FIRE

FIRE 17

"Apologies, Great Emperor! But no Healers can heal his scars! Please! Believe me and spare my life! I cannot heal his burns but I can lessen his sufferings!"

That last bit caught the furious Emperor's interest. Sitting down, he stared at the kneeling old man. "Continue."

"Thank you Great Emperor! Thank you thank you!"

Almost irritated, the Great Emperor pressed. "Speak."

"Yes, my apology Great Emperor! His wounds, old as they are, were not properly treated. It will cause him permanent discomfort and ache should he let it be. I can heal him with some herbs and massages. With time, he will not suffer the effect of his wounds ever again."

"But his miseries... They will remain?"

"I'm afraid yes, Great Emperor. But I know of a way to soften his scars. At the very least, they will not be as offending as they are now."

"Beware of your words, lowly servant!" The Great Emperor roared, drawing his sword so quick the old man gasped as it was suddenly pressed against his wrinkled neck. "How dare you shame him?!"

"Apologies Great Emperor! Forgive me! Please forgive me! I do not mean to slight his being! Please spare me my life!"

Seemingly conflicted, the Royal Advisor Shim finally break his silence. "Spare him his life, Great Emperor. We need him to make true of his words. Should he lie, I will gladly make certain of a terrible death for him."

"Very well. Guards! Bring him and his family to his chamber. Protect them tonight. Make ready anything he ask for. He must be well and prepared at all times. And you, old man, should your promise be broken and he still suffer, I will punish you and your loved ones severely."

"Yes, Great Emperor!"

The Royal Advisor Shim smiled. It had been so long since he last saw his Emperor's mercy. Indeed, the Crown Prince of Yani's return had brought his Emperor's heart back to him.

"Our Army's fast aproaching. Is there any changes to your previous plan?"

"No." The Great Emperor shook his head, his expression soured greatly. "We will continue as planned. I will have Yani by tomorrow morning. My beloved will surely be furious with me but I cannot forgive Yani's betrayal. They will suffer."

"The Queen and Prince?"

"I still want them alive. Without any wounds even, if possible. I do prefer to inflict pain on them in front of the whole of Yani myself."

"As you wish, Great Emperor."

"Make sure my beloved's family well protected tonight. I do not wish for them to be caught in this war. I will have to see my love now to try and explain the situation. Wish me luck, my friend." The Great Emperor chuckled, seemingly amused at the possibility of arousing his beloved's anger. His lover had not woken up when the Healer was brought, no doubt exhausted after their intense coupling last night and he felt no guilt about it. His thirst for him had been insatiable after all this time. It was only with great effort he finally stopped and resisted to tire the man even more.

"I will ask for food to be sent to your chamber then."

"Yes, that would be great. He will be more agreeable with food I supposed. Ah, tell them to prepare the finest cocoa. He does adore that particular treat. I still remember his reaction when he first tasted that bitter thing though I doubt he'd had any since he left the Academy."

"Yes, Great Emperor."