. He wished he could take his words back when Luhan visibly flinched, turning his gaze to the carriage windows.

“No, Minseok, I am not suspicious. I am curious.” Luhan answered curtly.

“I am sorry, forgive me.” Minseok sighed “I was at Victoria’s home one evening for a soiree. The maid was there, that is how I met her.”

“What is her name?” Luhan asked, his tone still cold, clearly Minseok’s words had struck a deep chord within.

“Angelique, I think.” Minseok wasn’t quite sure that was her name. The French were like the English – they tended to decide their servant’s names on a whim. An Elizabeth became an Abigail because her mistress told her so, a William a James and so on. It was the life of the serving class.

“How…very French.” Luhan murmured.

They reached Victoria’s townhome in a little under an hour. The three story home was in a nice neighborhood, though far from the top of the top in terms of location in the city. Modest even, if compared to some of the homes of high society.

Minseok and Luhan alighted the carriage, Luhan paying the driver and reaching in his coat pocket for his calling card. Minseok did the same. They approached the front door, up five stone steps, Minseok knocking loudly on the door.

It was less than a minute before a butler pulled the door open. The man, elderly with a wizened look about him, eyed Minseok and Luhan suspiciously. “May I help you, sirs?”

“Yes. We are here on business for the Home Office. I am wondering if we may step inside.” Minseok answered confidently. The butler eyed the two calling cards that were being held out to him, then looked up to the two young men.

“I am sorry, sirs, you may not come inside. The family is not at home.” The butler made a move to close the door, Minseok moving to use his foot as a barrier, not letting the butler shut them out.

“I am well aware that your mistress is not home, which is why we are here. We have important news, if you care to allow us entry.” Minseok said quickly, hoping he would pique the butler’s interest.

“What news, sir?” The old man asked, Minseok happy his plan had worked.

“I shan’t tell you unless you let me in.” Minseok answered, smiling.

“Well that is rather unfortunate, sir, as I will not be letting you in.” The butler ignored the fact that Minseok’s foot was in the doorway, shutting the heavy wood hard, Minseok only pulling his foot away with seconds to spare before he would likely have been crippled.

“Well that most certainly did not go well.” Luhan stared up at the townhouse, considering if they could break in at a later time, Minseok doing the same. The two men were too busy studying the front of the home, the location of the windows, to notice a carriage pull up behind them, the occupant alighting.

“What a pleasant surprise.” A voice drawled from behind.

Minseok and Luhan jumped, turning around they found themselves face to face with a tall man, a cane in his hand, a smirk on his face.

“To think I thought it might be rather difficult to find you, D’Adderleigh. It was so very kind of you to come to my home yourself.” The man smiled, suddenly raising his cane he wrenched his arm back, ready to swing.

Minseok barely avoided the cane as it came crashing down, the man intending to strike him.

***

Minseok darted to the side just in time, Kris’s cane hitting the paving stones and missing the man completely. Minseok braced himself lest another swing came his way, fortunately that was not the case. Kris retracted his cane, a sinister smile on his face.

“What was that for?” Luhan blurted out, his face turning red.

“Why don’t you ask him?” Kris motioned towards Minseok – who appeared to be perplexed by the situation.

“I have no idea.” Minseok offered to Luhan before turning his attention to Kris “I am sorry, have we met?”

“Have we met? Have we met?” Kris laughed loudly “I am the Comte Labeaux. Have we met?!” The tall man shook his head, muttering as though he was talking to another person - relaying the unbelievable fact that Minseok claimed he did not know him.

“C..o..m..te Labeaux?” Minseok pondered the title “You aren’t old enough to be Victoria’s Father.”

“You dolt! I am her brother! Our Father is recently deceased.” Kris rolled his eyes, letting out an exasperated sigh.

“Sorry to hear that.” Minseok responded, finding the entire conversation very odd indeed.

“My condolences.” Luhan offered, eyeing up the tall man suspiciously.

“Thank you. Now you have some explanations to offer, posthaste!” Kris drawled, his French accent very noticeable, his walking cane clutched tightly in his hand as he glared at Minseok.

“Explanations? For what? I believe you, sir, should be explaining why you attacked me without provocation?” Minseok stood firm, Luhan sidling up to his husband and slinging an arm around his waist in a protective gesture.

“Ha!” Kris stared at the sky, shaking his head as though Minseok had just uttered the most ridiculous words he had occasion to listen to.

“Regardless, we are here for a reason. We would like to discuss the disappearance of your sister. There is also some news that we must inform you of.” Luhan cut in, his hand tightening around Minseok’s waist as he spoke. He was already feeling more than a little angry at this man and his attempted assault; the fact that the man was now claiming Minseok owed him an explanation had Luhan bristling inside, doing everything in his power to hold back his anger and unleash a torrent of curse words.

“What reason do you have to take an interest in my sister?” Kris raised an eyebrow, seemingly forgetting his outrage as his curiosity set in.

“We work for the Home Office. Official business. May we step inside and ask you some questions?” Minseok queried.

Kris let out another exasperated bout of laughter. “I truly cannot believe this.”

Minseok and Luhan stood firm, neither speaking. They watched as Kris went through a series of actions to further emphasize his annoyance. He stomped his cane on the sidewalk, accidentally hitting his shoe and crying out before regaining his composure, then laughed again, shook his head, and then finally muttered “Very well. Follow me.”

***

“A crimson feather.” Jongdae said quietly, twirling the feather in his fingers. His gut instinct told him that this meant something. Why would a maid be carrying such a thing? Was it something that fell off of her ladies outfit? Or perhaps it was insignificant, something that the maid picked up on chance.

“How is my blushing future husband today?”

Jongdae startled, torn out of his deep thoughts he blinked rapidly as his mind returned to the present – or, to be more exact, Kim Heechul standing in the middle of his office – a smirk on his face.

“Future husband?” Jongdae quirked an eyebrow “Pray tell, when did we get engaged?”

“You pain me with your words, sir.” Heechul clutched at his chest in mock anguish “If it was up to me, yesterday.” Heechul winked, Jongdae feeling a bit of heat creep into his cheeks at the gesture.

Dating Kim Heechul could be very trying at times. The man was never short on flirtations and propositions and very rarely liked to be serious about anything other than when they would take their first tumble. Jongdae was very different from Heechul, he thrived on facts and rules and lengthy personal relationship that progressed slowly. They were an odd pair, though somehow they worked together. At least so far.

“Is your latest case concerning a red bird?” Heechul eyed up the feather, taking a seat in one of the chairs facing Jongdae’s desk.

Jongdae had seemed to forget that he was holding the feather, Heechul having distracted him. His attention once again drawn to the object he answered “A maid was found in the river this morning. This was on her body.”

“What a fancy maid.” Heechul muttered.

“I can’t help but think it means something.” Jongdae sighed “Though what I have no idea.”

“Well, feathers are not exactly a rare item in this city. Take a turn around the fashionable homes one evening and you could probably count thousands of them in every color.” Heechul cringed as he recalled the more gaudy feathered dresses and hairpieces he had come into contact with, dyed in bright and ghastly hues that even he wouldn’t dare even wear.

“Indeed. That is my problem. This is a very unremarkable object all things considered” Jongdae opened the desk drawer, putting the feather inside carefully, he closed the drawer. “Now I would assume you have a reason to burst into my place of business, other than to see my face?”

“Yes, well, there is a soiree tomorrow evening at Viscount Kimberly’s mansion. I thought it best if you come and keep me company lest I embarrass you horribly with my antics while you are away.”

“Is that a threat?” Jongdae smiled slightly.

“Something like that.” Heechul answered, knowing full well Jongdae would agree to attend. He always did.

***

Junmyeon was blissfully alone. Or more like pleasantly unaccompanied. Changmin had taken his leave after finding no more booths of interest to him at the Wayside exhibition. Junmyeon’s father had been drawn into another fascinating lecture – this time on the properties of wax – and Junmyeon was left to wander about the place alone.

As he walked amidst the cavernous exhibition hall he found himself once again in front of the booth where D’Adderleigh’s estate manager was holding court. Junmyeon found the man alone and decided, having nothing better to do, he would strike up a conversation.

“Yixing, is it?” Junmyeon started off quietly, not sure how best to speak to the man.

“Yes. You are Junmyeon! I recognized you earlier, sorry I couldn’t say anything. I was in the middle of explaining the exhibit.” Yixing smiled, a single dimple appearing “I do hope you remember me. We used to play together as children.”

Junmyeon noticed a slight blush creep on Yixing’s face as he spoke. Junmyeon couldn’t help but find it a tad bit endearing.

“Ah, yes. I do remember. With Jongdae and Minseok.” Junmyeon answered, though he realized that the memories must be a tad bit awkward for Yixing. As children they could play together, though as adults their social class would forever separate them. While Jongdae, Minseok, and Junmyeon could live their lives in the highest social circles, Yixing, as the son of farmers, was relegated forever to the working class.

“That is right! It has been quite a long time.” Yixing went about adjusting one of the small farm tools he had on display, speaking while he worked “Do you live in the city year round now?”

“No. I – we, my parents and I take our summers in the country.” Junmyeon felt increasingly awkward, realizing he did not have much to discuss with the man. Why had he decided it was a good idea to approach him in the first place? He scratched the back of his neck, feeling a bit lost “Do you like the city? Do you come here often?”

“It is my first time in the city since I was a child.” Yixing could recall accompanying his Father once, when he was about ten years old. He hadn’t been back since “I made the journey for the exhibition. I have been looking forward to it.”

“Well, very good. I am happy you were able to come.” Junmyeon smiled and tried to think of what to say next. Thankfully his Father did the speaking for him, pulling him away from the uncomfortable encounter.

“Son, are you ready to leave? Your Mother will have our hides if we are late for her dinner party.”

“Yes, sir. Coming.” Junmyeon turned around, all too grateful to be given an excuse to leave. He quickly realized that he was acting rather impolitely, so he turned back around and blurted out “It was very nice seeing you again. I hope your time in the city goes well.”

“Thank you. The same to you.” Yixing answered, flashing another smile at Junmyeon.

Junmyeon scurried to catch up with his Father, for some reason feeling as though he was a child once again.

***

The sitting room in the Labeaux household was…as Luhan would later describe it…rather French. Which made sense, given the occupants of the town house were French, though the way a proper country man described it gave it a sort of stuffy aura. A sense of entitlement, if you will.

Kris took the large wing backed chair, upholstered in a cream colored fabric while Luhan and Minseok sat next to each other on the gilded couch. Luhan seemed to want to keep as little space between them as possible, scooting closer to Minseok when a noticeable gap was present. Minseok would have normally scolded Luhan –they were here on business after all – though he let it slide given the circumstance. Kris almost taking his head off with a cane would likely have Luhan’s already overprotective nature running at full force.

“Now what is this news that you have for me?” Kris asked, tenting his hands he crossed his long legs, looking every bit the young handsome aristocrat.

“We need you to tell us about your sister’s disappearance first.” Minseok pushed back, wanting to at least garner some information from the man given the staff’s refusal to talk.

“Disappearance is a rather strong word.” Kris sighed.

“Trying to assault someone with a cane is a rather strong action.” Luhan countered, still upset over the actions. What sort of man went about striking people with walking sticks the moment after they met them?

“Ah, about that! You do owe me an explanation!” Kris seemed to remember why he had greeted the pair with so much hostility, as though he had completely forgotten when he had let them inside his home and treated them to tea.

“Your sister first.” Minseok pressed.

“Fine. My sister is taking a tour of the Lake District at present and I don’t see how that is the business of the Home office.”

“A tour of the Lake District? With whom?”

“With a friend. She should return in half a fortnight.” Kris appeared bored “Again, not really the business of the government, now is it.”

“I dare say it is the business of the government when she is traveling with someone wanted for questioning.” Minseok tried to gauge Kris’s reaction as he spoke the next words “Is she with one Cho Kyuhyun?”

“Kyuhyun?” Kris burst out laughing “Do you think I would let my sister take a tour alone with a man?”

“Then who is she with?”

“I am not going to tell you, unless required by law, which I very much doubt requires me to relinquish my sister’s travelling plans.” Kris stared at the two men, his expression cocky, looking self-assured as though he had just won the argument.

“Would you happen to know why your sister’s maid was found floating in the river this morning? Was that part of her travelling plans?” Minseok leaned forward, staring intently into the Comte Labeaux’s eyes “I do believe the law requires you to tell us what you know of this matter.”

“Her…maid?”

Minseok watched at the Comte’s strong façade seemed to crumble, his expression taking on a mixture of shock and horror “Which maid?”

“Angelique.” Luhan watched as Kris stiffened at the name. This maid, whoever she was, seemed to have quite the effect on him. First Minseok and now Kris. Just who was this woman?

“Where is she?” Kris stood up suddenly, “Where is her body?”

“We can take you there, but first tell us everything you know about your sister’s travel plans.” Minseok countered.

Kris sat back down, defeated.

***

“Victoria doesn’t tell me everything. She has always been that way.” He started slowly “I only recently arrived in the country. Her correspondence was rather short, not detailed.” Kris stared at the floor, he was a completely different man than the one who had so angrily greeted Minseok and Luhan almost an hour before.

“Please continue.”

“My sister does as she pleases. My Father always let her get away with anything.” A heavy sigh was heard before Kris continued “According to the servants she left a week ago, taking Angelique with her. She didn’t say where she was going, though knowing her she was chasing something she wanted. I can’t see another reason why she would leave the comfort of her home so abruptly.”

Minseok considered Kris’s words. Something Victoria wanted? Like Kyuhyun? Or the letter?

“Did Victoria associate with any of the more radical expatriates?” Minseok wondered if the woman had reason to steal the letter, to help further her cause.

“Victoria? Radical? No. Not that I am aware of.”

“If Angelique was with her, they are likely still in the city.” Luhan deduced, whispering the fact to Minseok, who nodded in agreement. The maid hadn’t been dead long – assuming she was still with her mistress than they would definitely still be in the city somewhere.

“Did she associate with anyone who had any criminal background or intent?” Minseok asked.

“No! Definitely not.” Kris shook his head “Victoria would never associate with criminals.”

Silence hung in the air for a moment before Kris broke the heavy air, “You are taking this rather well considering everything, D’Adderleigh.”

“What do you mean?” Minseok asked, not sure he understood the Comte’s comment.

“Seeing as the Mother of your children is dead you don’t seem very upset about it.” Kris stared at Minseok, unflinching “Which is another reason you owe me an explanation.”

“Mm..o..t..her of my children?” Minseok wasn’t sure he heard the man right. He must be joking.

“Pray, don’t pretend you do not know. It was bad enough of you to leave her like that.” Kris looked disgusted “If you were foolish enough to sleep with a maid you should have at least seen to it she had money to care for the resulting children.”

Minseok felt dizzy, very dizzy. What was this man talking about? Children? His children? Leaving the mother without funds?

“I..don’t know what you are talking about.” Minseok couldn’t recognize his own voice. No, he couldn’t recognize his own voice. The words were foreign.

Kris guffawed, “You are going to pretend you didn’t sleep with Angelique? Do you need to see the proof? Do I need to bring the twins in here?!”

“The proof…”Minseok felt dizzy.  A hazy memory, music and wine and years ago when he wanted nothing more than to loose himself away from everything. When his engagement to Sehun had ended, when his Father had died, when he had been ostracized from high society so coldly. When he was adrift in a world he no longer cared for. When one night he drank too much and there was comfort, a kind word:

“You are very handsome.” He could still hear her voice. She was pretty, and kind and his mind was so far gone, and…

The room began to spin.

“Minseok, Minseok, Mins-“Luhan’s voice was the last thing he heard before he fainted.

Part 2 >>>>