A Real Friendship
Kuei had no patience for the concubines paraded into his bedchambers.
He hated their waxed skin, unnaturally hairless. They shaved everything but the hair on their head, which they teased and styled till it resembled clay.
He hated their ghost-white painted faces with red lips the color of blood. They looked like demons sent to suck his soul.
He hated the scheming in their eyes, how they all dreamed of bearing a son and ruling the palace. He could see them counting the days till they would be mistress of the palace.
Most of all, he hated their endless prattle. He had no mind for their idiotic thoughts on the comings and goings of the court. If he wanted to know something, he'd ask Long Feng.
Kuei was happiest on cold nights when his bear, Bosco would snuggle with him. Bosco was furry and warm, a natural state of brown. There was no scheming in his eyes, just undying love and devotion.
Best of all, Bosco's speech consisted of contented growls, which said more things of interest than any human could.
"Why can't it just be you and me?" Keui asked each time. "You are the only one who understands me."
And Bosco always knew to lick his face and paw him lightly, the perfect answer.