The Emperor is Strange (Pafp) (BxB)

Yeah same roles, unless you want to swap

Name: Aspen

Age:20

Today was a busy day in the castle, the families in higher positions gathering to offer their daughters up to the emperor in hopes of having a high place in the harem as well as get more on the Emperors good side. The Empress seat beside him was empty after all, and the power hungry people were eager to get their own blood lines mixed with that of fresh royal blood. Currently the harem held no one, remaining empty the five years the kingdom had gotten on its feet. In such a short period of time the Emperor had shown up and built the kingdom back up from it's previous ruins. Now, though a small country, is growing and is known by its high class fighters and the unusual and brutal way they go in battle. The other kingdoms are only becoming aware of it now and it's citizens consist of those left from the ruins and who have run away from their own country for a better life and fresh start, especially with the many jobs available and opportunities.

Their is much potential in this kingdom as seen by many, thus many search to get high in rank and on its good side. Especially when this young man in such a short time rebuilt the kingdom after years of it dying due to its financial fall. The Emperors money coming from the lands he regained through battle as well as a secret treasure obtained due to venturing down to the cave of no return and..well returning.

The castle needed more staff to handle taking care of the castle be it cleaning, cooking, serving, guarding etc. So it was not to hard to enter the castle and end up with a job for the day. The food was being served, and when no one was looking someone in the shadows took a chance to slip something into the Emperors food. Well, one person had gone unnoticed.

The Emperors usual meal consisted of his favorite, which was lots of meat, preferably raw, and sometimes some fruit and bread to balance things out. So when the plate which seemed to be similar to a veggie plater with a few fruits, Aspen rose an eyebrow. He wondered if perhaps the kitchen messed up or if this was something to test his patience. He specifically told the kitchen to make sure things were mostly meat, this wouldn't satisfy him at all and being hungry would make it easier to fall into irritation or rage. He was not one to have a very solid hold on his emotions, especially wrath. Ever since taking over the kingdom he has practiced better control to avoid destroying things in rage and dealing with what needed to be done better. Little things never get him truly angry, when really angry it is usually a build up or big enough reason and he listens to no reason.

He was slouched forward, blond hair let down loose following his head movement as he looked over at the servant who had brought his food. The face of the servant looked new to him, though lately many did as so many were signing up for jobs here. He wasn't a very harsh person for mistakes like this, as he never really put himself on a very high pedestal due to having been a child of a slave.

"Hey, kid. You brought the wrong plate here, I am not exactly a fan of...this rabbit food. I see your new, so you probably didn't know but the plates are color coded. The blue grey one is for me." separated mostly to avoid serving guests raw meat. He never worried for things like poisoning since due to how he grew up as a child, his body was immune to most poisons. Not that anyone was aware as he never talked much about his past.

He picked up the plate to hand back to the him, "Take this back and bring me the blue grey plated one."

I just didn't want to serve you dead.That line felt some what humorous to Aspen, and the fact this servant went out of his way to switch the plates to avoid him being poisoned is interesting. He had not even gone out of his way just to mention the food was poisoned, only saying so due to being questioned which made it feel he wasn't searching for favor. Plus angering who ever tried to poison him, it was actually a risk to the servant themselves for ruining their plans. The servant kept a very formal tone, and now that Aspen looked closer, had a very interesting appearance as well. He was not bad looking compared to most of the other servants and even nobles. That and the fact that when Aspen looked into his eyes, a striking blue violet, he didn't see any malice or ulterior motives. Simply it being as said, not wishing to serve him dead.

"Is that so...where is that plate now? Also, what is your name, kid?" He stood up, looking down at Theodore standing quite the amount feet taller then the servant boy. Blue eyes staring straight into his unblinking, locked onto the boy who took action to save his life, and seemed to have this air about him he had never encountered before. This boy interested him, the poisoning attempt something he would deal with in a bit as though it wouldn't hurt him, he did not take kindly to people after his life.

"It has? Such a shame. Although smart of you to discard it I would have enjoyed saving it to make the person who poisoned it eat it." It would have been a suitable punishment for the one who tried to kill him, he would need to arrange his shadow guards to hunt down the one who decided to do it. Considering they may have seen as well, perhaps they are already on the one who did it's trail.

Incase they didn't though, and perhaps it was one of the guests here, "Well, as long as I can rip them apart and make them suffer it is enough to appease my anger on the matter. But the more attempts...I should show a bit more how bad idea it is to want my life" He then proceeded to stab the knife which had been on the plate into the table, making a loud clang sound in the quiet room where everyone was now focused on them.

He looked around the table, before back at Theodore. "You have good eyes it seems, as well as devoted to your task. Why not serve me personally from now on? Keep an eye on my food and what not," He then leaned over, his voice quieter so only he could hear. " I will be sure to give you a prize for your actions, you can be my personal servant with a higher salary or take a grand prize that will last you for many years and return home away from the castle" This boy put an effort to save him, so he would give him a place by his side or at home where things would be safer, well depending on the poisoner it could be more dangerous at home, but for sure was dangerous by his side considering attempts like this due tend to happen who knows what else.

What Aspen wondered was if Theodore would take the money and go or instead go by his side and perhaps become someone who could be a loyal aid. He was good at reading people, and he felt this boy here would be good to have by his side. That and their was a familiar air about him. Aspen guard was still up however, as it always was. Trust did not come easy as he had tasted the betrayal of another before and would not accept it again.

(Perhaps met as children at one point)

(Sounds great)

This answer pleased Aspen, as this was the smarter option of the two for the long run. As the large amount of money he would have give to last a few years of living, was far less in comparison to how the pay was for the job he had in mind. Since he had a almost endless supply of cash from his journey, it wasn't to difficult to give high pay. That and it was good to have more money circulating around the kingdom.

"Alright, then from now on you are to serve by my side as my personal servant" He smiled, but their was nothing behind it. Almost a wolfish grin. He then narrowed his eyes and spoke lowly, eyeing him like a animal may its next meal. "Be sure to not have any ideas of betraying me, or else I promise you will regret the thought even crossing your mind" the atmosphere was tense and he was dead serious. Although interesting, this boy had not earned his trust and in till he did he would be viewed as he did many, a potential enemy. No matter how docile he seemed.

He then looked down the table, "I have to look into this poisoning so lets continue this another time. You can all leave now" he gestured to some servants on the sidelines who went to help the wide eyed nobles leave, some seemed used to this behavior however and left with a shrug.

He turned his attention back to Theodore, the bloodlust previous now gone. "I will have one of my trusted aid's teach you on what your job entails. You start tomorrow" He then headed off, well someone seeming to come from nowhere appeared. Wearing a butlers uniform.

He would then be told of what his job entailed, basically required to follow the Emperor around and tend to his needs. Such as waking him up, serving his meals, etc.

The next morning-

The Emperors room was not the biggest in the castle, and despite having a large luxurious bed Theodore would find Aspen laying on the floor with the blankets from the bed along with him. His hair was messy, and he wore a large shirt, he was spread out and he looked as if he were a painting as he seemed to be sleeping soundly despite seeming to have fallen off the bed.

Reality was, he woke up as soon as Theodore had walked in, pretending to sleep to see how the servant would act in his 'defenseless state'.

Aspen opened his eye, turning his head to look over at Theodore. The wake up easy due to having already been conscious. He sat up, slouching over while running a long fingered hand through his hair to move it out of his face. The room was dark but a ray of sunlight from the crack in the curtain managed to hit his face and hair, golden locks shining under it.

It seems, for today at least, the new hire passed the test. Aspen decided not to mention his immunity to the majority of poisons. "Is that so? " He got up, stretching his arms in the air. He did not really hold a royal aura and although threatening when he wanted to be, he never looked down on those below him. He saw everyone equally, as a potential threat.

His breakfast consisted of a glass of milk, bacon and eggs. The more normal compared to his dinner where he would always consume meat not even cooked after training for a few hours straight.

He took in the full uniformed Theodore, awake and ready for the day. He seemed well put together and focused on his job. "Have you eaten yet Theodore?" He asked as he grabbed some clothes from his closet before grabbing a towel. Before breakfast he usually went swimming at the near by lake, it was the middle of fall but he enjoyed the cold water to wake up in.

"If not, after my swim, you should eat with me" it felt to odd having people just stand by you watching you eat. Unless that was for torture, then he quite enjoyed it. Rubbing it in the vermin's faces when he denied them food and then ate in front of them just as everyone had when he was a starving child.

First day and already noticed his meal plan. Which was good since it meant he actually went ahead to see what kind of meals he usually had throughout the day.

As the growl of Theodores stomach sounded in the air, a bubble of amusement sat in Aspens chest. The timing ever so perfect, and the flustered look on Theodores face was great. Aspen could not help but find it cute, a natural smile forming on his lips.

"Yes, of course. If you are to by my side often, sharing meals is a great way of bonding and it is much nicer to have company to eat with." Aspen walked over, given a like pat to Theodores back. "Now lets get going, lots to do today." Currently things were peaceful, but he knew soon their would be country's out to concur them. Well his own goal was to take over lands himself, especially to take down the kingdom which he grew up in. How he despised the ruler with all his might.

The day would then go by schedule, hours on paperwork, training, and planning things with his shadow guards which was the only time he would send Theodore away to be on his own. He would leave tests here and there, one being how he talked when he wasn't with him having someone tail him, while others were more simple such as giving many openings for him to attack or harm him but being fully guarded as he prepared himself for it.

Despite being known for his short temper, he hadn't blown up once that day. Most likely due to nothing coming up to bother him, which was not that normal considering how the other day he had woken up to someone trying to slice his throat in his sleep. Which he repaid in kind.

The day was long, and uneventful. Aspen mostly distracted with his work so would usually have Theodore bring him things or bounce thoughts off of, nothing important of course. It was now nearing the end of the day and Aspen was curious on something.

"Theodore, do you know how to fight?" He sat on a patch of grass, coated in sweat from running for hours straight, taking a breather. After this it would be time to have a bath.

No matter how Aspen looked at Theodore, he didn't see a threat. Which was very usual to him as everyone was a threat, but Theodore..had something about him he found himself almost relaxing his guard. He was reminded of a small animal with the boy, such as a rabbit, and even just after a day he found that he wouldn't need to worry about this boy. Besides if he did cause any trouble, it wouldn't be hard to get rid of him. Plus, his eyes were good which helped a lot not having to deal with the awful taste the meat took when coated in deadly substances by annoying people after his life.

"So you know a bit? I would like to test out your abilities and see how far you are. Then I will have someone teach you some more defense techniques." Of course nothing for attacking, defense would be enough to give his personal servant a bit more safety. He also wasn't ready to risk teaching someone attacks that they may use against him.

"Ah yes...bathing. Every other day, in hot scented water. I am still not used to it." One of his close friends pushed him to wash more often, as appearances were important for a ruler. He stood up, stretching his arms while looking over at the setting sun. He then looked over at Theodore and offered a hand.

"Come on, let us get going then"

The month would continue on as the same, nothing eventful happening besides a few attempts which were dealt with and more people searching to get a high position in the castle. The only change in the schedule would be assigned classes for Theodore to take. Following the lines of defence, as well as reading people on what their next move may be in terms of fighting. Aspen had put tests out for Theodore often, and soon found himself naturally letting his guard down when alone with him without realizing it. Perhaps it was the familiarity or the fact he felt no threat from the servant boy.

Today however, things were different, as Aspen was not in the best mood. They were invited to a ball in the neighboring kingdom, the one he despised with all his might. He was only able to bring a single person with him, and considering the other rulers would be there to it would be a bad time to plan a sneak attack. Instead he would use the chance to search the place, but having to look at the man who he despised with all his might and not rip his throat open, would be rather difficult.

This other kingdom had no idea of his anger with them, nor his plans of destroying it. He needed a way to help hide his blood lust, so he found himself looking into the least threatening person he ever met.

"We are leaving the castle tomorrow to travel to the next kingdom over for a ball. They are celebrating the coronation of their only son." Aspen said these words bitter, it was not hard to tell he was very upset with this arrangement. Especially as he spoke of the son.

He looked over at Theodore who he had gotten used to having by his side, "You are coming with me and since we are in enemy territory you need to be on guard and listen to everything I say." he then hoped off the desk he had been sitting on, shoving his hands in his pockets to hid the forming fists. He already had punched the wall a few times however to calm down, so this did not mean much.

"Also..I want you to do some distracting for me, I will tell you more about it later" He continued, looking at Theodore still looking like he was ready to smash everything in the room. He was doing a somewhat okay job of keeping control, having Theodore with him helped. After speaking he just left, telling Theodore to head to rest for the day so he could be alone.

The next day he would not be seen in his room, well at first glance. If one walked more into the dark room you would find him sleeping under the bed with dried tears along his cheeks. He had been up all night running around the castle before having a sudden break down. With the anger came sadness as he recalled his mother he had not seen in a long time. Considering for a few days now he had only gotten an hour here and there, as well as no danger present, he was in a deep sleep.

The sun had not yet risen, but they needed to leave early as they only had less then a week to get to the other kingdom.

(Hope you don't mind the time skips. )

At first he didn't move, but then as his mind became more awake he quickly registered the words. Pushing away the fact he was sleeping unguarded and rather heavily at that, he looked to Theodore with red and slightly swollen eyes. He didn't realize the traces from the night before still remained. However he did discover he had ended up under the king sized bed. He quickly rolled out, before getting up and sat on the bed.

"Alright? Everything is fine....why are you asking? " He then glanced around the room to see if perhaps there had been a break in or something of the like.