Shadows of Pale Sunlight

Ch 3: Cuddling

The next following days, as Xhael stayed seated in his usual place at the corner of the cell, some guards in a White Jinyiwei and Heuklip's went to his cell to announce something.

"The emperor has graciously ordered your release from this cell. You will be provided shelter within the palace walls and cared for until the remainder of your sentence is served. However, be advised that any attempt to escape during this time will result in immediate execution, as decreed by His Majesty."

After the guards in a White Jinyiwei informed him about this, he immediately stood up and bowed back to the army.

"Rest assured, I have no intention of dishonoring your majesties' generosity."

With that, the key to the cell unlocked the bars, and the cuffs attached to the chains fell from Xhael's hands. Rubbing his wrists, he followed the guards out of the cell. After getting out of the cell, some other guards started walking from behind Xhael, as if telling him he has no escape. But he does not plan to escape; after all, this was what he has been waiting for.

After walking through several dozens of cells that seemed familiar to him after just walking through here, they finally reached the main hall, leading them to a large door. The guards went to stand side by side on each side, giving the tanned man a walkway as two guards also opened the door for him, revealing a... Dressing room? Oh no.

The guards were side-eyeing him suspiciously as if they could tell that the man was trying to run, although he is indeed trying to run away. The man, in question, hates getting dressed up like a doll. While attempting to, a maiden spoke.

"We've been eagerly awaiting your presence, Xhael. Please, do come in. Let's freshen up a bit, and then you'll be all set to meet His Majesty."

Upon the mention of seeing his majesty afterward, Xhael walked in fastly inside the room with the guards closing the door from behind. Walking inside the room, the maidens pointed out the bathroom where an enormous bathtub that is already filled with a lot of sweet and musky scents at the water was located. The door closed behind him then he took off his harem pants wrapped with dry hay grass in a makeshift skirt. Before entering the water.

Usually, he hates showering, but if it means he can only meet his majesty when he's clean, then he gotta do so. Xhael watched as some flower petals float in the water in front of him, lifting his palm from under the petal to catch it only for it to slide down with the water. Xhael sighs as he slid his back down to the water until it reached his lips before making a gurgling sound with the water.

Thinking of the emperor, Xhael can't help but smile at himself; yer majesty considered my words huh?, that's just cute. The guy thought before fully submerging in the water and rising at it again in his two fits, scrubbing the rest of the dirt on his skin and it makes a pink bubble as he did so. Running a hand on his overgrown hair also before leaving the tub to clean himself with clear water before wrapping himself in a white robe, that is rather.. showing. Although his very private part is covered so he doesn't mind his chest as he usually wanders at places bear-chested.

Stepping out of the room, he was met with a single couch and the maidens smiling, seemingly waiting for him to take a sit on the couch. Taking a step forward, he sat on the couch, noticing a large mirror in front of him. Two maidens knelt at his side, lifting his foot onto a soft chair before cleaning and sanitizing it meticulously. Another pair of maidens attended to his fingernails, bringing a trolley with them. One maiden tended to his hair with scissors, combs, and sprays, while another applied various skincare products. Xhael sighed deeply, hoping the process wouldn't take too long.

And it didn't take long; they finished in just under forty minutes. Xhael was surprised but also grateful. He examined his freshly cut hair, which was previously overgrown but now reached just to his ears. They brushed the strands at his neck, and he admired his shining nails and clear complexion. He couldn't deny they had done an excellent job; he felt rejuvenated and looked brand new.