The King's Karma: A Short Fantasy Romance

by Katerina Winters

“Actually…” Daden was about to happily answer, but Rodis’s stern voice cut him off.

  “Lord Suros will be the one to inform Lady Ishtar regarding his family.” Rodis’s tone held a sharpness to it that quieted not only Daden but herself as well. As if sensing their chided silence Rodis cleared his throat before nudging Daden with his foot. “Tell Lady Ishtar about the summer fete we had.”

  The midday sun was waning as they finally made it out of the long gorge. Daden was still describing all the various food he ate during the fete when they stopped to let the horses drink while they all took the opportunity to rest.

  “By the goddess, Daden give it a rest,” another soldier growled at Daden as he passed by.

  “Please do,” Fenak agreed, giving the younger man an evil glare “you are driving us crazy with all this talk of good food.”

  Ishtar watched with a smile as Daden began to defend his conversation calling it informative. Walking around she stretched out her sore muscles as she listened to them converse, she never would have imagined how painful it was riding on a horse all day. Turning her head, she caught a glimpse of Suros’s tall, imposing figure amongst the men. Sensing he was looking at her, Ishtar quickly turned her back towards him not wanting to make eye contact with the wolf. Searching through the gathering of soldiers she spotted Rodis talking to Fenak. Quickly she made her way to his side and stopped hoping to use Rodis’s body as a shield to block Suros from her view.

  Both soldiers shared quizzical looks with each other at her sudden presence.

  “Is everything okay my Lady?” Fenak asked.

  Nodding stiffly, she concentrated on the nearly inaudible footsteps coming closer and closer.

  “We will ride until nightfall,” the deep voice was unmistakable.

  Responding immediately everyone began to mount their horses leaving her alone and unshielded with the demon King. Nervously she met his gaze. Ruby eyes glittered darkly despite his face being placid and emotionless as ever.

  “Running from me is not wise.” He warned.

  Angry now, Ishtar looked away from him defiantly, waiting for him to leave so she could find Rodis again. Standing in place, a couple of beats of silence went by causing her to shift awkwardly on her feet under the mounting tension. Eventually, Suros lifted one hand silently commanding Rodis to approach. Guiding his horse next to them Rodis stopped.

  “Sir.” Rodis acknowledged dutifully.

  Seeing no other movement in her peripheral vision, Ishtar hesitantly turned to see Suros still silently staring at her and waiting.

  The message was silent but unmistakable, Suros’s will was law, and nothing and no one was above that.

  Bowing her head in defeat to her small battle of wills, she stepped closer to Suros taking the hand he extended. With no effort on her part, she found herself lifted and placed back onto the saddle securely behind Rodis. Knowing she had no choice she looked back at the silent red gaze next to her, unconsciously clutching at Rodis’s armor when she did. She could not read his face. The cold handsome face and demonic stare told her nothing of his emotions. Was he angry? Did he want to say something else to her? She could not be sure.

  Walking away Suros issued a command to Rodis. “You will ride alongside me.”

  Since they were out of the rocky gorge, they were able to ride safely and increase their pace. For hours they rode, passing what seemed to be a seemingly endless rural countryside. At the temple, she used to dream of what was beyond the temple’s gates. She often imagined the world sprinkled with welcoming quaint villages all along the well-worn roads all leading to large bustling kingdoms filled with endless possibilities. But as she looked around now she realized how naïve her imaginings were. Yes, the lands around her were beautiful, but there were no charming little villages dotting the countryside. The men rode with swords on their belts and eyes ever watchful of their surroundings. The traveling monks were right, it was not safe beyond the walls of the temple.

  Though despite the attacks she encountered earlier, the potential threat of a demon attack was not her primary concern. Without hesitation, Ishtar knew she was safe as long as she stayed within the protective reach of the King. It was the demon in her midst that worried her. Tiredly she rested her cheek against Rodis’s back and relaxed her body to the movements of the ride.

  The cold droplets of water hitting her skin awakened her. Still riding across the darkening moors at a thundering pace the sky above began to open up. A few drops quickly turned to many, the sudden downpour immediately soaked her simple cotton clothes through. Shielding her face against Rodis’s back, she noted all the men including the King wore thick leather armor which easily wicked the cold rain away.

  Hearing a deep shout over the rumbling the hooves, she felt Rodis pull his horse to a halt. Looking around Ishtar could see no trees or any form of shelter from the cold pelting rain, just endless rolling hills. With her hair and ears soaked she looked to Suros in confusion. Her heart jolted at the sight of the King. Stopping alongside them Suros pulled his horse close to theirs until his knee grazed hers. Squinting through the rain, Ishtar watched speechlessly as he removed his dual sword sheath from his back to sit on his waist and unbuckled his leather armor covering his torso. Bare from the waist up Suros removed the thick leather piece of armor and draped it over her. Immediately the warmth from his body transferred to hers.

  “Put your arms through,” obeying his rough command Ishtar pushed her arms through the long thick sleeves. The heavy article of clothing weighed her down against Rodis in a heavenly warmth.

  Ignoring the water cascading off his naked hard flesh Suros gave her a stern look. “Stay underneath the jacket and close to Rodis.”

  Obediently she laid against Rodis’s back bringing the jacket collar nearly to her eyes covering most of her face and neck. Shielded partly from the rain she peered over the edge of the collar at Suros. Giving her one last dark look he spurred his horse to move again resuming their journey.

  Furtively she let her eyes settle on the demon riding next to them. Forging through the heavy pelting rain, the tall demon transfixed her senses. Ignoring the torrential downpour as if it was but a minor inconvenience he continued to ride hard, pushing the great black horse beneath him faster. Everything about this demon reacted to her on seemingly every level, her hatred, her pride, but worst of all her curiosity. Not like any of the other men Suros was tall and lithe, his body was a direct opposite of his mortal subjects. Long ethereal silver-white hair whipped violently in the strong storm winds like ends of pale whips as he rode while his beautiful, stoic face held a fierce determination to see them through the storm. Holding onto Rodis, she could feel the strength underneath the soldier’s wet armor that thickened his back from years of training. Each man looked solid in their strength but Ishtar knew it a could fail with just the right hit in battle or that time would eventually rob them of their vitality. Not Suros. The strength these men evidently had was nothing compared to Suros. The demon’s power had a deafening presence in its silent portrayal. His strength didn’t just emanate from his tall, muscular body it was something infinitely more. A power that had no human comparison or comprehension, as if something bigger was lurking underneath the surface.

  What felt like hours later and well into the night they finally slowed the grueling pace. The rain had only let up a bit just enough for her to see the tall tree line they were approaching. Merging together with practice coordination the men took the double line down to one single file line. Carefully and almost silently they walked the horses deep into the forest. Noticing the rain was no longer pelting at her face Ishtar looked up to see that the tall trees formed a thick interlacing canopy overhead allowing little to no rain to fall through—nor moonlight.

  Stopping his horse Suros dismounted. Following his King’s unspoken signal Rodis called out to the rest to do the same.

  Without waiting for Rodis, Suros appeared by her side reaching out to grip her waist. Pulling her to her feet beside him Ishtar
had to turn her head to avoid staring at his sculpted naked torso. Leaving her to stand alone Suros spoke to some of the men. Quickly the men began searching through their saddlebags, handing the King various items. Apparently getting what he needed he walked back over to her and grabbed her cold hand. With no choice but to keep up Ishtar clutched the thick jacket together with one hand trying to keep out the cold night air while practically jogging to keep up.

  Nervously her pulse quickened with every step they took that led her away from the rest of the group. Absently she realized she was able to see where she was going, which really shouldn’t be the case if there was no moonlight reaching the forest floor. Still being led by Suros, she began to realize the forest was cast in a soft green glow. Looking closer, Ishtar noticed millions of little green lightning bugs peppering the air around them, lighting the forest just enough to see. It was beautiful, but she had no time to enjoy the scene, by the time they stopped in a far-off secluded spot away from the rest, her heart was pounding in her ears. Fearfully she stood cold and shivering as he turned and looked at her.

  “Get undressed and change into something dry,” handing her the items in his hand Ishtar recognized her satchel as well as some other folded material.

  Stiffly taking the items, she looked up at him hesitantly expecting him to turn away. One straight eyebrow rose in laconic amusement at her silent assumption.

  Startled at the realization he had no intention to turn away she paled in cold comprehension. This was it. This was the moment he was going to attack her, her mind screamed. With her insides twisting in fear she quickly looked around for a possible escape.

  “Ishtar,” the deep rumbling growl of warning snapped her attention back to him.

  Narrowing his ruthless gaze, he stood with his feet apart, and arms crossed over his wide bare chest. He looked unmovable and braced to the spot, but she knew he was more than ready to catch her if she tried to run.

  Feeling hopelessly trapped Ishtar could feel her throat tighten in the familiar sting of oncoming tears. Surprisingly his stance softened—slightly, at the sight of her distress.

  “You do not need to be afraid me Ishtar.” He said evenly, his mood becoming more dangerous with every passing moment she resisted. “Now do as your told or I will strip you myself.”

  Crying now she wiped her tears with a frustrated swipe of her hand. “I have every reason to be afraid of you. You are a wolf.” She accused sharply. “You stole me from my home and only friends. Then you tell me that my only purpose is to breed and…and you constantly stare at me as if you are angry with me or you want to devour me. I do not know which!” She cried, drained and exhausted her shoulders sagged in defeat. “I am tired, and I am scared. But I refuse,” gathering her courage she met his gaze directly not hiding her anger, “to let you hurt me and I will not be the mother to any of your horrible children.”

  The bright flare of anger in his eyes told her immediately she had said too much. Baring his sharp teeth, a deep snarl rattled from his firm bare chest setting the hairs on her body on edge. She had not even seen him move, but instantly he had crossed the short distance between them standing only inches in front of her. Feeling his hand wrap around her slender throat her fear escalated tremendously.

  With cold menace in his eyes, he warned her softly. “You’re treading dangerously close to the edge of my anger little one.”

  She didn’t care! She refused to just let him win without fighting back even if her whole body trembled and shook in fear. Lifting her chin pridefully despite the gentle grip he had around her throat she hardened her own gaze.

  “Then what?!” she challenged. Ishtar could hardly believe the brazen words coming out of her mouth. “After you violate me and force me to bear your child then what of my life? Will you finally grant me the mercy of killing me? Because that is what you will have to do, I refuse to live my life as your slave.” Tears ran down her cheeks and onto his hand. Her words were bold, but her heart ached at the horrible fate she depicted.

  Suros’s head jerked back as if slapped by her words. The sudden glow of red in his eyes was her only warning to his next move.

  Using her upturned face of defiance against her Suros covered her lips with his.

  Lightning, like hot lightning that was the taste of his lips. Lightning stealing her breath from the shock and heating her whole body. She didn’t know what to do, her hands having dropped her belongings shoved at the hard planes of his naked chest, but he didn’t give an inch under her strength. Movement of his lips gave her a chance to cry out a muffled cry under his attack, but he only released the pressure for a scant moment. Moving his lips ever so softly as if whispering something against hers before pressing them firmly against hers again. Opening her eyes, she gasped when she saw the glimmer of his heavily lidded red gaze staring into hers. The gasp was all he needed, like fire to wax her body melted in his strong arms when she felt his tongue slide past her lips. The ever-constant low growl deepened impossibly so as she unwittingly clutched at his bare shoulders in response to the chaotic fire churning in her body. His tongue began to explore further past her lips as he tightened his hold around her body lifting her higher to accommodate his height. With her feet off the ground, Ishtar felt the hard bark of a tree suddenly at her back.

  No, somewhere deep in her mind she screamed. Trying to shake her head from his hot, captivating kiss Suros growled deeper in response tightening his grip on her neck using his thumb to keep her head locked into place. Pulling his lips back he gave her a carnal look of satisfaction. He knew she was affected by what he did, he knew she felt a brief second of loss when he pulled away. The wolf was devouring her, and her traitorous body was responding.

  No! She could not let him conquer her.

  Ripping her hands from his shoulders as if burned by the mere touch Ishtar grabbed the tree behind her and braced herself while lifting her feet to the level of his chest. The brief look of confusion to realization was the last thing she saw before she summoned every bit of strength she had to kick out. With one inhumanly forceful blow, she kicked the demon King in the center of his chest sending him flying backward through the trees.

  For a second she was stunned at her own strength. The force sent him far, almost out her sight breaking branches along his path. It was the burning realization of fear that snapped her out of her shock at her actions, turning she ran blindly into the darkness of the forest.

  Rodis was talking to Fenak when the startling crash came through their campsite. With an almighty speed, Suros came flying backward hitting a tree with a splintering force that would have broken a human’s back.

  For a moment no one even reacted, it was as if everyone had to blink again to make sure they were seeing it correctly. Shaking himself out of disbelief Rodis was the first to reach the pale demon. The harsh growl that ripped from the creature’s throat caused all men to jump back. Slowly the demon wolf stood up from the half-destroyed tree and tossed back his usually perfectly long hair with a violent jerk. Putting the information together quickly in their heads everyone looked down the long path of destruction through the trees with wide-eyed shock. Looking back to his Lord, Rodis flinched at the rare and terrifying sight.

  Staring back to the path of destroyed limbs and trees Suros smiled, bearing sharp canine teeth. He could hear her fast breathing and quick footfalls even from here. She better run, he thought wryly because when he caught her, he wouldn’t stop with just a kiss.

  Not sure what to say Rodis opened his mouth to speak, but the white blur of movement told him Suros had already left— in pursuit.

  Chapter 7

  Racing through the trees, Ishtar winced at the stinging pain of the branches scratching at her exposed face and hands. She couldn’t stop though, she had to keep running. Without a doubt, she knew Suros was behind her somewhere and she needed to find some way to lose him.

  The building fire in her lungs and pain in her legs eventually forced her to slow down. Breathing deeply and inhalin
g the crisp night air she turned and looked back. There was no one, just dark, eerie forest. Trying to control her labored breathing she stood still and listened. There were no sounds anywhere, that fact only made her more nervous.

  Not sure where to go she turned around to try and get a better look at her surroundings. Turning around her stomach clenched when her eyes met pale flesh. Looking up in muted horror, Suros was standing right there in utter silence. How…

  The question was never finished as she felt her legs being swept out from beneath her. Closing her eyes, Ishtar braced herself for the hard impact, but it never came. Opening her eyes, she froze when she saw Suros’s crimson gaze inches from her own. He had followed her down, she could feel his hand on the back of her head shielding her from the impact. Trapping her against his hard body and the equally hard ground Ishtar felt his legs settle between hers forcing her legs apart.

  Frantic now she screamed and tried to claw at his face. “No! Let me go!”

  Capturing her wrist, Suros said nothing as he straddled her waist and sat up on to his haunches. Holding her struggling arms with one hand, Ishtar heard the slide of steel as he pulled one sword from its sheath on his belt. Petrified by terror, Ishtar didn’t move as he skillfully turned the blade in his hand and slammed it into the earth above her head. With tears rolling down her face Ishtar renewed her struggle in vain as he tied one of her wrists to the sword’s handle and repeated the process with the other.