Rootless Tree

Part 3

 Amar barely moved his lip; a mere mumble escaped the corners.

“You know better than to bring them here…If she has been seen, they will come with questions, when she does not return.” He scolded in a feather soft tone. His fingers were dainty as they curled under Amar’s chin and lifted his face off the cold floor, forcing Amar to look at him. “Did anyone see her come here?” He asked once more in a way that was still gentle but held a firmness, leaving no doubt as to the sincerity of the question.

As tear rolled from the corner of Amar’s eye he shook his head lightly within Shi’s palm as to not make him be asked once more. Though Shi was always patient with Amar, he did not like to repeat himself and Amar had not the energy nor the strength to test such patience tonight.

“Good.” He whispered, nodding ever so slightly as he spoke. “Good.”

He drew a bath as he had many times before, even with the hour as late as it was Shi seemed more indulged then obligated to tend to Amar. He filled the tub with hot water, fine oils and rose petals. Gently plucking every red velvet petal from its core and letting it fall through his fingers, gliding down to the still water below, causing just a slight disturbance on its surface before it returned as it was. Everything he did was done in such a careful, meticulous manner making clear his affections for the Prince. Soon the scent of lavender, chamomile, violets and other calming scents filled the room, easily erasing the stench of blood and shame. Delicately he took off Amar’s clothes and held him close before easing him into the tub. “My prince…my prince…whatever will I do with you.” It was barely a question. He cooed into his ear as he positioned himself behind the tub, kneeling. He lifted a sponge and dipped it into the steaming water then let the liquid roll onto Amar’s shoulders slowly before rubbing it into his fair skin, causing the water to take many paths down the prince's shoulder blade and back, making a path before returning to its source.

The groans and whines of Amar’s past transgressions lingered in his ears as he tried to relax, though his mind objected. He could see the shadows moving from the different corners of the room and collecting around them. “Don’t let them come for me...” He whispered almost too quietly to be heard, his chin dropping to his chest as if he no longer held the will to keep it upright. He was afraid in his weakened state they may actually come for their vengeance as they had failed many other nights.

“They know better than to come near with me here.” Shi smiled devilishly as his pale pink eyes flickered into a metallic glaze; he looked over his shoulder to the ghouls lurking in the shadows. Though he could not see them it was known to Amar that the specters did indeed seem distant when Shi was close. They sunk deeper into the darkness so to avoid his silver stare. As Shi’s orbs shifted back to Amar they were once again the color of cherry blossoms. His skin was more pale then Amar’s; a heavenly ivory, his blonde hair nearly white, his lips blush. He looked like a moving statue, breathing life; perfect and without a single imperfection on his flawless features.

Shi took his time in cleaning Amar; his fingers never missing the chance to caress across the bare flesh of Amar’s shoulders, neck and chest. He intricately cared for each and every pore of the prince's skin. Amar did not reject his touch but did not favor it as much as Shi did; still he allowed it. These simple acts and sensations placated the beast; keeping it at bay for the time being.

“She didn’t love you.” Shi spoke matter of fact.