The next morning arrived with the first rays of sunlight cutting across the estate grounds. The training sessions began at 7 AM sharp, as Arthur had ordered. The backyard had been transformed into a makeshift training area — mats laid out, training dummies set up, and weapons safely stored nearby under guard supervision.
Liam and Jeff started first on the large grass area near their wing. Liam, still in a simple black tank top and sweatpants, stood with his arms crossed, assessing Jeff with a critical eye.
"You rely too much on brute force," Liam said, circling him slowly. "In a real fight, that'll get you killed."
Jeff grinned, rolling his shoulders. "Then teach me, Sensei."
Liam moved fast. In one fluid motion, he swept Jeff's leg out from under him, sending him crashing onto the mat. Jeff landed with a grunt, staring up at the sky.
"Lesson one," Liam said, offering his hand. "Never underestimate your opponent."
Jeff took the hand and yanked Liam down on top of him instead. Their bodies pressed together on the mat. Jeff's hands settled on Liam's waist as he leaned up for a quick, heated kiss.
"Lesson two," Jeff murmured against his lips, "I like when you're on top."
Liam laughed despite himself, shoving Jeff's chest. "Focus, idiot. We're training."
They continued for nearly two hours. Liam taught him proper stances, quick disarms, and how to use leverage instead of raw strength. By the end, both were sweaty and breathing hard. Jeff pulled Liam close again, stealing another deep kiss behind one of the training dummies.
"You're really good at this," Jeff whispered, nipping at his ear. "It's hot."
Liam blushed but kissed him back, the tension from the previous night melting under Jeff's touch.
A short distance away, Rylan and Smart trained on a separate mat. Smart was clearly nervous, wearing loose clothes and shifting from foot to foot. Rylan approached calmly, keeping his voice gentle.
"We'll start slow," Rylan said. "Just basic defense. No pressure."
Smart nodded, cheeks already pink. Rylan demonstrated a simple block and counter, then guided Smart through the motions. Their hands brushed more than once. Every time Rylan corrected Smart's stance — placing a steady hand on his shoulder or waist — Smart's blush deepened.
"You're doing good," Rylan said softly after Smart successfully blocked a slow punch. "You're quick on your feet."
Smart looked up at him, suddenly aware of how tall and broad Rylan was. "Thanks… I feel ridiculous though. I'm not built like you or Jeff."
Rylan smiled, a rare warm expression. "You don't need to be. Strength comes in different forms. Your brain is your best weapon."
Smart's heart stuttered. He turned away quickly, pretending to adjust his stance. Why does he have to look at me like that?
Rylan noticed the flush but didn't comment. He simply continued the session, patient and encouraging, while silently noting how protective he already felt toward the quiet, talented young man.
Inside the main house, Abbey was "training" with Ben in the living room — which mostly involved Ben demonstrating safe holds while Abbey played with Lin on the floor. Ben was still sulking about being sidelined, but watching Lin giggle as Abbey made funny faces helped ease his mood.
Arthur walked in, carrying two cups of tea. He set one down beside Ben and knelt next to him.
"I'm sorry about earlier," Arthur said quietly. "I'm not trying to sideline you. I just… I can't lose you. Not after everything."
Ben sighed, leaning against him. "I know. But it's frustrating. I've always been the protector."
Arthur kissed his temple. "You still are. Just… heal first. For Lin. For us."
Ben nodded reluctantly, though the sulk remained. Arthur pulled him closer, the two of them watching their daughter play.
By midday, the training sessions wrapped up. Everyone gathered for a light lunch on the terrace. The mood was a strange mix of determination and domestic warmth.
Jeff kept stealing glances at Liam, clearly still riding the high of their morning "training." Liam's lips were slightly swollen from their stolen kisses, and he kept touching his ring absentmindedly.
Smart sat across from Rylan, stealing shy glances while pretending to focus on his food. Rylan, ever professional, remained composed, but his eyes softened whenever they landed on Smart.
Arthur watched the group with a rare, quiet pride. Despite the looming threats, his family was growing stronger — together.
But the peace was interrupted when one of Arthur's lieutenants approached, whispering urgently in his ear. Arthur's expression darkened instantly.
"What is it?" Liam asked.
Arthur stood up. "Another message from the rivals. They're demanding I step down from the ascension or they'll hit us harder next time. They know about Lin. They know about all of you."
The table fell silent.
Jeff's hand found Liam's again. "We're ready. Whatever comes."
Arthur nodded, but his eyes burned with cold fury. "They want war? They'll get one. But we protect our own first."
Later that afternoon, as the sun began to set, Liam found Jeff in their bedroom. The day's training had left them both sore but exhilarated. Jeff pulled him close immediately, kissing him slow and deep.
"Today was good," Jeff murmured. "But I still can't stop thinking about last night… and the proposal."
Liam smiled against his lips. "Neither can I."
They fell onto the bed together, hands roaming, the world outside temporarily forgotten. In the distance, Rylan could be seen walking with Smart toward the music room, talking quietly. Abbey was helping Ben with Lin.
The estate was becoming more than just a fortress.
It was becoming a home.
Yet high above, in the shadows of the city, unseen eyes continued to watch. The rivals were not done. Arthur's path to ultimate power had only just begun — and the price might be higher than any of them imagined.