In
Such illegal activities generate an economy of their own, involving negotiations, exchange of favors and use of resources that feed such economy. And there were three people who moved such economy, and one of them has already closed agreement with Magnus.
Magnus' honor as a nobleman was something that prevented him from becoming a totally feared figure both in the nobility and in the Underworld. Having your back warmed by three figures of the underworld, and still have power in the nobility thanks to his position of commander of the imperial army, would not create the image of a man with the world in his hands?
To get the deal with Ferdinand Brighton, Magnus used his influence as a nobleman and his "poetic license" so to speak, to threaten him. Lucian advised his husband to make good use of his wickedness to show that they were flour from the same bag. Both men with power in hands who do not give a damn about soiling their designer suits.
Only that Lucian could not direct his husband to do the same with regard to the other two names. After all, Lucian did not know them and had little information about them.
To reach the underworld, the carriage took the men to the farthest part of the plebeian neighborhood. Magnus led Lucian through narrow alleys and streets on foot, until they reached an underground passage that stretches beneath the plebeian quarter. It looked like a dark maze with a sewer stench that Lucian would never forget. The gloomy atmosphere of the winding paths seemed to have no end, and Lucian had already lost himself in the first turn they made.
Only that his husband was confident at every step, as if he had memorized the way.
Finally, hidden in the depths of the earth, beneath the bustling streets of the capital of the Roveaven Empire, there was a vast network of caves and tunnels that harbors a clandestine city known only to a few. This underground metropolis, called the Deep Shadow, is the beating heart of the Underworld.
As they crossed the narrow streets, Lucian noticed camouflaged entrances in dark alleys, noble mansions that seemed to besiege a big deal, considering the numerous queues at his front door. Taverns and clandestine establishments were spread like plague.
It seemed to be a completely different world than what Lucian had seen so far. Perhaps he had ended up in another story?
The moment Lucian and Magnus stepped into a dark and gloomy alley, they crossed the void to reach narrow and icy corridors. The end of the corridor led the couple to a huge vaulted hall that exhibited rare items.
A fair in a shopping street.
More specifically... the Market of Shadows.
"Well, look who show up now!"
A woman approached the couple as they left behind the door of their store. Wearing a dress glued to her curves, Lucian immediately pulled Magnus' waist and looked suspiciously at the seductive woman. She breathed the smoke of her cigarette, smiling maliciously to Magnus.
"I see you're as charming as ever, Wyslia."
"What an honor to hear that from the man who constantly rejected me."
Magnus smirked.
Ah... Lucian hated it.
The prince's arm pulled Magnus harder, staring at his husband with sharp displeasure. Of course the Grand Duke found grace when he stared back at him and raised his eyebrow before. The muted laughter that he let out further irritated the alpha.
"Are you starting to amuse me?"
"I am beginning to question your past, husband."
The woman breathed the smoke of the cigarette and released a low laugh so graceful and seductive that even Lucian shuddered.
"Well, I'm not jealous. I can eat both..."
"Please don't play with him", Magnus laughed as he crossed his arms "Are you not missing a conversation?"
Her face shone lightly, the corners of her lips stretched into a discreet and charming smile. Turning her heels, the elegant alpha of the red dress looked over the shoulders to them.
"Follow me."
As he watched the woman parade through the muddy and dark streets, Lucian squeezed his fingers on Magnus' waist refusing to let him get away. Even as they walked to the woman's shop, Lucian did not let go of the husband's waist.
What kind of past did Magnus have with that woman? She said about Magnus rejecting her, which was a good sign. Lucian wanted to fill his husband with questions, but also did not want to sound jealous... which was already failing miserably. Still, it would keep your pride and show that none of it mattered. Even though it mattered a lot.
Oh, jealousy goes crazy.
Passing through the door, Lucian was surprised by his erroneous judgment regarding the woman. The shop of the seductive alpha was a cabaret. Lucian shuddered when he smelled strong pheromones mixed in the air along with cigarettes and alcohol. The music sounded low thanks to the intense movement of customers who roamed everywhere. Women and men dressed to highlight their bodies and beauties, seduced customers with charming smiles.
What a paradise (?)
"Please don't get lost. Come this way", called the alpha.
Magnus just followed her as if he already knew the way, which infuriated Lucian for the third time.
In the end, they were guided to the back, where they climbed an iron spiral staircase. A few more steps and they reached an office covered in alpha pheromones and perfume, with sofa covered in blankets and a burning fireplace. Lucian twisted his nose not liking a bit to feel the smell of another alpha there. Even more one that was more intense than yours.
"Feel free, would you like something to drink?"
"I prefer to stay sober this time."
"This time?", asked Lucian raising his eyebrow to the husband.
"Haha, what a lovely figure you brought this time, my lord." Said the alpha looking at Lucian from top to bottom "It looks like a delicate figure made of a flower. I would love to add it to my catalog..."
"It's already owned, so don't think nonsense, Wyslia. I came here just to get information."
"Well, you know very well that you must pay a price..."
"Unfortunately I'm married now, so I can't give you the pleasure."
Lucian clenched his fingers hard. He came to tremble with jealousy.
Now, that alpha was beautiful and sexy! Wavy blonde hair well groomed, strong and sensual makeup, red lips and a seductive perfume... of course she was a beautiful woman who seemed to have a past with Magnus — which was a surprise. It only increased his jealousy! Even if Lucian was straight he would be attracted by your sexy look.
Unconsciously Lucian covered Magnus with his pheromones. But his smell was so despicable and weak compared to that of Wyslia, it only made him look like a possessive jealous idiot.
Well, he was a jealous and possessive idiot.
Magnus just sat on the couch and crossed his legs, looking very comfortable. When the prince sat down next to him, the omega's gloved hand went to his thigh, a natural act that softened 5% of the alpha's jealousy.
"Recently my husband closed deals with a group of miners, but he needs an investor to start mining the ore. Can you think of anyone who would be interested?"
The woman breathed in the cigarette smoke and sat down on the front couch. As she crossed her legs, the slit of her dress revealed the soft skin of her bare thighs. She crossed an arm under her full breasts and swallowed the cigarette as she thought of an answer. Lucian looked at her as if he were facing his deadliest enemy, but consoled himself by feeling Magnus' thumb rub against his thigh.
"Hm... depends what kind of ore we're talking about."
"Diamonds."
"Oh, so that woman would definitely be the best choice."
"I'm gonna need more than that, you know?"
The woman laughed and put out her cigarette in the ashtray on the coffee table.
"The Baroness of Jewels, of course."
The couple froze in place, which was visible to the alpha. Magnus released the air from his lungs regaining its neutrality.
"I heard that she is strong. But I admit that I do not know what she does."
"Jewelry auction, of course. Any piece that has a higher value than a nobleman is able to pay, is sold at your auctions."
"I imagine that only the nobles who are hiding here attend such auction."
"Well, even the Emperor has already bought with her."
Lucian shuddered at the revelation. Has the Emperor ever attended an underworld auction? Did not imagine that something so unusual would occur beyond fantasy books. I mean, the Emperor was the figure of the law, wasn't he? And for the first time he spoke at that meeting.
"The Emperor?"
"Interested in knowing, cutie?", She asked slightly leaning over, making the full breasts almost jump out of her low-cut dress.
"I already said that he has owner, just say what we want to know" Commented Magnus with a cheesed smile, but firmly.
"Haha, I never thought I'd see you being so possessive of someone. Okay, okay... I believe that the Baroness of Jewels is the only prominent figure who has close relations with the nobles up there. It is your VIP customers who protect it and are its most frequent customers."
"And how do you advise us to look for it to close business?"
"I recommend that you bring one of the diamonds and give it to your employees. But I have heard that it is difficult to accept it if it is not of good quality. In addition, there is the delay in giving your answer."
It wasn't good news, definitely. Lucian was in a hurry. Although he realized that Magnus already had some contacts from the underworld, it would not be enough to be protected. Much less could Lucian trust someone like Wyslia. Only an agreement between the two parties could guarantee that no one would be deceived. And the agreement would still have to be clear and clean, with no room for double-talk or misinterpretation.
"And trading with it would bring some benefit?"
The woman leaned on the couch staring at the ceiling for a brief moment.
"Obvious. Why do you think she was never sued or judged by the nobles up there? The influence that woman has by negotiating directly is something valuable. Some of my clients have talked about her selling information to the nobles in exchange for rare jewels. Do you wish to try your luck, my lord?"
Magnus raised his chin to face the lady and the explicit confidence in his face would certainly have answered the question.