Shadows of Pale Sunlight

Ch 6: Mysterious

The emperor stirred from his sleep, attempting to roll onto his back but finding himself unable to do so because the enigma was behind him, hugging him tightly and asleep. The alpha tried to shift, feeling his left arm growing numb, but the enigma's hold remained firm as a statue's. He sighed, then frowned.

"Xhael, wake up"

And he felt the man buries his head on to his shoulder. "No, not yet."

"Xhael, we have been resting in bed for a day and a half now. Please, allow me to rise."

"Just a little bit more m’Lord.."

The man buried his head deeper into the emperor's shoulder.

"At least let me shift, Xhael"

".. ye'll run’way" the man slurred, eventually hugging him tighter,

"Xhael, I find it difficult to breathe. Please, release me." the emperor wiggled from the man's grasp, gasping.

The emperor received no reply, only the sound of snoring.

"Xhael, I would prefer not to resort to elbowing your rib cage if you kindly release me"

This time the emperor heard a chuckle, "My Lord, haven’t ‘ya been resting in bed for the past forty years, from what I’ve heard? So why the fuss? Just five more minutes, hmm?"

"I would prefer if we both rise now and make preparations to visit and take a look for my scent flower, as there is not much time left until my rut."

The emperor took his chance of sliding off from the man when the man loosen his grip.

"My Lord, why don't we just wait and search for it after yer rut?"

The emperor remained seated on his bed, casting a glance at the man lying comfortably on his stomach, who awaited his response before looking away.

"I have decided that I shall grant you your freedom after my rut."

He felt the man rise from beside him. "But My Lord, what about your pheromones? Wasn't our deal to awaken them?"

"It will be fine now that I have had the opportunity to smell the Rhododendron Leucaspis."

The Alpha was taken aback when the man grabbed his shoulder and pinned him to the bed. This time, the enigma appeared visibly annoyed.

"Releasing me before your pheromones are fully awakened would be premature. You think that's enough? Your pheromones need more than just a scent to awaken. You're not leaving my side until this is done right."

"You seem to have forgotten your place, Xhael. You will remain until I decide otherwise. My pheromones will awaken in due time, under my terms."

The alpha felt the others grip on his shoulder tighten.

"Your terms? Yeah, right—Your Majesty. You're keeping me here until my job's done. Your pheromones won't awaken without me, and that's not up for negotiation."

"Why do you persist in awakening my pheromones?"

Then the emperor felt the man's grip loosened and slammed them next beside the emperor's face.

"Because, Your Majesty, your pheromones ain't just some fancy scent. They're like your power pack, your mojo, your ticket to ruling this place like a boss. Gotta make sure you're at your best, got it?"

Alban stared at the man before turning on to his side with the enigma still atop him.

"You really are a mystery, Xhael." The emperor murmured.