"I was curious, my lord."

Teru's dagger slipped beneath Shion's chin, urging it upwards.

"Curious?" The man laughed. "You are a daring little thing, are you not?" His gaze drifted down across the table. Without moving the blade nearly at all, he picked up the scroll Shion had unceremoniously dropped there. "This," he murmured softly. "What did you think of it?"

"I have never read anything so beautiful." Shion paused for a moment, uncertain what else to say while yet so hideously mindful of the sharp metal at his throat.

Teru's features seemed to soften. The sharp edge turned flat against his skin, skimming down along his neck. He shuddered a little, expecting to find the cold sensation unpleasant, but, as it was-

"Curiosity has led me to you as well. I also wish to slip off your binding and find that I have never read anything so beautiful, yet, even so, I fear the script will remain illegible."

"Lord Teru, I do not know what you-"

The flat of the blade turned sharp once more, and Shion's breath caught.

"Tell me, where did you get this kimono? Unless you wish me to cut it off you."

"It was a gift," Shion answered hurriedly. "From someone I loved."

The edge of the blade teased along his neckline. "You will have to do better than that."

"Lord Kamui left it for me."

The man's movements stopped.  The blade drifted gently away.

"Is that why you think yourself cursed?”

Shion nodded silently, staring down again at the floor.

"Perhaps I am willing to risk my life for curiosity's sake as well."

He stared up at the man with widening eyes.

"But are you not afraid of what you will discover, Shion?”

He probably should've been. Instead, he was only surprised that he was not.

“No, my lord,” he breathed, closing his eyes.

"Then tell me, what is it you want from me?"