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Lord Kenshi was a hard man, harsh and cruel with little mercy in his heart to spare for those who didn't conform to his standards. However, his father had arranged a marriage between a nobleman, a noble who uses his power and privilege to pursue a homosexual hedonistic life. Both lived a different life, a different lifestyle than each other. But the stars have spoken, aligning themselves to toy with their destiny once more. Will love blossom? Or will they continue to drift apart?
The winter wind blew across the land, caressing the branches and leaves of the trees that surrounded the clearing that contained the emperor's cabin. Snowflakes danced around in tiny particles, swirling around in intricate patterns, creating a beautiful picture. The young Lord looked up at the sky, watching as a white feather flew above the treetops, twirling gracefully in midair. He closed his eyes briefly, relishing the feeling. For a moment he felt almost happy.
The royal guard's voice broke into his reverie. "My apologies, Lord Kenshi, I didn't want to disturb you."
"That's quite alright, Akane," replied Kenshi, sitting up slightly so his feet could rest on the ground. "It's not often that the snow falls this heavily, so my curiosity has been aroused." He opened one eye to glance at the man standing beside him. "What did you wish to report?"
An uneasy expression crossed Akane's face. His gaze dropped, unable to meet Kenshi's eyes. "I'm afraid there may be bad news, my Lord." The guardsman said quietly. "I just returned from the palace."
Kenshi frowned deeply at the man. "And what happened there, Akane?" he asked, keeping his tone level and emotionless despite the urgency in his voice.
Akane seemed hesitant. Finally, he looked down and met Kenshi's gaze. "The council has been demanding for you to participate in this year's mating season."
"Of course." Kenshi replied calmly. "The entire council seems convinced I must do so before the next full moon. I had already thought on it; I've no intention of following their wishes, and they know this, which is why they're forcing me to comply with their demands. They're not the first ones to have demanded that of me either, and most likely won't be the last."
"Yes." Akane acknowledged. "But they were particularly adamant this time. There's something strange going on here, my Lord; there's something amiss with this entire situation, and I don't think we should take the slightest hint to be complacent or negligent."
Kenshi nodded grimly. "We'll keep our guards doubled throughout the next few days, then. Any sightings of anything suspicious will be reported immediately."
His manservant nodded solemnly. "Right away."
He watched as the man turned to leave, the sound of his soft footsteps fading into the distance. As soon as he could no longer hear them, he sighed, closing his eyes again, resting his head against his knees as he gazed up at the sky. How nice it would be if everything could stay just like this. As much as he wished for it, things were far from ideal. He knew it wasn't right to wish such things, but he couldn't help himself. It was so tempting, when all he wanted was to forget the worries plaguing his mind, to let go of his responsibilities for a little while.
••••••••
"We must embark for the capital of Risukuma at once, if we are to arrive before sundown."
A cold breeze rustled through the trees, blowing snow across the ground. Cold morning light illuminated the clearing, the snowfall making its way to the ground as well. Two figures stood in the center, gazing up into the cloudy sky.
Kenshi wore a traditional red robes and white haori, his silver locks tumbling over his shoulders. His lips pursed, his hands clasped behind his back. He had grown accustomed to the harsh winters and the bitter cold. Though, even with the warmth of winter slowly creeping into spring, he still found it unbearable. He could only imagine how the lowborn had fared during the freezing weather.
"You can see the storm clouds gathering from the north." Said Akane. Kenshi nodded in agreement, squinting his eyes in effort to try and make out some kind of detail on the horizon.
"The weather is too unpredictable today. If we are to depart without delay, we will need to get underway now." Kenshi continued. His voice was cool, calm, steady.
His tone matched his actions perfectly, and the two male nodded in response. They mounted their horses, pulling the reins gently so they wouldn't bolt. Their mounts had been trained by several trainers from many years ago, and the training had been invaluable in the recent months since they began traveling. Even though the journey to the capital was long and arduous, Kenshi and Akane had grown used to the constant danger that accompanied it.
In spite of their caution, however, the journey to Risukuma was relatively quiet, and that suited the young lord very much. They arrived in the city three days after they left the cabin, and the city was filled with noise and activity. People bustled everywhere, their movements frantic and chaotic.
The day had finally come to visit the city of Risukuma. Kenshi and his retinue stood on the gate of the Shirakawa household. They dismounted from their horse and handed the reins to a pair of servant that waited outside for them.
"Your Highness," The servants bowed respectfully. "Master Shin is waiting for you in his chamber."
Kenshi nodded, and they lead him inside, passing by many people on their way there. Finally, they reached the door to his study and knocked softly before entering. "Enter," came the deep voice from inside.
The room was decorated with various artworks and scrolls. A large fireplace was set near the centre of the room, flames crackling merrily in the fireplace as they fed off the wood. Beside the fireplace sat Shin, dressed in a plain grey kimono and reading a book.
"I'm glad you got here safely." He said, setting his book aside. He walked towards the young Lord and bow his head in greeting. "It's been a very long time since we've last seen each other, Your Highness."
"Lift your head, Shin." Kenshi instructed. "No need for formalities between us."
Shin complied. "As you wish, Your Highness." He said, bowing once more. Kenshi noticed that something was slightly different about the man; he appeared to be somewhat paler than usual, although not noticeably so.
"Are you well? You appear to be rather pale." Kenshi commented casually.
He saw a look of panic flash momentarily through Shin's eyes before vanishing just as quickly, and Shin hid his reaction with a polite smile. "I'm perfectly fine, Your Highness." He replied, trying to sound unaffected. "I have simply been working late nights lately, and I haven't gotten much sleep these past few weeks. That's all there is to it."
"I will let you rest then." Answered Kenshi, turning to leave. But before he could take another step, Shin collapse in front of him. Kenshi caught the man before he hit the ground, placing him gently on the bed. "You are too careless." Kenshi admonished, kneeling at the side of his old friend's body and inspecting him. "I don't understand, Shin; you always seem so alert and ready to fight at any given moment. What is wrong?"He questioned, his eyebrows furrowed in worry.
He placed a hand on his forehead to feel for fever; he felt none. Shin's eyes remained shut, and he breathed deeply. Kenshi shook his head and grabbed a nearby blanket, draping it over him. "Rest for now, Shin." He whispered, straightening up and walking over to the door. Before leaving the room, he paused and glanced at the prone figure lying on the bed. "Please take good care of yourself." He murmured, and left the room, shutting the door gently behind him.
'Do you still hate the winter?' The words echoed through his thoughts as he left the bedroom. 'Or you have come to know spring.'
Detective Maria Rodriguez has been investigating the notorious mafia boss, Salvatore "The Don" Russo, for years. Despite her best efforts, she has never been able to gather enough evidence to put him away for good. However, when a series of brutal murders shake the city and point to the mafia's involvement, Maria knows this is her chance to finally take down the man she's been chasing for so long. But as she gets closer to uncovering the truth, she finds herself drawn to Salvatore in ways she never expected. Will she be able to resist his charm and bring him to justice, or will she fall under his spell and compromise everything she stands for?
This is a random oneshot smut story. 🔞: Please be advised that this story contains sensitive content, matured themes, and strong language that are not suitable for young audience. Reader discretion is advised.
Five years ago, he upped and left his wife without informing her. He had always felt unworthy. As a result, he decided to go and become a better man. It took him five whole years of daily hard work. When he was satisfied, he returned as a powerful and honorable man. He intended to start a family with his wife. But he got back to meet the greatest shocker of his life. He actually had a daughter!
She was a diamond covered by ashes.... King Dakota was known as the most Powerful Alpha King of all times - more powerful than any other King that had ruled from his lineage. He was cold hearted, introverted and dangerous in anger. Cursed by the Moon goddess, King Dakota had to get married to three wives all in search of a male child that would become his heir, but it was impossible as the curse would only let his wives bear she -wolves. But on a different day, the King meets a lady who offends him and as a punishment, he took her home as his fourth wife. Her name was Shilah. Shilah was a powerless wolf and as a result, was disregarded and intimidated by all. But, when she begins to do things that the King had never felt for years, he began to wonder who she really was. Slowly, she crawled her way into his icy heart and turned out to be something nobody ever expected - a storm.
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
"You're a creepy bastard." His eyes smolder me and his answering grin is nothing short of beautiful. Deadly. "Yet you hunger for me. Tell me, this appetite of yours, does it always tend toward 'creepy bastards'?" **** Widower and ex-boss to the Mafia, Zefiro Della Rocca, has an unhealthy fixation on the woman nextdoor. It began as a coincidence, growing into mere curiosity, and soon, it was an itch he couldn't ignore, like a quick fix of crack for an addict. He didn't know her name, but he knew every inch of her skin, how it flushed when she climaxed, her favourite novel and that every night she contemplated suicide. He didn't want to care, despising his rapt fascination of the woman. She was in love with her abusive husband. She was married, bound by a contract to the Bratva's hitman. She was off-limits. But when Zefiro wanted something, it was with an intensity that bordered on madness. He obsessed, possessed, owned. There'd be bloodshed if he touched her, but the sight of blood always did fascinate him. * When Susanna flees from her husband, she stumbles right into the arms of her devilishly handsome neighbour with a brooding glare. He couldn't stand her, but she needed him, if she was ever going to escape her husband who now wanted her dead. Better the devil you know than the angel you don't. She should have recalled that before hopping into Zefiro's car and letting him whisk her away to Italy. Maybe then, she wouldn't have started an affair with him. He was the only man who touched her right, and the crazy man took no small pains in ensuring he would be the last.
Rena got into an entanglement with a big shot when she was drunk one night. She needed Waylen's help while he was drawn to her youthful beauty. As such, what was supposed to be a one-night stand progressed into something serious. All was well until Rena discovered that Waylen's heart belonged to another woman. When his first love returned, he stopped coming home, leaving Rena all alone for many nights. She put up with it until she received a check and farewell note one day. Contrary to how Waylen expected her to react, Rena had a smile on her face as she bid him farewell. "It was fun while it lasted, Waylen. May our paths never cross. Have a nice life." But as fate would have it, their paths crossed again. This time, Rena had another man by her side. Waylen's eyes burned with jealousy. He spat, "How the hell did you move on? I thought you loved only me!" "Keyword, loved!" Rena flipped her hair back and retorted, "There are plenty of fish in the sea, Waylen. Besides, you were the one who asked for a breakup. Now, if you want to date me, you have to wait in line." The next day, Rena received a credit alert of billions and a diamond ring. Waylen appeared again, got down on one knee, and uttered, "May I cut in line, Rena? I still want you."