The moonlight spilled like cold milk through the long windows of Kyoren's chamber. He sat quietly by the window's edge, nursing the sting on his neck and arm. Blood had dried at the edges of the wound...sharp crescent marks from someone's nails. From his nails. Kirihito's.
Kyoren pressed a damp cloth to the bruised skin, flinching at the coldness. On his lap lay a thin lock of silver hair, slightly curled at the end...the only thing Kirihito left behind. He studied it with eyes full of ache and confusion.
"That yokai didn't even say his name,"
Kyoren murmured, as though the silence of the room might answer.
"Not which garden he's from. Just a genderless yokai… A snake, for sure. Those markings on his arms, spider lilies in bloom."
He hissed slightly—not in memory, but from the sharp pain as he dabbed his wound. His voice turned into a whisper, bitter and lonely.
"He doesn't even know himself. And maybe... neither do I."
He leaned against the cold windowpane, the wound now slowly darkening like a blooming bruise. Somewhere in the mansion, guqin and bamboo flute music played softly...his father, most likely, in discussion with another royal guest. That music, refined and haunting, only reminded Kyoren how distant his father was.
His thoughts drifted back to Kirihito's voice...the way he had said, "I at least don't hold on when I know I can't hold forever."
Those words hit harder than any blade.
Staring at the lock of hair again, Kyoren murmured to no one, "Why did you give birth to me, if you knew you couldn't love all of me?"
He was five hundred years old...young by yokai royalty standards. Still scolded like a child. Still expected to rule without flaw. His home was full of yokai servants, guards, nobles...but no family. His father was more a teacher, a judge. Never a parent.
Then, a knock at the door.
His muscles tensed, and the wet cloth slipped from his fingers.
"Enter," he called.
The door opened softly, revealing Yurei...his trusted fox-eared attendant...with a silver tray of food.
"I've heard you didn't eat dinner, Kyoren-sama," Yurei said, tone respectful but gentle. "So I brought it here myself. How are your wounds?"
Kyoren cleared his throat, subtly tucking the lock of hair into the drawer near him. But Yurei's eyes had already flicked toward it..just for a second. He didn't ask.
"I'm... better. The arm is fine. Neck, not so much."
Yurei nodded and set the tray down. "Don't starve, Kyoren-sama. Not tonight. We'd all worry."
"We?" Kyoren raised a brow, curious.
"Yes," Yurei said. "We all. The staff. The guards." Then hesitatingly, he added, "And me. Personally."
There was a pause...quiet, small, but heavier than the moon outside.
Kyoren's voice softened. "Thank you... for stepping in today. You broke my order..for my sake."
"It's an honor to protect you. No matter the command."
For a moment, Kyoren looked at him, really looked. Yurei wasn't just another servant. He'd stood by him quietly for years, but never asked for more than his duty.
"And your dream?" Kyoren asked suddenly.
Yurei blinked, ears twitching lightly. "My dream?"
"Yes. I never asked anyone before. But maybe... you deserve at least one question from me. After everything."
Yurei's tail stilled. "To serve at your side. Not as a guard. As your right hand."
Kyoren leaned back, the shadow of a smile pulling at his lips. "Then from tonight, you are."
Yurei gasped softly, bowing deep, the Chinese way....graceful and respectful. But Kyoren stood and gently stopped him with a hand on his arm.
"You don't have to bow to me like I'm something divine," Kyoren said, his voice low. "Only god deserve worship. We mortal yokais just live long..but maybe we die sooner than most."
Yurei stood up straight, his heart thudding visibly in his chest.
"I'm honored, Kyoren-sama... But..."
"But?"
"I... have a foolish wish."
Kyoren raised an eyebrow. "Say it."
"May I... embrace you? Just once. To know how it feels to hold gold."
The wind outside paused, as if listening. Kyoren hesitated...then stepped forward. "Gold is cold," he said, "but one honoring embrace won't hurt."
He opened his arms. Yurei stepped into them.
The embrace was quiet. Long. Yurei's head rested near Kyoren's shoulder, and Kyoren could feel the quick pulse of his heart.
"You're nervous," Kyoren murmured.
"A little," Yurei admitted.
"No need," Kyoren said. "I won't punish you for honesty."
When they parted, Kyoren touched Yurei's shoulder. "You've earned this. Not just the title. But my trust."
Yurei bowed again...lower this time, but not out of duty. Out of something else. ...Something rare....
"Thank you... for everything , kyoren Sama.. " Yurei said. "I won't forget this day." He raised and says before leaving " may you have a good night , kyoren Sama , sleep well and if you need anything just call me..I'll be there immediately as long as I'm alive " He bowed again , this time lightly then steps out of the room , closing the door .
As Yurei left, he whispered to himself, "He says gold is cold. But he's warmer than he thinks." smiles thoughtfully on his way
Kyoren sat back at the table, his fingers reaching for the food.
For the first time in days, he ate...in peace..even it was just a bit..
When the meal was done, he returned to the window. The moon was still there. Watching.
Kyoren reached for the lock of silver hair. Twisted it gently around his finger.
"Whatever you are," he whispered, his voice steady now. " I'll find out "
[ end of Chapter 05 ]