Page 9 of Henry & the Dragon
That morning he’d made Henry get on his hands and knees to scrub the floors. He’d reminded Henry how worthless he was, both as an assistant and an apprentice, and how his family was blessed to be rid of him, and how angry they would be if they knew how Henry was embarrassing them. He also reminded Henry it was within his rights to deny Merry her medicine, which had Henry pleading for him to continue. After he’d stormed out, Henry had cried, because he’d tried to do good,but Neron’s words cut him deeply. If possible, the pain from his words was worse than the beating he’d received the night prior.
“I’ve tried so hard to be a good person.”
A gentle hand swept through Henry’s hair. “What? You are the best of them. I’ve never met anyone who is equal to you in kindness, in heart, and in passion. Believe me when I tell you, the honor of meeting you? It has made my entire journey worthwhile. Not simply for the kisses, though those were incredible.”
Kai removed the cloak he had around his shoulders. It was thicker than what Henry wore by quite a bit. He lay it on the ground, then bade Henry to lie upon it. When Henry did, Kai slid a hand over his back. Henry hissed at the touch, because the bruises were many, but Kai continued his ministrations. His hand was warm, soft, but again, that strength shone through.
“This salve is brilliant. It practically clings to the affected areas. What have you put in it?”
A flush of pride went through Henry. He told Kai what he’d added, then whispered, “I also put in barkwillow.”
“I’ve not heard of that. Please, explain.”
“It’s a plant that grows at the edge of a lake. Neron said it was useless, but I watched creatures who seemed to be ill partaking of the leaves. I studied them for weeks, and I believed that they knew of the healing properties. I took the plant and some of the leaves as well as the stalk, ground them up, and added them to my tinctures. They added viscosity, and, at least to my way of thinking, helped heal things that otherwise would have taken longer. When I tried to explain to Neron, he dismissed me.”
“Of course he did. The man is a fool. You are twice—no, thrice—as clever as he, and he should listen when you speak.”
When Kai finished putting on the salve, Henry found it easier to breathe, and the ache wasn’t as pronounced.
“Thank you. I feel much better.”
Kai lifted his head and seemed to be searching the area. “Henry, there are none about. Would you allow me to lie beside you and hold you for a time?”
“Yes, please!”
Kai gave the most beautiful smile. “You sound rather happy about my suggestion.”
“I… thought of it when I was on my way back to town yesterday. Being in your arms sounds heavenly.”
Kai shuffled down and lay next to Henry. Even over the fragrance of the salve, Henry could smell Kai’s earthy scent. It filled his nose, his mind, and… lower.
“Kai, I—“ Heat rushed through him. He didn’t want Kai to think poorly of him. But when Kai was behind him, he could feel Kai’s nether region poking into Henry’s buttocks.
“I must apologize, Henry. Your body has an effect on mine, and I find I am unable to control it.”
So Kai wasn’t unaffected by Henry’s closeness. That sent shivers through him. He wished Kai would reach down and take Henry’s member into his warm hand, but when he shifted slightly, pain pulsed through his body, and he whimpered. Kai tightened his grip slightly.
“Rest, Henry. Know that I have you.” He kissed Henry’s neck. “And I shall do my best to care for you.”
The warmth rolling off Kai chased away the chill of the day, and Henry allowed his mind to do something it rarely did. Be still. He was with Kai, who’d promised to care for him, and so absolute was Henry’s trust, he closed his eyes and fell fast asleep.
Chapter 4
When Henry opened his eyes, the sun was high in the sky. The day had warmed, though it still had a chill to it coming from the sea to the north. Kai still lay behind him, his arm around Henry’s stomach, and his fingers slipped into Henry’s tunic, where they rested on the skin there. Henry feared he would go up in flames at Kai’s touch.
“Kai?”
“Yes?”
“Your hand….”
“Shall I take my hand away?” Kai whispered in his ear as he stroked his fingers over Henry’s stomach.
Henry drew in a deep breath. Every fiber within him screamed to say yes, to preserve his mortal soul, but what good is a soul if he had to forego being happy?
“No.”
“Good. I had no desire to move it either.” He kissed Henry’s neck. “Are you feeling better?”
