Chapter Text
Grian now understood the complaints Scar had over the years about the general security and guards because the treasury was way too easy to break in. The pair headed down the back servant passages, using the lower floors ones as they were older, colder and apparently less used. Grian could tell because most of the lanterns were broken and only a few were lit and replenished enough to bring any significant light to the narrow stone tunnels. Grian couldn’t help but pause after the second time they popped up out of hidden doorway. He checked around to ensure they were alone as they caught their breath in a shady alcove.
Grian was thankful for an excuse to give his burning calves a break. He never realised that there was that many steps but at least Grian now had a reason for Mumbo’s ass. Those steps had done good work on him. He had to ask though. “Why do you keep these passages open? Surely seeing servants is better than seeing dead Lords?” He pointed out. “What is the point of them? The servants use the main corridors anyway.”
Mumbo paused and nodded. “You know once I am sworn in, you are going to be the head of my security.” He told him and Grian waited for the joke but he realised that Mumbo was serious. Grian flushed as he realised that Mumbo didn’t think he was going to leave again. Grian didn’t know if he was going to leave but he didn’t know if he made a decision yet. He didn’t want to think about it to be honest. It felt like a big decision and he didn’t have the time or emotional energy to even think about what he was going to do after this.
Grian knew he couldn’t tell Mumbo… He had no idea how he would react and why Grian’s fantasies contain a possessive psychotic Mumbo, he didn’t want to see how true to real life they could get. Not till he had an escape plan or two set up first. “We should move on, I can hear guards.” He whispered, thankfully picking up the faint clanking off in the distance. Saved by the guard.
Mumbo nodded and shifted, gone was the casual slumped form, and now Mumbo looked like a dangerous predator, his entire body alert as he leaned out to watch. Grian had to hold back his fantasies as the idea of just sinking to his knees to suck Mumbo off as the guards march just unknowingly merely a couple feet away. The idea would definitely be explored later, when Grian is alone in his bed for sure. Grian followed him or at least until Mumbo opened a window and cleanly dropped down in the darkness. Grian almost swore loudly as all he saw was Mumbo slip out of a fourth story window.
Grian rushed forwards hanging out of the window terrified that he was going to see Mumbo’s body crumped in the courtyard, only to see Mumbo on the rooftop just below, gesturing rapidly for Grian to join him. Grian scrunched his eyes tightly for a second before pulling himself out of the window, and he tried desperately not to throw up as the night air rushed past him and the landing made him bite his tongue hard as he stumbled. It was only Mumbo’s strong grip on him stopped Grian from stumbling on the moss slick tiles and tumbling down.
Grian opened his eyes and looked at Mumbo, giving him a nod, and the man let him go. Grian could see Mumbo’s nervous looks but Grian placed a hand on Mumbo’s arm, squeezing it before heading along the tiles, hurrying to the other side and lifted himself up to the next roof. Mumbo followed quickly and the pair soon found themselves on the building opposite the treasury. Mumbo spoke up, his voice barely a whisper above the wind. “I see… candle light.”
Grian squinted and sure enough he could see what looked like a ball of light dancing in the darken rooms. “Guard or thief?” He whispered.
“Thief. Guards wouldn’t use a candle and they wouldn’t need to look inside.” Mumbo told him quietly. “They are doing it tonight?” He whispered before picking up a loose piece of tile. “Fuck, they must have changed their plans.” He hefted the stone hard and sent it through the window. Even Mumbo stared at his hand like he couldn’t believe he just done that as well.
Mumbo didn’t miss and the loud crashing noise made Grian jump. He was snapped out of his surprised stupor and clutched Mumbo’s arm as it sounded like all the guards in the area began shouting and heading towards them… someone must have spotted them already. Maybe the guards weren’t that bad after all… Grian realised that they were currently on the roof outside the treasury dressed in all black. “Fuck we need to go.” He pulled him and the pair fled back as quick as they could. Grian was panting hard as he pulled himself through the window of their room. He hoped that they had lost the guards at the last roof jump.
Grian could see the guards hurrying towards their rooms obviously coming to check on the future King. Grian swore and pulled Mumbo through the window and the pair looked at each other terrified. Mumbo was supposed to be in solitude and there would be an uproar if they found the King sneaking about breaking windows. Grian didn’t know if the guards got a good enough look at them to recognise their clothing but he didn’t want to risk it. He undid his own laces before helping Mumbo, looking around for their clothes automatically, knowing the guards was going to be banging on their door soon enough.
Grian stumbled over the rug in shock as the guard didn’t knock but instead let himself into Mumbo’s room. “My Liege! There has been reports of a break in at the treasury! Are you safe….” The obviously overly enthusiastic young guard fell silent in shock as he stood there, seeing Mumbo and Grian, in just their under things. Grian had fallen on his knees in front of Mumbo, with Mumbo’s trousers around his ankles. Grian could see the guard take in how the pair was flushed, sweating, dishevelled and panting. The guard coloured bright red and bowed, unable to meet their eyes any longer. The young guard’s voice went higher. “… I see you are unharmed my King… I… I… Will wait outside!” The man told them before fleeing leaving the pair scrambling to dress before something else went wrong.