So first for some context during the Sui Dynasty France wasn't really a thing. It was known as Frankish Kingdom and later it became France
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The opulence of Luoyang's red-light district belied the darkness that pervaded its heart. General Roderick Lamoree, a man of foreign descent with a striking appearance and an ironclad resolve, had ventured into this world of vice to witness the horrors rumored to transpire behind closed doors. His path led him to an extravagant pleasure house, where the true depths of human cruelty were on display.
The auction hall was a ghastly spectacle, where the rich and powerful placed bids for the most despicable of prizes: human suffering. At the center of the stage stood Vincent Charbonneau, a young boy with pale skin and dark eyes, shackled and vulnerable. His purity was stark against the opulent surroundings, and his fear was palpable.
The auctioneer's voice rang out, cold and calculating. "Tonight, we present a virgin from the Frankish lands. His innocence is as untouched as it is rare. Let the bidding begin."
Roderick's heart sank as he watched the proceedings. Each bid for Vincent's virginity was a brutal testament to the darkness that thrived in this place. Unable to stand idly by, Roderick stepped forward, his voice steady and commanding. "Five hundred silver pieces."
The room fell into stunned silence. The high bid made the other patrons uneasy, and the auctioneer's eyes glinted with curiosity. "Going once," he called, his gavel poised. "Going twice... Sold, to the General!"
Roderick approached the stage, his expression a mixture of resolve and pity. Vincent's eyes met his with a blend of fear and faint hope. As Roderick gestured for the attendants to unshackle the boy, he could see the trembling in Vincent's limbs, a physical manifestation of his dread.
Roderick guided Vincent away from the stage and into a private chamber, isolated from the main hall's revelry. He could not afford to let Vincent face further degradation or harm. As the door closed behind them, Roderick spoke with quiet urgency.
"You're safe here for now. But the only way to ensure your safety is to make a more permanent arrangement."
Vincent, though exhausted and terrified, looked at Roderick with a flicker of trust. "What do you mean?"
Roderick took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "I will take you in as my consort. It's the only way I can guarantee you won't be sold or harmed. You will live under my protection, and you'll be far from this place of horrors."
Vincent's eyes widened in surprise, his emotions a chaotic mix of relief and uncertainty. "Why would you do this for me?"
Roderick's expression softened slightly. "Because no one deserves to be treated like this. I have the means to offer you safety, and I won't turn away from someone in need."
The transition from the auction to Roderick's quarters was a strange mix of formality and intimacy. Vincent was given a comfortable room, furnished with soft silks and a warm bed, a stark contrast to the cold, harsh environment of the pleasure house. Roderick arranged for his personal servants to attend to Vincent's needs, ensuring he had everything to help him recover from the traumatic experience.
As days passed, Vincent adjusted to his new life under Roderick's protection. The initial tension gradually gave way to a tentative trust. Roderick was stern yet caring, treating Vincent with a respect that was foreign to him. The general's actions spoke of a genuine concern, and Vincent's gratitude grew into a deep-seated affection.
Vincent's feelings for Roderick evolved beyond mere gratitude. He admired Roderick's strength and the quiet compassion he showed. Each day, as they spent more time together, Vincent found himself drawn to the general in a way he had never anticipated. His feelings deepened into love, a powerful emotion born from the kindness and protection Roderick had provided.
Roderick, too, felt the shift in their relationship. Initially, his decision to take Vincent in was driven by a sense of duty and morality. However, as he witnessed Vincent's resilience and began to understand the boy's quiet strength, he found himself emotionally invested in the young man's well-being. The affection Vincent showed him was reciprocated with a growing warmth, and Roderick's initial resolve to offer protection slowly transformed into a desire for a deeper connection.
One evening, as they sat together in the garden of Roderick's estate, the soft glow of lanterns casting gentle shadows, Vincent took a deep breath and spoke softly. "I don't know how to thank you enough. You've given me more than protection; you've given me hope."
Roderick turned to Vincent, his eyes meeting the boy's with a blend of tenderness and seriousness. "You don't need to thank me. It was the right thing to do. But if there's something more you need, something I can give you beyond safety..."
Vincent reached out, taking Roderick's hand in his own. "I need you to know that I care for you deeply. My feelings for you have grown beyond what I ever expected."
Roderick's heart swelled at Vincent's words. He squeezed the boy's hand gently, a smile forming on his lips. "And I care for you as well. What started as a rescue has become something more meaningful. We'll navigate this together."
Their relationship, forged in the crucible of shared experiences and mutual respect, became a sanctuary amidst the shadows of the world they had left behind. Roderick and Vincent found solace in each other, their bond growing stronger as they faced the future together.
In the quiet moments they shared, surrounded by the peace and security of Roderick's home, they discovered that even in the darkest places, love and compassion could light the way forward. Their journey, though born of hardship, became a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the healing power of genuine connection.
Y'all deserve something short and sweet
