It was a full moon night. The moon of Iragi had an ethereal beauty to it. Loved by the women as a symbol of undying love, the moon here was bigger and brighter than any land where it shone. Its argent light illuminated the whole sky where small specks of stars strewn around in pretty patterns that only astrologers could guess.
Ahma wore a thin cotton kaftan with pants that gathered at his ankles. He wore a black turban that only Emperor's private servants wore. It was night and Ahma stood in the courtyard of the Emperor's private quarters waiting to be called in anytime by him. Akihito was inside with his women. Small gasps echoed in the courtyard giving Ahma nightmares.
The side of the Mihoku castle where the Emperor resided and slept with the women of his harem was called the Snake Domain. Sora the famous poet once made a remark on how Akihito was just like a reptile. Hauntingly beautiful and unrivaled, one that would draw you closer and closer with awe and admiration. His marred skin was like a reptile's patterned scales that shone a different hue in contrasting lights; and just like the animal, Akihito would bare his fangs the moment he felt an opening. The venom of doubt and his sadistic nature would lead you to an untimely painful death. He was a snake…a ruthless and capricious reptile.
Snake domain had no lamps; not a single candle burned anywhere in the vicinity. The darkness seemed to swallow the whole complex whose only source of light was the full moon. While the Mihoku castle was lit by millions of oil lamps and people toiling for their wages. This detached part of the castle was dead silent. Besides Ahma there was no one in its courtyard, not even a palace guard. Akihito hated the light of the lamp at the full moon's night and many people attending to him or 'prancing around' in his lair. One servant was enough to tend to him.
Ahma yawned, his mouth stretched and his dark adjusted eyes felt groggy. He did not dare to sit down on one of the sandstone stairs even if his legs threatened to give up. He feared he would fall asleep as soon as his legs would come to rest. The Emperor went inside the room three hours ago, accompanied by four women. The shameful sounds of pleasure and breathless moans still came from the room. This has been happening till midnight…and Ahma somehow knew that it would not stop till dawn.
He yawned again…this time small tears came from the margins of his eyes.
'Think Ahma! …. think about something!.' Ahma thought to himself. If Akihito was a snake then he was a chameleon who changed colors depending on the situation. Born as a freak and survived while being ostracized by society. He lived at many places…changed his name many times. And wherever he went; he captured powerful men with his servility and physical beauty. The body that once was a curse to him soon became his greatest weapon.
He was living a comfortable life while being a trusted aide and companion of a wealthy official of Funni who seemed to be completely bewitched by him. Alas! His comforts did not last long when the official's jealous main wife sold him to slavery when her husband was away at war with the Furuya.
Ahma was once again back on the streets. Away from the huge house that belonged to him, the stupid benefactor, and rich coffers. He was then bought for a thousand gold by Daichi just two months before he was presented in the court of Akihito. Daichi never wanted to buy, he was just too costly for a slave but he knew that he might be saved from the wrath of the Emperor for his late conquest and snitching from the spoils of war if he presented him with an interesting toy .
'That man would never concede to my seductions ….'Ahma thought hard. Akihito already had many pretty women by his side, especially his chief wife who was called to be fierce both in behavior and in bed. Malik could not even use his alluring body because Akihito was quite comfortable seeing his peculiarity.
'He is a tough nut to crack…' Ahma snorted.
"Ahma draw me a bath." Akihito's voice echoed in now a silent courtyard.
He came out from his chambers nothing but his pants on. Ahma gulped on seeing his ripped torso marred with battle scars. He looked at awe at his sculpted body. His black hair which was earlier hidden underneath the crown was straight and came till his lips in a line.
"At once Emperor…" Ahma scurried away in embarrassment.
"Oh, Lord! I saw something really salacious !!!" he whispered under his breath.
**
The cold bath was drawn by Ahma within a minute. Coldwater from the perennial river of Iragi felt cool on Akihito's skin. Ahma added some lavender oil to it that had a subtle smell. Akihito liked the feel of the fragrance in his nose. It was not strong like sandalwood that seemed to make his head burst. A passive smell was like a thin sheet of mist on a cold winter morning.
Akihito felt his muscles relax as Ahma massaged his arms and legs. Scrubbed his back and gently massaged his head.
Akihito felt a new fragrance tingling in his nose.
"What is this smell?" he asked from his drowsy state. It was more overpowering than sandal.
"Ahh…this? This is the smell of Frankincense. It came into my possession while my way to Iragi ." Ahma said while he showed the tiny bottle of Frankincense oil.
"So…how it is used?" Akihito asked.
"As a perfume. Its resin has medicinal properties too. If the Emperor wants, he could wear it to the court tomorrow." He smiled thinking that it was a chance to grab Akihito's attention and earn some benefits or else he would be stuck being a watchdog all his life while his beauty would slowly fade away.
"That can be done. Come early morning tomorrow to dress me up." Akihito smiled tenaciously on seeing the poor Ahma being caught in his own trap.
'Ah! …No my emperor! I will send this to one of your trusted servants that have morning duty tomorrow. I would even direct them on how to use it." he said flustered while flapping his arms, the fake smile on his face quivered.
"Come with the servant tomorrow morning and teach them how to use it in my presence me."Akihito wanted to tease Ahma more.
"As the Emperor wishes !" Ahma said his head drooped low.