Aqrabuamelu Boyfriend: Rajarshi Part One (complete)

Every third new moon, the Golden Guard comes down from the palace to one of the surrounding villages, and they ask for volunteers to come work for the King. They ask for young men and women who have come of age and who are hard workers, capable, and willing to do as the King commands. For those who go, their families are highly compensated. They are given large sacks full of gold, enough to last the family all their lives. For some, it is a necessary sacrifice in order to help save their families. For others, it is simply an adventure and a chance to see the palace and sample the peculiar culture there.

Every time the Golden Guard comes to our village, my parents always hide me away and tell them to keep looking. My family is poor and I know the gold that would be given to them would help exponentially. My parents fear the wild rumors about the palace life, and they don’t wish me to become exposed to that. They say I am too innocent and naive to be subjected to the King and his whims, let alone his entire court. I think my parents see me in a different sort of light - they want to keep me an innocent child when I have been a full-grown woman for years now.

I know of the rumors surrounding the palace and King Rajarshi himself. I have known those things since I was young - any teenager does. They speak of all the decadence at the palace, all the food and drink that could be served. It’s said that if a party does not end in an orgy, it is considered a failure, and the staff will be thrown out and a new one brought in. King Rajarshi’s love of humans is well known, which is why the Golden Guard comes to the villages. He likes to keep humans around as part of his staff, the choir, dancers, you name it. He keeps humans in every corner of his palace like trinkets to show off to his guests. This is why he pays so much gold for those who volunteer to go with the Golden Guard.

This month, I am intent on going with the Golden Guard myself. My parents haven’t let on, but I know we are out of money. My father’s crops aren’t producing like they should, and my mother is having to take care of children in the village to earn extra income. I had taken on a job dyeing fabrics by the river to help out, but things are still hard. As it stands, we won’t have enough to last us through the summer, let alone the winter when things get very hard. I’m not about to go on letting my siblings go hungry, so I had made the decision for myself to go.

Once again, my parents do the little dance of trying to hide me away inside the house with a flimsy excuse. My mother had wanted me to mend the curtains while I looked after my younger siblings. They try to shuffle me to the back room, but I put my foot down and push them out of the way.

“Erameni!” My mother cries. “What are you doing?”

“What should have been done last time,” I say to her. “I’m going with the Golden Guard, and you will take the money.”

“We don’t want it!” My father grabs me and tries to pull me away from the door. “We want you here! Please, Erameni, don’t do this!”

I push them away and stand my ground. “This isn’t about what we want anymore. This is about what we need and how we will survive. We won’t make it through the winter, and I would rather be at the palace, knowing you’re all fed and warm, than stay down here and freeze while my little sisters go hungry.”

“Erameni!” My mother cries. She tries to reach for me, but I push my arm out to keep my parents at bay. 

“Don’t hold me,” I snap at them. “I have made up my mind and I am going. Take the money and make sure everyone is cared for.”

There is a knock at the door, and I answer it despite my parents’ continued wailing protests. The Golden Guard look me over, and the man up front bows his head to me.

“Good afternoon. We are looking for men and women like you to come work at the palace under King Rajarshi,” he says. “If you so choose to go, your family--”

“I’m going,” I say before he can finish. I turn and look back at my parents. “Give them the gold.”

My parents wail and try to get me to stop, but I walk with the Guard and go outside, joining the other young men and women of the village who have decided to go. The Golden Guard are made up of Aqrabuamelu, scorpion men. They’re built like centaurs, only their bottom halves are like the body of a scorpion. Their top halves are vaguely human, but they have massive pincers at their waists. Though most of the Golden Guard keep their faces covered, those few that are bare have strangely pointed features.

The Golden Guard loads the volunteers onto covered wagons that are filled with pillows and blankets, and bottles of cold coconut milk for the journey up the mountain. I am surprised by the comfort and care that is being shown to us. There is even a woman in the cart who is calming those who are being forced to go by their families. 

“Erameni!” I hear my name called out. I turn and see an old friend of mine sitting in the corner of the wagon. She crawls over to me and I see she’s wearing the garb of the palace, as well as gold paint on her skin.

“Iluna,” I marvel. “I haven’t seen you in ages!” I hug her and become enraptured by the scent clinging to her skin. 

“I never thought I’d see you here,” Iluna replies. “Did your parents finally cave in?”

I shake my head. “No, I forced their hand. Things haven’t been going so well, so I knew this was the only option.”

Iluna clicks her tongue. “What a shame. That’s the story for a lot of people here.” She hands me one of the cold bottles of coconut milk. “There’s nothing to be afraid of there. There are a lot of things that match up to the rumors and a lot that don’t.”

“You look well,” I remark, remembering that Iluna had been quite sickly when she left. Now she looks robust and healthy, and there is even a plump pooch to her stomach. 

Iluna grins. “Thank you.” She then glances out of the wagon as one of the Golden Guard comes forward.

“Everyone okay in there?” he asks, standing on the ledge at the back of the wagon.

Iluna goes towards him. “So far, so good. Everyone is resting now.” She places a long kiss on the Aqrabuamelu’s lips and he puts his free hand around her waist.

I try not to stare, but it’s hard. Once Iluna parts from his lips, they whisper something to one another before he jumps back down to the ground. Iluna giggles and comes towards me, pulling me aside to her corner. 

“And that was?” I ask with a laugh.

Iluna smirks at me. “That was Igedo,” she whispers. “We first met when I left the village before. I started seeing him all around the palace when I worked with the choir. Things happened and, well-” The look on her face is nothing but dreamy.

“Oh!” I gasp. “So you two are the kind to steal moments?”

“We don’t have to steal them in the palace as long as he’s not on duty,” Iluna remarks. “We take them whenever we want. There’s nothing wrong with that up there.”

I nod along, not quite sure what to say, so I just fidget with the ends of my hair for a moment. 

“It is true about the Aqrabuamelu men too,” she whispers into my ear. “And they all love humans up there. We’re like some sort of exotic idols to them.” She sits back and curls her legs under herself. “At first, it’s hard to get used to their advances. But if the need ever arises, they’re always there, and always eager to bend to our desires.”

I grimace at her and fidget again. “So you can just… do it wherever you want?”

“Not wherever!” Iluna laughs. “But there are rooms designated for it. And not all parties end in orgies, some just end that way because everyone is off doing their own thing.” She winks at me with a smirk.

“And what about the King himself?” I ask with a low voice.

“He takes the utmost care of the humans in the palace,” Iluna replies. “Take me, for instance. He made sure I got well again before he put me under any strenuous work. Anyone caught touching one of his humans without their consent is strictly punished too.”

My eyes widen. “Really?”

“If anyone is uncomfortable in his palace, they just go tell one of the Golden Guard,” Iluna nods. “And rape is punished by death.”

That’s something wildly unbelievable to me. “He does that?” I inch closer to Iluna.

“I haven’t seen it happen since I arrived, but Igedo told me once that a visiting lord took advantage of one of King Rajarshi’s dancers and Rajarshi killed the man himself! He sent the body back to his home with flowers. He then gave the dancer anything she required.”

“It’s such a shock from-” I sigh and let my shoulders slouch, “you know.”

Iluna smiles at me. “The palace is a safe place, strange, but safe.” She holds my hand. “And I am so excited to have you there! There are very few people there who get my sense of humor.”

I giggle and bump into her side. “Still talking about death as if it were a joke?”

“Igedo likes it at least,” she smirks. “He says he likes how such a beauty can laugh at things so morbid.”

“I’m glad he appreciates you,” I squeeze her hand. 

“He has a brother, if you’re interested,” Iluna smirks.

I shake my head. “For now, I just want to get used to this new life and the palace around me. Once things settle, maybe I’ll see what the fuss is all about.”

We arrive at the palace that evening, and the wagons pass through a corridor leading to the underground of the palace. From there, we all unload and are taken to a room with a long table filled with food. We eat to our heart’s content; for some of us, it is the first hot meal we’ve had in a while. After we eat, we’re taken to a massive bath where we are scrubbed down, rubbed in oils, and then our hair is cut, styled, and wrapped in silk for the night.

The girl washing me is tall and lovely. She rubs oils into my fingernails and sighs. “Such lovely skin,” she murmurs. “So dark and bright all at the same time. The King will adore you.”

I watch her cautiously for a moment. Behind me, an older woman is working on my hair and putting it into thick braids. “She’s his type for sure.” She then smiles at me with motherly affection. “Not to worry, girl. The King is a good man, a little odd, but good.”

“I don’t know what to do about these nails!” The first girl huffs. “They’re so stained!”

“You must have worked at the river,” the older woman chuckles. “That dye will fade in time. It isn’t hurting anything.”

“Is that how you got such lovely skin?” The girl chuckles. “Did you dip yourself into the indigo dye?”

“Both my parents have dark skin,” I reply. “My mother has the more sun-lit glow to her skin though.”

My hair is wrapped in silk, and the older woman paints a gold mark on the nape of my neck. “You can go on to bed now. Everything else will be taken care of in the morning.”

I’m given a robe as I’m lead to the next room where there are rows and rows of beds. I’m given one and lay down, finding it to be the most comfortable bed I have ever known. Within minutes, I am out like a light and sleeping deeply, as if I have died.

Come morning, we are woken by a bell and are then taken back to the dining hall again for breakfast. After we eat, we are divided into groups based on the gold mark at the nape of our necks. I am placed in a small group with only three other people, one girl and two boys. The four of us are then led away and taken upstairs. 

Coming out of the stairwell, I become blinded by the bright light coming through the massive windows. Everything is golden and warm and outside my window, and I can see the vast landscape of the villages and the desert stretched out below us. 

“Come this way.” The older woman from the night before pulls us away from the grandeur of the view.

“The four of you have been selected to become part of the King’s personal staff,” she tells us as we walk. “This can be a difficult job if you let it. Otherwise, you can ease into it gently.”

The girl with me comes up beside me and takes hold of my hand. “What do you think that means?” She whispers.

“I think it means we listen,” I tell her.

The four of us are given new clothes to wear, uniforms that mark us as King Rajarshi’s personal staff. I am given a golden collar around my throat with soft and airy fabric draped down my body. The sides are open, giving peeks to my breasts and legs. Then there is a loose belt fastened around my waist, and I am given comfortable shoes to wear. The look is simple and comfortable, but glancing at myself in the mirror, I see a sleek elegance to myself I’d never noticed before. 

The older woman gives us a tour of King Rajarshi’s private quarters, showing us the ins and outs of it, as well as the secret corridors we would take. She gives us a lesson on his favorite drinks and foods.

“Now, which of you can read?” she asks as she takes out a book.

I am the only one who raises my hand. The others seem hesitant to do so.

“Good. Then you will be the one assigned to King Rajarshi at night,” she replies. “He likes to be read to before bed.”

My heart pounds violently. “Are you sure? Isn’t there someone else?”

“His last reader just got pregnant and wishes to stay with her husband. It doesn’t matter if you are new, what matters is what will make the king happy.” She places the book back on the shelf. 

That evening, I go to King Rajarshi’s chambers to begin my duties. It is my first night and I feel wildly unprepared for this moment. I stand staring at the door with my pulse hammering in my ears. I raise my hand to knock on the door and my hand begins shaking.

“Are you alright?” 

I turn and see an Aqrabuamelu man standing there. He’s dressed simply, with a gold belt around his waist and soft fabric draped around his shoulders like a tunic. His scorpion half is black as night and his shell has a brilliant shine. His pincers are crossed below his waist and his body is a deep ruddy color. He has a strong chest and arms, and his long, dark red hair drapes over his shoulders in thick waves. He has sharp pinchers coming from his jaw, which has jagged angles. His eyes are a soft honey gold and his expression is gentle and kind.

“I’m...” I look at my quivering palms and tuck them behind my back. “I’m a bit nervous.”

The Aqrabumelu comes towards me. “How come?”

I look to the doors of the King’s room and then down at my feet. “I only just arrived here last night, and already they expect me to work for the King.”

He hums and looks to the door. “I see. So you’re terrified you aren’t prepared?”

“Yes,” I confess breathlessly. “This is such important work! How am I supposed to-” I wrap my arms around myself. “I would have been happy just being in the choir or working in the kitchen. I don’t know if I can do this.”

He places his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “If this is not the job for you, the king will notice it, and he will make sure you are sent to another job in the palace you can handle. Is that as bad as the worst-case scenario in your head?”

I shake my head. “No. It’s not.”

“It takes time to get used to any new situation,” he murmurs. “It’ll be that way for both of you. You never know, the king may be just as nervous as you are.”

I giggle and smile up at him. “I really doubt that! Kings don’t get nervous like that.”

He smirks and tilts his head to the side. “Do you know many kings?”

I shake my head.

He chuckles and places his hand on my waist. “Then how do you know that?”

“I guess I don’t,” I say with a shrug.

He then motions to the door. “It’s best you do it now, rather than delay the inevitable,” he replies. “The longer you wait, the worse you make it in your mind.”

I take a deep breath. “Yes, thank you.” I bow my head to him. “You’ve been very kind.” I turn and knock on the door. I stand there, waiting, but nothing happens. I glance back at him anxiously and he gasps.

“Oh, that’s right.” He goes to the door and opens it and walks inside. “You must be Eremeni,” he smiles at me. “I’m Rajarshi.”

My jaw drops and Rajashi takes my hand. 

“I was nervous to meet you, just so you know.” He takes me into his chambers. “I even went to the library to pick out a book I thought you would enjoy.” He sets the book aside as the doors close. “My previous reader was a dear friend. I got scared when I learned I’d have to replace her.”

“You’re-” I’m still in a state of shock. 

Rajarshi chuckles and smiles charmingly at me. “Did I surprise you?” He takes off the belt and the clothes he’s wearing and sets them aside. 

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty!” I gasp and bow down. 

“Hey, hey,” he chuckles gently. “I’m the one who scared you, not the other way around.” He comes towards me and holds me up. “Seeing you and what a beauty you are terrified me.”

I can’t catch a good breath, they all feel too shallow or too fast. “I’m, uhm-” I stumble over my words.

“They really went all out in choosing you.” He pets my cheek and brushes his fingers along my braids. 

I duck my head down as my entire body shuts down from the shock. “I should brush your hair first,” I sputter out. “Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do?”

“Is it?” Rajashi steps back. “If you need to calm down first, I would be happy to help you relax.” He splays out his massive palms to me. “I’m not as good as the people in the bath, but I can massage you if you need me to.”

“No, uhm-” I shake my head. “I’ll be ok.” I take his brush set from the table and hold it like I was shown. “I should brush your hair.”

Rajarshi nods. “If that is what you wish.” He lowers himself down and sits near the fireplace. 

I go up behind him, taking the brush and working at the ends of his hair. He has a lot of it and it’s all thick and heavy in my grasp. 

“No wonder you need help with this,” I murmur.

“I have considered cutting it,” he sighs. “But I never go through with it.”

I switch to the comb and start working through the middle. “It’s beautiful for sure.” I comb my fingers through it to make sure I’ve gotten everything. 

“I also just enjoy the way it feels when someone brushes it for me,” he sighs. “I suppose I like being pampered no matter how much I say to the contrary.” He glances up at me with those honey eyes. “I know it is only your first night, but I do hope for you to be comfortable here.”

“It’s like you said, I just have to get used to it, bit by bit.” I comb my fingers along his scalp and a soft moan escapes Rajarshi’s lips. “Was I too rough?” I gasp.

“No, no,” his voice is low and sweet. “It felt very nice.”

I step back into place. “Just making sure.” I comb my fingers along his scalp once more then run the brush through the entire length of his hair. “Do you want me to tie it up for you?”

“That’s alright.” He stands back up and touches his long locks. “That was very nice, thank you.” 

We then go over to his bed. He lays sideways so he can relax on the bed and his tail hangs off the side. I take the book he had picked out and look it over.

“I hope you enjoy it like I do,” Rajarshi says. “I want us to get along well.” He rests his head on the pillow. “Since you’ll be reading to me, I want us to find books that we can enjoy together and have fun with.” His honey eyes peer up at me. “Like I said, my last reader was a dear friend to me. I only hope we can become that close.”

“How long was your reader here?” I ask.

“A long time,” he sighs. “Five years, I want to say.” His eyes gaze off into the distance. “But she found someone else and I could not keep her away from that.”

I glance at the cover of the book and I smooth my hand along the leather bound cover. I crack open the spine and open it to the first page. There on the smooth white paper, I see a flower pressed between the pages. The bright green has faded and the blue of the flower has stained onto the page.

“Is there anywhere that you wish me to start in this book?” I ask him.

“The beginning is fine,” he sighs as he closes his eyes. “It’s been a long time since I read this book.”

I read until Rajarshi falls asleep. Once he’s deep in slumber, I pull a blanket over him and tuck him in for the night. I’m not sure why, but I go to the sofa before the fire and lay down there. I suppose I am too tired to make the journey down the hall and go to my own bed. But I also feel that, if I leave, my duty is only half done. So I fall asleep on the sofa.

I wake to a strange sound, and it is still dark when I open my eyes. Looking around the dark room, I see Rajarshi sitting up in his bed and clutching his head between his hands. I stand up and go to his bedside. 

“Is everything alright?” I ask him gently. 

“Why are you still here?” He whimpers. “I thought you left?”

I rub my eyes and shake my head. “For some reason, I felt like I shouldn’t leave, so I stayed and slept on the couch.” I touch his arm and realize he’s trembling. “Rajarshi, my King, are you okay?”

Rajarshi pulls me into his arms and hugs me tight. He buries his face in my neck and his tears run down my skin. I hold him like I would my younger sisters when they were afraid. I squeeze my arms around him and rub his back. I remain silent, waiting for him to speak as I try to comfort him.

“I’m sorry,” He whispers as he releases me. He sets me down on the bed but I take hold of his hands. “You shouldn’t have to see me like this.”

“If it helps, it is dark and I can’t see you clearly,” I whisper to him. 

“It does,” he sniffles with his laugh. “I’m sorry again.”

I stroke my hand up his arm. “I’m glad I was here. I would hate to think you were alone right now.”

“You’re very kind, Erameni,” he whimpers.

I touch his face and wipe away the tears streaking down his cheeks. “One of my younger sisters suffers from night terrors,” I tell him. “I’m used to taking care of her at night when she has them.”

“You understand,” he whispers. He cups my hand to his cheek and leans into it. “That is why I keep a reader,” he confesses. “I hope that the stories read to me will keep the nightmares away. I don’t want to rely on…” his voice chokes off. “I don’t want to beg you to stay, Erameni, but I so desperately want to.” He lowers his head down.

“You don’t need to beg,” I press my forehead to his. “It is my duty.”

Rajarshi slips his hands around my waist and he rests them there for a moment. “You were so nervous before, what has changed to make you so strong?”

“Seeing you so scared.” I rub my hands up and down his arms. 

Rajarshi sighs. “Please, don’t tell anyone about this.”

“Why would I?” I sit up and place my palms on his cheeks. “Your secret is safe with me. I’ll stay with you each night and into the mornings. Whatever you need of me, just ask.”

Rajarshi’s shoulders slouch with relief. “Thank you,” he whispers. “Thank you.”