A Crown of Lilies and Regrets (MxM)

Chapter 3

As good as the food was, Mikael didn't get very far until he felt full. He forced himself to finish half the plate so that Nikolson would be happy.

Feeling incredibly bloated, Mikael turned to the lord who was staring at him thoughtfully. Mikael still felt self conscious, but he was growing used to the man's powerful stare. Nikolson swiped at some crumbs that were on the corners of Mikael's mouth.

Mikael never once cowered at his touch or felt disgusted by his smell. He watched as Nikolson licked the crumbs of his finger, this made Mikael blush immensely.

"Come, it's time to bathe and rest." The lord spoke in a soft tone. Mikael looked at Nikolson's plate and noticed that it had barely been touched. He gazed at the lord with confusion. Nikolson blinked before responding,

"Watching you eat was enough to make me feel full." He said kindly. Evidently, the young boy didn't take it as such because he blurted,

"I'm sorry for eating so much!" He continued to mumble all kinds of self-loathing words to help himself. Nikolson covered the demon's mouth to get him to stop talking.

"I didn't mean it like that?" He said harshly. But when he saw Mikael's rear glistened eyes he took a deep breath and softened his tone. "What I meant was, I'm happy to see you eat. I hope to see you eat more than just a plate in the future." He smiled softly at the boy and wiped his tears. "Now then, let's go."

He stood up and Mikael followed him. It was then that Mikael noticed that everyone else was already gone. Does he have that much of an effect on me. I didn't even think about all the scents of everyone while we ate.

They walked upstairs and a maid was waiting outside the lord's room. She bowed her head in respect. The girl had curly brown hair, a round body, and a judgmental stare. Of course, that state wasn't aimed at Nikolson.

"My lord, your bath is ready." She informed his in a sophisticated voice. Nikolson nodded his head in acknowledgment.

"You are dismissed." The girl bowed and scuttled away, glaring at Mikael when she passed him. Mikael shrunk into himself.

The two entered the chamber and Nikolson took Mikael over to the tub filled with hot water. Mikael stared at the lord with confusion and a glint of fear in his eyes.

"You should bathe." Nikolson gestured to the tub, "I assume you wish to do so alone. I will give you your privacy, just call for me when you're done." Nikolson turned to leave. Mikael grabbed his arm swiftly. Nikolson raised an eyebrow and Mikael flushed.

"I-i, um. I-i don't know..." Mikael went quiet, face getter even more red. Nikolson just waited, encouraging him to continue. "I... don't know how to bathe myself." He got even more quiet with every word. Nikolson blinked, processing the new information.

"Would you like me to get a servant to help?" Nikolson asked and Mikael shook his head. "Are you okay with me helping you?" Mikael nodded his head, staring at the ground. "All right, I'll help you."

Nikolson stepped toward the tub and Mikael held back.

"Would you like me to turn my back as you undress and get into the water?" The lord asked the young demon. Mikael slowly nodded his head, which seemed to be a reoccurring thing.

Nikolson turned his back toward Mikael and listened as the young man shuffled about. He heard some occasional pauses and eventually heard the sound of light splashes.

"Y-you can turn around now." He heard ever so quietly. He turned around and forgot to breathe for a second. The young demon was curled in a ball in the tub. The boy's skin was very pale, especially in contrast to Nikolson's tan complexion.

He was very beautiful. Nikolson looked a little more and saw just how skinny the boy was. No wonder the plate of food overwhelmed him, he looks like he's barely eaten a day in his life.

Nikolson thought of all the food he was gonna feed the young demon to fatten him up. Mikael squirmed under the lord's gaze and Nikolson instantly looked away.

"I apologized, that was very rude of me. I did not mean to stare." Mikael sunk his underwater so just his eyes were not submerged. He stared at Nikolson who stared back at him. Nikolson took a deep breath before stepping toward the young demon. Mikael didn't flinch or shy away from him.

That's a good sign. Nikolson thought. The lord picked up a very fancy bottle that emitted a fragrant smell. He poured some of its contents into his hand and started to massage it into the young man's hair. He slightly jumped at the surprise of being touched, but he quickly relaxed.

The fingers massaging his scalp felt nice. Mikael didn't know if he'd ever felt this nice. The dimly lit room, the warm water, the gentleness from the older man. It was all a bit too much. Mikael heavily relaxed into Nikolson's touch.

Why is his different from everyone else's? Mikael thought, but got distracted when Nikolson spoke.

"Arms up." Mikael obediently raised his arms and froze as Nikolson lathered his arms and torso in soap. The smell was the same as Nikolson's.

He's using the soap he uses on me. The demon realized. The lord continued to bathe Mikael. There was a peaceful silence.

"Mikael, I've finished." Nikolson lightly shook the young demon's shoulders. Mikael groaned and shifted slightly.

It seems he fell asleep while I was washing him. Nikolson watched the sleeping figure in silence. He's so defenseless while he sleeps. His small frame is so delicate, I feel I could snap if I'm not careful.

He picked up the sleeping Mikael in his arms and gently dried him off and put him in bed. It's good that he's sleeping so soundly. Under the assumption that he was a slave for most of his life, I doubt he ever got a good sleep.

Thinking of all the times that Mikael woke up screaming or crying, Nikolson thought it better not to leave him alone.

"Mr. Unger," the lord called softly. The bedroom door cracked open and Mr. Unger gave Nikolson a kind smile.

"Yes, Lord Vallery?" He responded softly.

"Bring my paperwork up to my chambers, I'll be working here tonight." Nikolson ordered. Mr. Unger bowed his head.

"Right away, Lord Vallery." The door shut softly and Nikolson looked at the sleeping demon next to him.

I don't want to work right now.