The Emperor's Shadow

Chapter One

The emperor was a kind man. Perhaps a bit intense at times but only to those who had already overworked his patience. As a servant in his palace, I heard nothing but praise for him even in the backrooms and pantries among the lowest of slaves.

The palace was an excellent place to be employed. The wages were generous; the boarding was fair; even the uniforms left little improvement to be desired. Rules were rigid, and reprimanding was ruthless, but I'd never had harsher punishment than relentless scolding of the Head Eunuch.

I worked as a eunuch for the Emperor. Previously I had been assigned to his younger brother, but after the incident, I was reassigned to His Majesty's entourage. Days were long and hot, and my back ached constantly from the necessary bowing, but otherwise, my situation could not have been better, especially not for someone of my origin.

I was not born in the Empire. I was captured and enslaved at a young age in one of the many conquests of the former emperor. I was brought to the palace where I worked tirelessly to improve my situation. By the time I turned 16 I was able to buy my freedom, and through recommendations, I received a job working as a servant until I was able to climb my way to my current occupation. As it turns out, they were all too welcoming of eunuchs with no need to be castrated. However, everyone could know my past just by looking at me. My strange hair texture and skin tone were easy to pick out in a crowd, and the way I was addressed showed for it. The Empire may be advanced in technology, but their superiority complex towards foreigners was prevalent. Thankfully, after I had shown my work ethic and prowess for my age I was typically regarded with more pleasant attitudes.

My job usually consisted of remaining in a permanent bow unless I was given explicit orders. We made the Emperor's bed, dressed him, fixed his hair, checked for poison in his food, and otherwise acted like his shadow from the moment he rose to the first snore every night. Despite our constant presence, he generally did not pay attention to us. I couldn't blame him. If I were to have not a single moment in solidarity I would likely lose my sanity. At least he never regarded us rudely. I knew that the eunuchs and handmaids of other imperial family members were not so fortunate.

I had been his eunuch for all of twelve days before our encounter.

I was carrying the Emperor's robes to be washed while he bathed as per the Head Maid's instructions when someone ran into my back, causing the basket and myself to fall to the wooden floor of the bathhouse.

My first concern was obviously the priceless ceremonial robes I had been carrying that thanks to my meticulous folding and careful placing were still safely nestled in the basket. I sighed in relief after realizing that I wouldn't be whipped for ruining the Emperor's clothes. My attention quickly turned to the person who had accosted me with fiery wrath and the intent to give a stern scolding.

"Do you have any idea what I was carrying? The Head Maid and Eunuch would tan both of our hides if-"

Only then did I look up from my precious basket to search for the culprit. My brow furrowed as I swept the room only to come up short.

"Where did you-" I was cut off by the sound of a desperate whimper from a corner in between a pile of towels and the wall.

The furrow deepened as I cautiously moved to see who was hyperventilating so desperately as if the whole earth didn't have enough air to satisfy them. With silent steps, I finally was able to poke my head behind the towels to see a very naked man dripping in soap, water, and terror. His long dark hair was a stringy mess all around him as he tried to cover his head with his giant arms. If the poor soul hadn't been shivering in both fear and chills I would have snickered at the sight of such a large human trying to cram himself in such a small space.