Chapter 103: Chapter 103
They traveled on in silence, the rumble of thunder pressing closer with every mile. The dirt road was already damp beneath their horses’ hooves, the air thick with the metallic tang of rain waiting to fall.
Just as the first drops began to dot the ground, a squat, weather-beaten building appeared at the bend of the road.
Sheng Fei reined in, eyes scanning the surroundings. They seemed to be the only ones who had arrived at the place. There were no recent foot or horse prints.
“We should stay here for tonight,” he said, as he led his horse toward the building. “We’ll set off when the rain stops. Frost Forest Village is not far from here.”
Hua Ren gave a small nod. “Good timing,” he murmured. He wasn’t particularly fond of rain. He always hated fighting when it was raining too and it was mainly because he didn’t like to get wet.
The stable boy—a lanky youth with sleeves too short for his arms—came running as soon as he saw them, his eyes beaming with delight. Their first customers in weeks. His papa would be very happy.
Sheng Fei dismounted his horse first and turned to help Hua Ren down only to see that Hua Ren was already handing the reins to the eager stable boy. He pouted a little, for he had missed an opportunity to hold his mate’s hand but then, he quickly brightened up. There would be other chances.
He pressed a few coins into the stable boy’s eager palm. “See to the horses,” he instructed. “Make sure they rest well.”
“Thank you sir.” The boy grinned, bowing quickly then led the animals away just as the clouds broke overhead. The rain fell in heavy sheets, drumming against the roof as the two men stepped inside.
The inn was small, the air thick with the faint, sweet musk of old wood. Dust coated the tables and chairs, showing that they had been long untouched, and the scent of damp earth drifted in through the cracks in the shutters.
Hua Ren wrinkled his nose faintly at the gloom. He certainly did not like the place. He pinched the edges of his robes and lifted them just above the floorboards, unwilling to let them brush against the dust. They may not be the colour he liked but he wasn’t willing to let them get dirty.
Sheng Fei noticed and a flicker of amusement crossed his features. He would have offered to carry Hua Ren in his arms but he knew it would result in him getting punched or kicked so he remained silent.
Behind the counter stood a man with a stooped back and weary eyes, polishing a chipped cup with a clean rag. He straightened when he saw them.
“One room please.” Sheng Fei said simply.
Hua Ren raised a brow. “One room?”
“What? You want separate rooms?” Sheng Fei asked, surprised. The thought of getting separate rooms hadn’t even crossed his mind.
“Of course.” Hua Ren replied, like it was the most obvious thing. “Why would we share a room? So you can-” He quickly cut himself off, remembering that the innkeeper was still present.
Sheng Fei frowned. Did Hua Ren think he wanted to use the opportunity to seduce him?
The innkeeper was very perceptive. Seemed like a troubled couple. He quickly deduced that the one with dark hair must be the Alpha who must have offended his omega and now wants to stay in one room so he could coax his wife. He smiled to himself. This was an opportunity to make money!
He gave Sheng Fei a subtle wink then turned to face Hua Ren, wearing his most pitiful expression. “I’m sorry sir but there’s only one room available.”
Hua Ren was surprised. One room available? How was that even possible? “Aren’t we the only customers here?”
“Yes sir,” the innkeeper answered sadly. “but the other rooms are uninhabitable. Due to all the banditry and recent kidnappings, we haven’t had customers in weeks so the rooms are not clean. There’s only one room we keep clean just in case we get a customer. I’m afraid you two will have to share.”
Hua Ren groaned inwardly and looked at Sheng Fei, who shrugged helplessly. It wasn’t his fault the rooms weren’t clean. But wow, the innkeeper could really act. If the man didn’t wink at him, he would have thought that it was true.
Hua Ren noticed Sheng Fei smiling and huffed. So the rebel was glad that there was only one room available. He turned to the innkeeper. “Why not clean another r-”
The old man suddenly bent at the waist, groaning dramatically. “Ai ya, my back is killing me,” he complained, rubbing at his side with exaggerated winces. “I’m getting too old for this. Lately, I’ve been thinking of selling this place and moving to a quiet village. I can’t keep working like this forever.” His groans grew louder, his face scrunching up as though he truly were in unbearable pain.
Hua Ren “......” Who would even want to buy this rundown, musty inn? If it weren’t for the heavy rain, they wouldn’t have stopped here at all.
Resigned, he let out a sigh. He couldn’t make an old man clean another room when they could share one. Besides, it was just for one night.
“Fine. We’ll share the room,” he said reluctantly, before fixing Sheng Fei with a warning look. “But you’d better keep your hands to yourself or you’ll lose them.”
Sheng Fei chuckled and raised his hands in form of surrender.
Hearing this, the innkeeper straightened at once, his face brightening. “Would you also like some food and hot water for a bath?” he asked eagerly.
Sheng Fei’s gaze shifted toward Hua Ren first, silently asking his preference. Their eyes met, and Hua Ren gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. A hot bath would be welcome. Food, too.
“Yes,” Sheng Fei replied. “And bring us some tea as well.”
The old man nodded happily. “Very good, very good. Now, let me show you to your room.”
He led them up a narrow staircase that creaked underfoot. At the end of the hall, he pushed open a door and gestured inside.
“This is the best room we have,” he said with a proud smile. There was only one bed which was somewhat small but large enough for two. The omega will have nowhere to run. Also, it was the coldest room in the inn. The omega will have to cuddle with his Alpha for warmth. It was perfect to get the two together.
He winked suggestively at Sheng Fei. “I’ll prepare your food now.” With a small bow, he shuffled away, his footsteps fading into the corridor.