Natural Beauty (The Cubi Book 5)

by Meraki P. Lyhne

  Bare feet came into view under the rim of Daniel’s hood. Then hands as Elakdon reached under the hood and raised it so that the hem rested closer to Daniel’s forehead. High enough for Elakdon be able to kiss Daniel’s forehead. Daniel then kissed his forehead, and they shared a kiss on the lips.

  “I acknowledge you as King and ally. I swear myself and my Kingdom your first ally. May you be the strength that your people will thrive and grow strong upon.”

  Daniel smiled. He wasn’t required to say anything yet. He’d have to give a speech later, but he didn’t have time to be nervous about that yet. He guessed that was for later.

  Elakdon stepped away, and Nol-Plydon stepped up to Daniel. “I acknowledge you, Nol-Beaudon, as King and ally. May you be the strength that your people will thrive and grow strong upon.” They exchanged the three kisses, and it continued like that until all five Royals had declared their acceptance and wished his people good luck in the future. The last to do that, Nil-Sundin, then lowered the hood to hide Daniel’s face again, and he climbed the steps, knowing there were five.

  At the top, he turned and waited. He saw his mom and dad’s feet as they stepped up on either side of him. Only his parents were ever allowed to stand next to him on the top rung like that, and only for the time it took for them to give him to his people. That was how Geodin had explained it.

  He’d almost laughed at the idea of going from being the property of one Incubus, Seldon, to being the property of a whole Kingdom. But that was essentially what he was becoming. Their most cherished possession. The crown jewel. The weight on him became heavier as he stood there, waiting, and soon he’d be able to see them all. Well, the ones present. The rest would be able to see him, too, though, because cameras had been installed, and a microphone had been attached somewhere among the jewels. His parents, Seldon, and Caledon had been equipped with one, as well.

  The weight of the fabric fell away, and Daniel raised his head to an explosion of cheers. The sight that met him was nothing like he could have imagined, just like his people’s reaction to seeing him wasn’t one he’d expected. Most were dressed in their finest, but there were a lot of naked beautiful people too. They filled up the throne room, and as he looked up, the banisters all the way to the glass ceiling held Cubi cheering and shouting.

  Daniel’s stomach did summersaults, and the weight of the gold and gems on him did their job at reminding him of his place. Standing naked before his people was a symbol of him always having to be prepared to be there for them, yet the respect always shown him certainly pointed out that he wasn’t just a slave to be used. He was a gift to them.

  He’d once wanted to walk the red carpet and have people take photos and scream for his autograph and tell him that they loved him. Man, had he shot too low with that dream, and the cheers and love and excitement he saw on their faces and heard in their voices filled him up to a point where he thought he’d collapse under the emotions.

  A blue-eyed Succubus at the feet of the stairs lost a dose, never taking her shining eyes off Daniel. He smiled at her, and more Cubi lost a dose. Daniel’s entire being shivered from having caused such a wonderful reaction in someone, and his cock filled to stand hard and ready. If he thought he’d been emotional before, watching as more and more Cubi lost doses was a high unlike anything he’d imagined, and it all culminated when an orgasm tore through Daniel, almost bringing him to his knees under the weight of the jewelry. His semen splattered onto the platform and the rung beneath it, and his people cheered even louder.

  Lightheaded, Daniel stumbled back and took a seat in the chair. Surprisingly, the wood and sisal chair held his and the gems’ weight.

  The room quieted down, and when he looked up, everybody was kneeling. Most had wet patches on their clothes. Looking to his sides, he found Seldon, Caledon, Marcadon, Rosadin, Talidon, and the slew of other Cubi kneeling. They all had wet patches on the front of their clothes, some even on the front of their pants.

  Oh wow! He’d caused them all to lose doses?

  Once he felt somewhat collected again, Daniel stood. “Thank you.” His voice shook a bit, and he tried to steady it as he carried on. “Please, rise.”

  The Cubi rose, and Daniel waited as the Royals came to stand at the foot of the steps. Elakdon was carrying a box, and Daniel finally got to see the other Royal’s attire. Way fewer jewels than Daniel wore, that was for sure. Elakdon wore a crown, a heavy gold chain with his crest at his solar plexus, and a skirt of sorts from where his boner poked through. He looked like a gift. But he was carrying a present up the stairs for Daniel—a chain that looked exactly like the one he was wearing, and like the ones the other Royals were wearing, except the crest was hidden in a golden pouch.

  “This crest has been designed by the best artists of our five Kingdoms. May it adorn your Kingdom and show the world why its King is named Beauty.” Elakdon raised the chain, holding it open for Daniel to stick his head through. The King then pulled at the strings of the pouch and removed it for Daniel to see the crest. He held it up to see, his heart fluttering.

  A sudden noise behind him made him jump and turn to see a banner unfold. And there it was, in color. There were Cubi symbols there, and he hoped Caledon would help him translate them soon.

  The Cubi people applauded, and Daniel turned to smile at his Royal allies. “Thank you!”

  Elakdon winked and descended the stairs again.

  Daniel turned his head to see Seldon looking strong and secure. Daniel’s dick jumped. Well, that was a dead giveaway. The smile on Seldon’s face grew wider. Roardon stepped up next to Daniel on the same step, ruining Daniel’s untimely fantasy about Seldon. His dad held out a gold chain much like the one Daniel had just been given by Elakdon. It was less bulky, though.

  “I did not bring you up as you were born in the human world. I did have the honor of trying to fill your human dad’s shoes after his untimely death. Big shoes. I have heard many great things about the man who raised you. I truly wished he could have stood here by your side today and seen the man you’ve become. I would gladly have seen him given the honor of giving you to your people so both you and we can thrive.” Roardon looked out over the assembled Cubi. “Know all, that it was the human, William Evans, a hardworking entrepreneur, who raised Nol-Beaudon. He would have been proud of you.” Roardon gave Daniel the necklace, and Daniel fought stingy eyes. “You no longer need the guidance of a parent, so I step down, leaving the room for a Cubus to aid you in your duties to your people.” Roardon bowed his head and took two steps down.

  “Thank you, Father,” Daniel said, still shocked at Roardon’s kind words and choice to commemorate Bill. “Lord Seldon Echleo-Nil.”

  Seldon stepped up to stand on the rung below Daniel’s. “Yes, My King.”

  “They say fate is a fickle friend. When introducing us to each other, I’m pretty sure fate knew exactly what she was doing. You were the much-needed bucket of cold water. You’ve never held back, and you’ve never withheld the truth however much I didn’t want to hear it. Your level of honor and personal integrity is admirable, and I look up to you. I trust you. And I need you by my side because you can make anything and everything comply to your wishes. Will you be my right-hand and aid me in fulfilling my duties to my people as long as you see yourself capable?”

  Seldon’s eyes glistened the way Roardon’s had before he put all the jewels on Daniel. “Yes, My King.” Yet Seldon’s voice was strong and unwavering. Daniel put the chain around Seldon’s neck and kissed his forehead. “Thank you,” Daniel whispered.

  Seldon then turned to face the Cubi who shouted greetings. A minute or so later, it died down, and Daniel turned to look at his mother.

  She was crying but smiling as she stared at the gold chain in her hands. “I never knew. Or at least, I’d never imagined that Lord Roardon had actually been telling the truth that night.” She glanced around, and Daniel heard a smattering of chuckles from the Cubi. “And then you waltzed into the kitchen and laid this bomb
on me. However did I end up the mother of a King? I feel unequipped to give you away simply because I raised you to a human world. But I see now that you were never destined to be anything less than a King. Now you shine! In this world, I can’t help you. But I know you know someone who can.” She smiled and handed Daniel the necklace. She then kissed his cheek and took two steps down, watching him with love and admiration in her eyes. She didn’t look tired anymore, and Daniel felt strong and capable from being able to put that new look on her face.

  “Thank you, Mom.” He sniffled and hoped Rosadin had used the most waterproof makeup on the market, or he’d look terrible in a moment. “Lord Caledon Udleo-Nil.”

  Caledon stepped up to stand on the rung below Daniel. He wore his glasses even though he wasn’t reading, and Daniel had noticed he only needed them then. Or when watching TV. “Yes, My King.”

  “You’re wearing those for me, aren’t you?” Daniel whispered, smiling.

  Caledon smiled and winked.

  “My first time here was confusing. I didn’t know this world of Cubi. I had Seldon, yes, but when everything fell over, and my life was turned upside down, you seemed to reach out and steady the world like it was no big deal. I learned that your superpower to do that was knowledge and insight through having studied everything around you. You take everything into consideration and apply reason before you decide your next step. I admire your ability to draw sense of the world, and I find comfort and security in the fact that you so readily teach those around you who seek knowledge. I know that you don’t know everything, but I know you know how to figure it out. I need you by my side. Will you be my left-hand and aid me in fulfilling my duties to my people and our allies as long as you see yourself capable?”

  “Yes, My King.”

  And Daniel found out why he wore glasses. It was easier to hide a tear as it caught on the rim. Daniel smiled, held the chain open, and put it around Caledon’s neck. He then kissed Caledon’s forehead. “Thank you,” Daniel whispered.

  Caledon turned to face the Cubi who once again shouted greetings. A minute or so later, it died down, and Daniel made ready to announce what was probably a question on everybody’s lip.

  “As my father, Lord Roardon stated, I was not born into the Cubi world. I grew up in the human world with my mother and her human husband. That world is very different. Many of you might not know just how much, but with the fall of the Great House of Dahlidin, we’ve all been forced to recognize that fact. My being born in that world and brought up in the time that threatens us is to your advantage. I am being given to you in a time where you need a link to that world, and I will empower you with the ability to hide in that world.” Stating that, Daniel willed his eyes to go from golden to his human green.

  Gasps and exclamations of joy and murmuring sounded on the floor before him and then traveled through the room and up the spiral staircase. Daniel waited until his people quieted down again.

  “I also bring the ability to woo a human by will alone so that he or she will receive your dose. That skill is most useful as I also bring the ability to feed from both givers and receivers of pleasure even as a red-eye.”

  The Cubi erupted in cheers, and only the weight of the jewels kept Daniel’s modesty in place. Or had he simply learned that his place was to be there for his people? He had no idea. He wouldn’t know until the weight came off, and he lived his royal duties. All he knew was that he’d evolved into his duties with far more ease than those around him had expected, yet Elakdon had hinted to having done the same. He’d been brought up in the Cubi world by a Cubi mother. Did that make a difference? Probably not since he didn’t learn he was a Royal until after his empowerment. Until then, he’d been a regular Incubus and farmer.

  Daniel struggled to remember what was next on the program. The Grand Lords and Ladies reminded him as they all came to stand at the foot of the steps. They took one step up and turned to face the assembly.

  “My loyal Royal Council. Grand Lord Ashdon’s skills were needed elsewhere, and Grand Lord Friidon has come from the Kingdom of Nol-Plydon to offer a particular set of skills that I think our Kingdom will need in the near future.”

  Daniel made a sweeping motion as if introducing the Grand Lords and Ladies, and Grand Lord Friidon bowed to the people. The rest followed. They, too, served the people, after all.

  Geodin turned her head to look at Daniel, and he nodded, giving the word to her.

  “May our King live long, be strong, and bring power, beauty, and grace to his people!”

  It was a Cubi rhyme of celebration, and the assembled Cubi repeated it. It sounded so loud in the throne room that Daniel almost felt the need to cover his ears.

  The chants eventually died down.

  “Our Nol-Beaudon has worked on a surprise. Along with a younger council, as I understand it,” Geodin continued, and Daniel laughed when he heard some cubs cheer. “We invite all to make their way to the front and outside the Great House of Nol-Beaudon. We will join you shortly.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Alex tripped while they waited for the connection to be set up. Soon, they’d see Daniel’s coronation on a big screen, and Alex wanted to stand close to Jeff to see his expression when recognition sparked.

  The room was packed and the club closed for the day. A sign saying private party hung on the door, and it had been advertised for four days. Only Cubi were allowed. No humans, but since Alex was a classified breeder from the House of Dahlidin, he’d been allowed to stay. So had the other two. Alex had learned that he didn’t know them, and neither was from House Three. He’d still found comfort in talking to them since they’d both reacted almost exactly like he had to their newfound freedom back in human society.

  Kaydon came over and put an arm around Alex’s stomach to pull him back for a hug. He was such a loving man, and Alex liked it because Kaydon was rarely sexual in his physical contact outside of feeding. But Alex knew what was going on. He’d seen how Kaydon looked at him differently since that morning fuck where the big Incubus had lost a dose. Or was it the morning when Alex had given him pure energy? They hadn’t had the opportunity since because of their shifts, though, but he’d caught Kaydon looking at him secretively during work nights.

  He’d given the fact that Kaydon liked feeling protected while also being very protective a lot of thought. He’d studied the Incubus and envied him the ability to be comfortable with both feelings. Why wasn’t Alex? Well, he guessed he was sometimes. Like the same night as Alex had managed pure energy, Kaydon had shown his protective side by tossing a guest out for not hearing Alex’s no. Or was Alex just okay with it because it was Kaydon’s job? Either way, the big Incubus had taken the initiative for more and more physical contact. What ultimately surprised Alex the most was that he didn’t mind when it was him. He felt…equal?

  “You met him, they say.” Kaydon pulled Alex toward the barstools and took a seat. “The Prince being crowned today?”

  “I have. And he’s beautiful.”

  “As beautiful as you?”

  Alex laughed. “Ten times, at least.”

  “Is he as sweet as you?”

  “He’s adorable.”

  “Aw, what do you have on him?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Yes, you do.”

  Alex turned in Kaydon’s arms and looked up at him. “What?”

  “I don’t know, but even a Royal can’t be everything.”

  “Hmm…” Alex thought for a moment and sputtered laughter when he remembered Daniel shouting something about his sore ass one morning when Seldon told him to take a seat. “He can’t take a fuck as hard as I can.”

  “Baby, no one can take a fuck like you can.” Kaydon laughed, but it died down when he saw Alex’s gaping expression. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t. Don’t be, I mean…I don’t know, but…” And Alex didn’t know how to react to being called baby. He didn’t mind. Not with Kaydon. “Don’t be sorry.”

  Kaydon smiled and pull
ed Alex in for a hug. Alex relaxed into their embrace and clenched his ass to see if he was still too sore to give him another go.

  He’d served one of the hard fuckers once a day and had the day off. Tomorrow would be Kaydon’s turn again, and Alex knew he had to wait if he was to be able to let the big guy go all-in. A memory made him smile—the memory of that day when the other hard fuckers had watched to be shown why Alex had special hours as a breeder. He even shivered with delight.

  Kaydon released him to look at him. “You okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  Kaydon lowered his head and smelled him. Then his eyes darkened, and he smiled. “You certainly smell okay.”

  “I meant it, you know.”

  Kaydon cocked his head. “Meant what?”

  “That you’re the best fuck I’ve ever had.”

  An expression of pure bliss crossed Kaydon’s handsome face, and he pulled Alex back into the embrace, now sporting a fat boner. “So are you, and if I could have you all to myself, I would.”

  “I was collared by a Sire when the House fell.”

  “I remember. You showed me the collar. Did he love you?”

  “Not like that, no, and…no.”

  Kaydon thought for a moment, then lowered his head to whisper in Alex’s ear. “Would I scare you away if I said I’m falling for you?”

  Alex smiled because it made him feel a hundred times better about the previous comment where Kaydon said he wanted Alex all to himself and about being called baby. It wasn’t only to feed. “No, it wouldn’t.” Alex pulled back to look up at Kaydon. He had that bad-boy vibe, just like Marcadon, yet Kaydon was way more attentive and less stubborn.

  Alex stretched and planted a kiss on Kaydon’s lips, and the softness in the big Incubus’ eyes made his heart flutter. What really brought it home was that Kaydon didn’t push for more.