PROLOGUE

He was wounded; the warmth of his blood oozing from the gaping wound at his side. He tried to stay upright and keep moving forward, but the cool mid-afternoon breeze was doing its best to knock him over. Grunting in pain, he continued to force one foot in front of the other. The palace stood just over the ridge, and if he could make it to the river then he could seek assistance from one of the farmers along the main road.

He stumbled through the heavily wooded area, reaching out to grab the nearest tree when his foot caught the edge of a root. Wrapping his left arm around the trunk, he fought to refocus his vision and keep his legs underneath him. He'd dislocated his right shoulder in the fray, and it now hung lifeless at his side. He chanced a step forward, releasing his grip on the tree. He made it two steps before he collapsed on the forest floor…

CHAPTER 1

The sound of splashing water tickled his ears, rousing Odairi from a deep slumber. He moved to sit up, but the pain in his side put him flat on his back again. When the splashing sound came again, Odairi lifted his head just enough to see over the footboard of the bed.

He found himself in a small, one room cottage. It was warm and cozy with the sweet scent of flowers filling the air. The narrow doorway was open, and for a second Odairi caught sight of someone moving outside.

Taking a deep breath, Odairi lifted himself up on his elbows and pushed his upper body off the mattress. As slowly and carefully as possible, he slid his legs over the edge of the bed. The floor was cold, but Odairi welcomed the coolness. He was overly warm and his skin felt hot to the touch.

Standing up was far more difficult, but Odairi managed to keep his balance and make it over to the table roughly halfway from the door. He rested a few moments then staggered over to the open doorway.

It wasn't until his hand touched the doorframe that Odairi realized confronting the person outside might be a bad idea. He was severely injured and had no weapon. But as quickly as the thought flittered across his mind, it was gone. He wasn't in any danger, and although Odairi wasn't sure how he knew this, it was a fact that resounded in the very core of his spirit. He was safe, and whoever his mystery savior was, they'd saved him from an almost certain death.

Odairi stepped out into the morning sun, looking around for the person he'd seen. The river caught his attention first; the crystal clear water rushing down from the mountains. Whoever owned this cottage not only chose an advantageous location, but a gorgeous one as well. But even with the stunning view before him, Odairi's eyes were immediately drawn to the person bathing at the river.

She knelt with her back to him; beautiful pale skin glistening in the sun as delicate hands moved methodically over her body. She was slender, and although she was sitting on the ground, Odairi could tell she was close to his height. He swallowed painfully; his throat suddenly dry. He ought to look away. It was what any gentleman would do. But when her slender fingers gently brushed at her short white locks, Odairi found he couldn't tear his eyes away.

His grip on the door frame tightened as he fought to stay rooted in place. He wanted to go to her; feel the warmth of her silken flesh. An involuntary groan slipped from his lips, alerting the woman to his presence. She turned, questioning pale pink eyes meeting his heated gaze.

"You shouldn't be up. Your wounds will reopen."

Odairi opened his mouth to reply, but no words came out. The woman wasn't a woman but a… man! Though his voice was light and airy, there was no mistaking his rescuer was male. And when he got to his feet to dry his naked body and redress, any doubts to that fact were quickly erased…

"I am called, Kintaro," he said, walking slowly towards Odairi. "I'm not sure how much you remember, but I found you close to the main road heading towards the palace. You were unconscious and gravely injured, so I brought you here."

"Thank you for your kindness," Odairi replied in a pained voice. "How long have I been under your roof?"

"Four days."

Odairi jerked at the response, crying out in pain and clutching his side at the simple action.

"You've most likely torn your stiches," Kintaro said, catching Odairi before he keeled over. "As I said, you shouldn't be out of bed."

Odairi allowed the man to escort him back inside. After setting him gently on the mattress, Kintaro set about removing the bandage around Odairi's torso and examining the wound.

"I'll have to re-stitch it," Kintaro confirmed, moving about the small cottage and gathering the items he needed, "but first I'll give you something to ease the pain."

"There's no need for that," Odairi grunted. "I'll be fine."

"Your bravery is admirable, emperor, but unnecessary. You need rest in order to heal, so I will give you something to make you comfortable and help you sleep."

"You know who I am?" Odairi asked, immediately suspicious.

"Yes, my lord. I've seen you once before in passing. It was during a visit with my former master to the imperial palace 6 years ago."

"That was a long time ago. To see someone once and still remember their face is…"

"You have a very memorable face, my lord," Kintaro replied, a slight blush filling his cheeks. "I could live a thousand years and never forget it."

Now Odairi was blushing. He averted his gaze, closely examining the pattern of the blanket on the bed. Kintaro was too pretty for words; prettier than any girl Odairi had ever laid eyes on. Though his mind rebelled at the idea of finding another male attractive, his body didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, he could feel his groin tightening at the thought of seeing Kintaro's flushed face as he thrust in and out of his supple frame…

"You needn't worry, Odairi-sama. I won't hurt you."

"No, I don't think you will," Odairi replied, regarding Kintaro carefully. "I suspect I'd already be dead if that were the case."

"I would never allow that to happen," Kintaro said.

Kintaro's voice was filled with a strange sort of conviction, and something about the tone made Odairi not only curious but even more aroused.

"Are you alright, Odairi-sama," Kintaro asked worriedly. "You look pale."

"Y-yes, I'm fine I just… May I have some water?"

"Certainly, my lord. Give me a moment and I'll fetch you some."

Odairi bowed his head in thanks, grateful for a brief chance to calm his body's unexpected reaction to Kintaro. If the male tried to re-stitch him now, there was no way he'd miss Odairi's bulging length. Thankfully a few minutes of deep breathing and a cool glass of water helped get his raging urges under control.

"Here you are, Odairi-sama," Kintaro said, taking the cup of water and handing him another filled with a spicy-scented liquid. "It'll burn on the way down, but the effects will be immediate."

Odairi nodded, downing the liquid in one gulp. It did burn, but in a soothing kind of way. Kintaro propped him up on the bed and set about re-stitching the wound. He was quiet and efficient; his skill on par with even the most experienced of healers.

Whatever Kintaro had given him was definitely working. Odairi could feel the pinch and tug of needle and thread, but there was no pain. All he felt was the brush of Kintaro's fingertips against his skin; the soft tickling sensation somehow heightened by the scent of Kintaro's hair and the steady sound of his breathing.

Odairi could feel his body responding once more. Unable to stop himself, he reached out and threaded his fingers with Kintaro's silky hair. The sudden touch startled Kintaro, but his hands remained surprisingly steady.

"M-my lord," Kintaro said in a small, nervous voice. "P-please don't…"

Odairi ignored the male, running his finger along the edge of Kintaro's ear and down to the tender flesh of his neck. "Perhaps this is the effects of the medicine you gave me, but I find myself very attracted to you. I'm overcome with the need to… touch you. Is this normal?"

Kintaro bit his lip, quickly tying off the string in an attempt to make an escape. Odairi managed to grab his wrist just in time.

"Did I frighten you?" Odairi asked apologetically. "I'm sorry if I did, it's just… I feel connected to you for some reason. I need to know if it's because of the medicine you gave me or… something else."

"You've been under the influence of several tonics, Odairi-sama. What you're experiencing now is no doubt a reaction to them."

"Are you sure, because…" Odairi paused; his vision blurring and his head spinning.

"I'll finish bandaging you once you've fallen asleep," Kintaro said, bowing to Odairi. "Rest now, my lord. The faster you heal, the faster we can get you home."

CHAPTER 2

Odairi woke up with a start, rolling to his side when he realized it was still night time. He'd been in Kintaro's care for close to two weeks now, and his daily and nightly routine consisted of eating, sleeping and getting his wounds cleaned and re-bandaged. He'd bathed for the first time that evening, allowing Kintaro to wash him in the river like a new born babe.

The memory of it instantly made his dick hard, just as it had been during the entire bathing session. Kintaro, gods bless him, pretended not to notice, but Odairi had to ask for a few moments of privacy in order to "take care of something."

Sadly, no amount of masturbation seemed to help his body's unnaturally intense reaction to Kintaro. It was so bad, Odairi refused to take anymore of Kintaro's homemade tonics in hopes it would calm his raging loins. To his dismay, it hadn't worked at all.

Odairi stared at Kintaro's sleeping form beside him. Until a few days ago, the male had been sleeping on the floor while allowing Odairi the bed. But since the bed was so large and could easily accommodate them both, Odairi insisted Kintaro take the other side. He didn't realize how big of a mistake it was until the first night they'd slept together.

Surrounded by Kintaro's delicious scent; his lithe form only inches away, Odairi hadn't been able to sleep since the moment they'd innocently started sharing the bed. Instead, he spent his nights staring at Kintaro, wondering why the man elicited such passion within him. Every day Odairi's desire grew, and though his interest in Kintaro was more than obvious, the male remained cool and distant.

How he wanted to touch his soft skin; taste the sweet nectar of his lips. He knew a man shouldn't feel such things for another man, but there, hidden away in the wild untamed forest, such desires seemed pure and innocent. Why couldn't he indulge his fantasy and take Kintaro for his own? He was an emperor after all, and such privileges were his by right. Not to mention, the land Kintaro lived on belonged to Odairi. Didn't that mean Kintaro belonged to him as well?

Kintaro chose that moment to open his eyes; the pale orbs shining brightly in the moonlight. His expression was one of confusion muddled by sleep. He lifted himself up, reaching out to press his hand to Odairi's forehead.

"Can you not sleep, Odairi-sama? Or do you feel unwell? If you'd allow it, I can make something to ease your discomfort."

"I am suffering, Kinta-kun, but not from any illness your potions can cure."

Kintaro's brow furrowed. "What is it that ails you, my lord? If there is something I can do, please let me know."

Odairi caught Kintaro's wrist just as he pulled his hand away. He pressed his lips to Kintaro's palm them pressed it to his cheek.

"You've bewitched me," Odairi whispered, closing his eyes and savoring Kintaro's touch. "There isn't a moment in the day when you don't consume my thoughts. I tell myself it's because we're here in this secret place, trapped with only each other for company. But the moment I convince myself to escape you and this enchanted cottage, my heart aches with thought of never seeing you again."

Once more, Kintaro tried to pull his hand away, but Odairi's grip tightened.

"Can't you see how much I want you?" Odairi whispered, meeting Kintaro's wide-eyed gaze. "Why do you insist on torturing me like this?"

"I would never do such a thing, my lord! Y-you are most important to me. I-I…" Kintaro froze, almost as if the words we were about to say terrified him.

"You what?" Odairi asked, tugging Kintaro closer.

"P-please, Odairi-sama. Do not make me say the words aloud."

Odairi's gripped tightened around Kintaro's wrist, causing the man's pale eyes to flash with fear.

He immediately released Kintaro's wrist, cupping his cheek. "Don't fear me, Kinta-kun," Odairi murmured, brushing his thumb across his delicate cheek bone. "I would never hurt you, nor would I force you to speak against your will."

"I-I'm not afraid of you," Kintaro insisted, "it's just…" he bit his lip, stopping midsentence again.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Kinta-kun. I will never forget the kindness you've shown me in our short time together."

"Y-you speak as if you're leaving!" Kintaro exclaimed; the desperation clear in his voice.

It was the first time Odairi had seen Kintaro's mask of indifference crack; the smallest shred of emotion slipping through. It made his heart skip a beat, unearthing a tiny sliver of hope. Still, it was too soon to tell if this "crack" would turn into something more…

"I can't stay here, Kinta-kun. It's too painful to remain by your side any longer. I want… no, I need to touch you. If I stay here, I'm afraid I'll…" Odairi stopped, unable to speak the terrible truth aloud.

"B-but your wounds! You're still…"

"They've almost healed completely. I should be well enough to travel to the nearest town. From there I will summon an escort from the palace and wait for their arrival."

"What about another attack?" Kintaro argued. "You were set upon once already by bandits. Who's to say it won't happen again?!"

"I was foolish that time," Odairi replied. "I deliberately wandered away from my guards, and because of my lack of awareness, I allowed myself to be attacked. I assure you, Kinta-kun, it will not happen again."

Kintaro was at a loss for words, looking as though he were frantically trying to think of any argument that would keep Odairi with him.

"The sun is almost up," Odairi continued, looking over at the open window. "I will prepare now, and leave at first light."

Odairi rolled off the bed, making his way out to the river to wash before packing his things. He could not bear to look at Kintaro any longer. Should he remain within the same walls as the white-haired enchanter, he would take him by force.

"O-Odairi-sama," Kintaro said, almost too softly to be heard.

Odairi paused mid-stride, turning his head just enough to see Kintaro in his peripheral. "What is it?" he asked.

"Don't leave. P-please…"

Odairi turned to face him. "Kinta-kun, I told you, I can't…"

Kintaro stood at the foot of the bed, slowly removing his garments. His entire body trembled under Odairi's gaze; each of his breaths short and erratic. It wasn't long before he stood naked in the waning moonlight.

"Kinta-kun, I…"

"I love you," Kintaro said; his hesitant gaze flitting from Odairi's face to the floor. "From the moment I saw you, I-I loved you."

"But…"

"I was nothing more than a retainer for my former master. I was loyal and dutiful, and I served him well. When he took a position in the palace, I followed him hoping to prove myself loyal."

"What happened?" Odairi asked, taking a step closer to Kintaro.

"I saw you," he replied, blushing unguardedly. "You sought my master's council, and during a royal visit I was allowed to accompany him. Not once did you glance in my direction, but the moment I saw you I couldn't look away."

"How could I not have noticed you?" Odairi asked in disbelief, taking yet another step forward.

"You are an emperor; those such as myself are beyond your purview. In your eyes I am nothing more than…"

"Perfect," Odairi answered, cutting him off. "You are perfect in my eyes."

"I-I yearned for your affection, but I knew you could never be mine. When my master learned of my feelings for you, he sent me away. He was afraid I would dishonor him should I stay at the palace. I know now that he was right. If I had stayed, I would've offered myself to you as I am now."

"And I would have accepted."

Kintaro shook his head. "You say that now, but we both know the truth. This place," he said, gesturing to the cottage they stood in. "It exists outside your world. There are no pressures here; no royal obligations to cloud your judgment. Given the burden of your title; back then and now, can you truly say you would've chosen me stand by your side?"

It was a question Odairi couldn't answer. The title of emperor came with great responsibility. Odairi knew that better than anyone. His advisors would not condone him taking a male lover, not when he needed to produce an heir.

"I want you," Odairi replied, "right here and now. I cannot say what I would do within the palace walls, surrounded by those who believe they know what's best for me. I can only speak the truth of my heart in this moment. These hands," he said, reaching out for Kintaro. "They want nothing more than to hold you."

"Then come and take me, my emperor. I belong to you. I've always belonged to you."

CHAPTER 3

Odairi felt clumsy and inept, grateful for Kintaro's firm lead in their passionate endeavor. He was familiar with the art of love making, but having never been with a man, he found his skills lacking.

Kintaro lay on the bed; his skin flushed and his chest rising and falling in rapid succession as Odairi's fingers delved into his body. Odairi watched in fascination as each stroke of his fingers brought Kintaro wave after wave of pleasure.

"O-Odairi-s-sama… please, I…" he clenched his teeth, fighting to hold back his climax. "More…" he begged. Kintaro spread his legs wide, holding his dripping hole open for Odairi to enter. "I need you… inside me…"

There is a point where instinct takes control; when the need for instruction or guidance is no longer necessary. Odairi climbed atop Kintaro's trembling body, cupping his face and pressing his lips to his lover's forehead.

"I'll be gentle," Odairi whispered. "As gentle as I can be."

"No," Kintaro responded, wrapping his arms around Odairi's neck and holding him close. "I want to feel you. I want you to mark me as your own and brand me with the force of your desire. I beg you, my lord. Make it so I never forget this moment."

Odairi couldn't resist his lover's desperate plea, slamming into him with such force he caused Kintaro to bite his lip hard enough to draw blood. Odairi leaned down, running his tongue across the small wound before pressing their lips together in slow, passionate kiss.

A shiver ran through Kintaro's slender frame as Odairi started his long, deep strokes. His hips moved in rhythm with Odairi; their carnal dance bringing them both closer and closer to release. Never had Odairi felt such exquisite pleasure. If heaven existed, he'd most certainly found it. It was hidden away in the warm, wet depths of Kintaro's beautiful body.

"I could spend eternity inside you, Kinta-kun," Odairi moaned.

"An eternity… I would h-happily… give…" Kintaro bit out.

"You're close, aren't you?" Odairi whispered, feathering Kintaro's brow and cheek with kisses. "I can feel you… tightening around me."

Kintaro couldn't reply, not with words. His nails sunk into Odairi's flesh; every muscle in his body straining as the force of his orgasm slammed into him.

"Oda… s-sama… I'm…"

Kintaro exploded all over them; his cum splattering his naked chest and flushed face. It was such an erotic sight; Odairi could no longer keep his own orgasm at bay.

"Kinta… kun… Can I…?"

"Cum inside me," Kintaro murmured, nipping Odairi's ear lobe.

It was incredible; a release so undeniably pure it brought Odairi to the very gates of Heaven. Kintaro wrapped his arms lovingly around Odairi's convulsing form, waiting until the last remnants of his climax passed.

"Kinta-kun, I… I want more."

Kintaro cupped Odairi's face, forcing him to meet his gaze. "You may take whatever it is you desire from me, my emperor. This night, I exist only for you." He rolled Odairi onto his back, climbing atop him. "I feel your desire growing once more, my lord, and with it my own."

Kintaro took hold of Odairi's cock, lowering himself onto his rock hard length. Odairi sucked in a sharp breath, taking hold of Kintaro's hips as he settled into a slow steady grind.

"I love you," Odairi whispered, pulling Kintaro down for a kiss. "I care nothing for thrones or titles. I want you, nothing more."

EPILOGUE

Odairi awoke filled with excitement and new hope. He and Kintaro had made love well into the morning, sleeping most of the day. The sun was already setting when he rolled over to pull Kintaro into his arms. To his dismay, he wasn't there…

At first there was no cause for panic. It was likely Kintaro was out bathing or gathering herbs for dinner. But when a thorough search of the cottage and grounds yielded no sign of his lover's presence, Odairi knew the truth. He was gone.

Odairi's things had been gathered neatly in the corner, and outside there was a horse prepared for travel. There was no note; no message telling him where his beloved had gone. It was as if Kintaro had been a ghost; there and gone before love had a chance to take root.

Odairi sat by the river in the exact same spot he'd first seen Kintaro. He tried to burn the image into his mind so he could carry it with him until the end of his days. Perhaps they would meet again; in this life or the next, but should that day never come, he wanted to make sure the memory of Kintaro was kept safe inside his heart.

Climbing onto the horse, Odairi took in the scene once more. The cottage and all its charm had somehow lost its magic. Without Kintaro and his quiet beauty, there was… nothing.

"Goodbye," he said aloud, hoping for a response but knowing one would never come.

Gathering the reins in his hand, Odairi nudged the horse forward. With a heavy heart, he made his way towards the main road and back into the world…

~END~