Hunger of the Eldritch Fiend

by Amanda Clover

Damera sighed. “Really now. The Red Mages are among my most valuable allies, Listra. You’ll have to grow used to them.”

  “I know. But those silent masks…” She shuddered. “I don’t know how you manage, my lady.”

  “Diplomacy, no doubt,” Damera said drily. “Is there something you needed?”

  “Oh! Actually, my empress, I just came to tell you. I had a hot bath drawn. I thought you might need one after all the work you’ve done today.”

  Damera brightened. “Hmm. That does sound good, Listra.”

  The handmaiden beamed. “Thank you, mistress,” she said happily.

  Damera followed her handmaiden through the palace and towards the guest wing. It played host at the moment to her generals and their servants, as well as her own. They passed a few on the way to the bathhouse and Listra opened the door, admitting her.

  Steam floated among fine marble floors and walls. Thin windows let in a trickle of light without letting the heat escape, and a large silver tub dominated the center of the room. Candles in glass bulbs burned on tables set beside the tub. Damera inhaled the steam, scented with a hint of rosemary. She smiled as Listra helped her out of her gown, revealing her firm curves to the humid air.

  Her toe tested the warm water, and with delight Damera slipped beneath, a sigh escaping her as she submerged herself in the hot waters, the globes of her breasts floating a touch above the surface.

  “Is it good, mistress?” Listra said.

  “Exquisite,” she sighed.

  “Here, mistress.”

  Damera relaxed further as she felt her handmaiden’s deft fingers brush through her hair, teasing through the golden locks with an ivory comb. Damera moaned softly, her scalp tingling as languor spread through her like thickest syrup. “Mmm. That’s quite nice…”

  “Thank you, mistress. I’ve always been proud of my hands.”

  “With good cause,” Damera murmured. Her eyes slid shut as she allowed the rigours of the past few days to bleed away, her muscles uncramping from the tension that seemed to forever hold her in a vice.

  “Thank you, mistress. I’m so glad I could please you.”

  Damera laughed softly. “Hmmn. Well, it will be some time before I can enjoy such luxuries again. If ever.”

  “Oh don’t say that mistress,” her handmaiden cooed, her voice lilting softly, her fingers gently massaging Damera’s scalp, soothing away all the pains and worries that had occupied her. “I’m sure there is a lifetime of such pleasures awaiting you. And far more…”

  Damera’s long lashes fluttered. But it was too much effort to open her eyes fully. Not when she was so relaxed. So at ease. So warm and pliant. “Mmm…”

  “There’s so much more you can know, mistress,” Listra crooned.

  “Mmm…”

  The hands on her head were gone, but there was still that tingling in her head, sparking through her, filling her with a sensitivity that ached through her tender nerves in a droning buzz. The hot waters near her breasts washed in a wave, a soft splash echoing in the marble floors. The water grew hotter. Damera’s long lashes flickered. She slowly opened her eyes.

  Listra towered over her, naked, flushed a glorious pink. She smiled down at the empress, her eyes bright, hungry. Her body was a thing of perfection. Flawless breasts without a hint of sag and firm, plump nipples. Long legs leading up to a hairless pussy, her long hair flowing like a molten river, framing her face.

  “My empress,” Listra cooed, slowly bending down, straddling Damera’s legs. Damera gasped softly, twitched slightly as her flesh, so sensitive, so tender, came into contact with the other woman’s. As Damera leaned over her, full breasts pressing into the empress’s, her hands trailing once more through Damera’s shimmering hair, drowning her thoughts in heavy clouds of warmth and intoxicating desire. “Let me… serve you…”

  Damera opened her mouth. “Listra…” she gasped. “What…”

  “Shhh…” Listra crooned, leaned in closer, and kissed her.

  Those soft lips swallowed any protest. Stifled any resistance. Damera’s eyes fluttered a little wider, then closed even further. Listra’s tongue slid into Damera’s mouth, toyed with the empress’s own tongue, drawing her deeper, her arms twining around the unresisting empress.

  But no. No. Something wasn’t right. Something was wrong about all this. Damera blinked. She tried to shift, the waters of the tub sloshing near the rim. Listra merely laughed. Low. Throaty. She shifted, adjusting herself so she wrapped about Damera’s side. One arm kept the busty empress pressed between her flawless teats, the other stroked Damera’s own breasts.

  “What’s wrong,” Listra crooned, her fingers playing along Damera’s full breasts, teasing the dark peaks of her nipples. “Doesn’t this feel good, mistress? Doesn’t it feel good to be wrapped in my arms. To just feel. To just not have to worry anymore.”

  “Listra…” Damera murmured, her breath hot. Visible even in the steaming air. “What…”

  “Don’t worry,” Listra said, licking Damera’s throat, her tongue teasing the empress’s pulsing vein. Her hand gliding down Damera’s front, closing in on her velvet quim. “There’s nothing at all… to worry about…”

  Damera gasped weakly as those too clever fingers teased along her pussy, stroking her lower lips until hot pleasure pumped through her like sweetest wine. “L-Listra. I… I… Nnnn!”

  Damera cried out weakly, her orgasm sweeping through her, battering her already weakened will. Her breasts heaved, the hot water sloshing around them as she weakly bucked in the throes of ecstasy.

  “Did you like that?” Listra said, smiling wickedly. “Oh, I have so much more for you, my mistress.”

  Damera panted. Her eyes were dim, but she forced herself to look at her handmaiden. “You’re… you’re not… not Listra… Who…”?

  “Hmmm. Took you long enough,” the other woman said.

  Damera stared, horror breaking through the haze of pleasure as she watched the pink flush of Listra’s skin grow ruddier, deepening to a crimson hue. Horns broke from Listra’s brow, curving slightly back. A pair of wings sprouted from her back, shadowing them beneath their membranes, and her eyes grew to a dark hue, slits of gold staring down at the empress beneath her.

  “D-demon…” Damera gasped.

  “That’s right. A gift from the Duke of Ashes, my pretty empress. Oh, and it is a delight to finally meet you in the flesh,” the demoness tittered. She shifted, lifting herself half out of the tub, trapping Damera beneath her, looming over her like a predator over its beaten prey. Fangs gleamed in the succubi’s mouth, framed by lips so plush, so perfect they could only be owned by a creature of such otherworldly perfection. “And you’re all mine, Damera. From your firm little bum to your pretty pink lips. Oh, I can’t wait to get your proud little ass into my realm. I’m going to make you crawl at my hooves and kiss my pussy. You’ll be my slutty little whore for the rest of eternity. Mmm,” she added, her eyes sparking. “But first, I’m a bit hungry. So how about we sate my hunger just a bit.”

  “G-guard-“ Damera’s weak cry was suddenly stifled as those wonderful lips once more descended on her. Swallowed her. Conquered her. Damera moaned as those clever fingers grasped her breast, played with the full flesh.

  She felt it, then. Like a piece of her, something essential, something primal were being pulled away. Swallowed by the joining of their lips. Horror trilled through her.

  And yet… And yet it felt so gooood.

  Damera moaned feebly, her body filled with that pleasant, aching weakness. Warmth bled through her, sucking the resistance from her muscles and leaving only a pulsating throb of pleasure. Her breasts were putty in the demon’s hand. Mounds of hot pleasure worked and tweaked to her amusement. Her pussy twitched and undulated against that teasing touch, stroking her up and down. Up and down. Gently sliding inside until she gasped and whimpered, helpless. Tender.

  And through it all that kiss. That damning kiss that drew all she was into the demon. Feeding off he
r resistance. Her essence. Her very soul. Hollowing her and leaving only the helpless void of pleasure in its place.

  “Mmm. What a good slut,” the demoness breathed, breaking the kiss, tongue flashing around her perfect lips. “It’s been a while since I had an empress. Royalty truly is the best.”

  Damera panted weakly. “S-stop,” she managed to gasp, but oh her voice was so weak…

  The succubus tittered. “Stop? Oh sweetie. Your pouty lips say no. But your body says ‘fuck me until I’m nothing but a husk,’” she purred, her fingers sliding into Damera’s pussy, making the empress’s breath hitch and her voice squeak in a sudden peak of pleasure.

  The succubus grinned wider. Leaned in again, those soft lips parting.

  The knock shattered the sapphic calm of the room. “Empress?”

  The succubus hissed in annoyance and raised her head, crouched atop Damera she glared at the doorway. “Fucking…” She cleared her throat, and again she spoke with the lilting tones of Listra. “The empress is bathing, sir,” she called sweetly.

  Damera shivered beneath the red flesh of the succubus. That’s right. She was in the palace. There was help around. She needed to call to them. But… but she didn’t know if she had the strength. Her every muscle was weak. Her body tender, helpless as a kitten’s. She tried to move beneath the succubus, the water sloshing faintly against the silver tub.

  “It’s urgent, miss,” the voice on the other side of the door called.

  “She will attend to it once she is finished,” the succubus called impatiently.

  “Ser…” Damera breathed softly.

  The succubus glanced down at her with annoyance. “Oh quiet,” the succubus hissed, covering Damera’s mouth with her hand.

  Damera’s weak protest was easily muffled. She tried to move from beneath it, but drained as she was, she couldn’t muster the strength to escape the demon’s grasp. Anger began to warm through her. Anger that she, the empress of Istanov, would be subject to such humiliation. To die in the bath, soul sucked out by a demoness was too much. She had not come this far… had not survived… her empire… her people…

  She began to struggle more earnestly, but even that was weak, futile. The water sloshed against the rim of the tub. The succubus glanced down at her, a smile, cruel and wicked curling her lips at Damera’s efforts. “The empress is relaxing,” the demoness trilled at the door, her voice layered with honeyed calm. “But she will be ready shortly.”

  “I… see. I will return then.”

  “Please do,” the succubus crooned.

  Damera shut her eyes tightly. No. No! Don’t go! A muffled whimper escaped the demon’s hand. Damera gave a final, great heave of effort.

  Water sloshed over the edge of the tub, splashed against the side table. A candle’s glass container tilted, fell from its place.

  The crash rang like a piercing peal of a bell in the quiet of the baths.

  The succubus froze. Damera did too. They listened, tense.

  Nothing followed.

  The succubus slowly smiled. Damera whimpered as the demoness again leaned over her, golden eyes blazing with amusement. “Looks like it’s just you and me,” she hissed. “Silly slut. You’re going to pay for that little effort.”

  Damera moaned weakly as the demoness adjusted herself, again straddling the empress. She released Damera’s mouth and leaned in, lips parted for another soul sucking kiss.

  With a crash the door fell beneath an armored shoulder. A violet cloak whirled as steel greaves banged on the marble floor. The demoness screamed in surprise, rearing up, wings snapping out like those of a startled crow. Steel sang as it was drawn from a scabbard, the knight rushing in. The succubus hurled herself up and into the air. Everything seemed to move slowly for Damera. She watched the succubus’s eyes widen; her wings desperately flap to bring her away from the arching swing of the sword. Too late. Too late.

  Steel bit deep into crimson flesh. The succubus’s neck gave way with ease against the silver blade, the head of the demoness flying free.

  The succubus’s body struck the marble tiles with a thud and her head bounced away. Crimson flesh sizzled where it landed, dark blood oozing free and staining the once pristine marble tiles.

  Damera gasped, the succubus’s power over her lifting like a fog in the morning light. She sat up sharply in the tub, only to waver, her head pounding. She grabbed her brow and felt a strong hand touch her shoulder. “Empress? Are you alright?”

  Damera raised her head and blinked blearily into the concerned face of Ser Raymond.

  “I…I think so, Ser. I’ll be alright.”

  Taking his hand, Damera slowly rose out of the tub. Ser Raymond stared, then turned quickly away from her. He swung his cloak from his shoulders and pushed it towards her. “Ah… Here, empress…”

  Damera stared at the cloth the knight thrust towards her. She looked down and at her naked body, water sloughing off her, dark nipples hard and quim puffy with lingering need. She squeaked, snatching the cloak and hastily wrapping it about herself.

  “I… ahem. Th-thank you, ser.” She cast about for something to distract from the awkwardness of the situation. It wasn’t hard, seeing as the demoness’s corpse was still sizzling a few feet away. Damera scowled and stepped gingerly out of the tub. Her head swam again and she grabbed the rim to prevent herself from swooning.

  The clatter of steel called her attention and she saw several guards burst through the doors; weapons drawn. “Your majesty!”

  Ser Raymond quickly stepped before her. “The empress has been attacked. Rouse the guard!”

  The guards gaped at the corpse of the succubus on the floor, then looked towards the empress. Hitching the cloak tighter about her, Damera nodded. “Do as he says. Rouse the Red Mages and search the palace from top to bottom for any signs of sorcery!”

  The guards bowed. “At once, your majesty!” one stammered before whirling about and racing from the room.

  Once they were gone Damera cleared her throat. “Thank you, Ser Raymond,” she said with as much dignity as she could manage. “I am grateful for your assistance.”

  “My pleasure, your majesty,” the knight said, cutting a quick bow. “I am at your service.”

  Damera felt again that flush build in her. A lingering effect of the succubus’s influence no doubt. She found herself studying him again. His strong features, his loose cut hair and the way he filled his armor, holding himself with a dignity and grace before her. Her heart pulsed. She bit her lip.

  “I… I believe I shall retire to my quarters. I need a rest after… after that…”

  “Shall I escort you, empress?”

  “No!” Damera reddened. “I mean, no. Ser Raymond. I am… you have done ample enough tonight.”

  “Your majesty, I do not wish to be too forward, but perhaps I should stand guard outside your door. This may not be the only trap the Duke of Ashes has laid for you.”

  Damera hesitated but found no way to refuse. “I… yes. I believe you are right. We should be going, then…”

  She started off, Ser Raymond following at a pace, hand on his sword. As they made their way through the corridors, she saw the news of the attempt on her life had spread quickly. Maids rushed here and there and guards moved rapidly about with weapons drawn. Several priests and a number of Red Mages were scattered about the halls inspecting anyone who crossed their paths, magic glowing from their hands.

  No matter where she went, however, the moment her presence was perceived all other business was forgotten in favour of bowing. She could feel their curious stares as she passed and stiffened her spine, throwing back her head with all the imperious majesty she could muster. Show them she was unafraid. That she was undaunted. Even in nothing but a cloak, they would know she was their empress, and that she led them still.

  Even though every step sent lingering bursts of unrequited pleasure sparking into her core. Even with Ser Raymond walking so near, his tall frame and protective presence surrounding her l
ike a calming balm on jangled nerves.

  Lord Ordriga met her at her bedroom. The baron was dressed in nothing but a nightgown, but the moment he saw her he fell prostrate on the floor before her.

  “My empress!” he whimpered into the floorboards. “Forgive me! I had no idea… That this should… to be attacked in my home I… I cannot…”

  Damera really didn’t have the energy for this. “Rise,” she said stiffly. “You are not to blame, Ordriga. The creature assumed the guise of my handmaiden. She should have been better vetted.”

  She sighed as Ordriga crawled closer and kissed her foot. “You are too kind, your majesty,” he blubbered.

  “Yes, thank you. You may go. The day has tired me,” she said.

  Ordriga scrambled back to his feet, babbling his appreciation and praises for the empire and her. Damera ignored him, pushing open the door to her room as Ser Raymond blocked Ordriga from, in his eagerness, following her. She shut the door firmly behind her.

  And then promptly collapsed into the four-postered bed, breathing heavily. Her head was still spinning, the heat of the demon’s desire burning through her. Her mind was her own, yet her own helpless pleasure still pulsed through her veins in intoxicating heat. She wriggled, the cool air caressing her skin like teasing fingers, her cunt aching to be touched and toyed with. She buried her face in the cloak she still wore, and inhaled Ser Raymond’s scent. A scent of sweat and steel and leather.

  “Mmm…” Damera murmured softly, her cunt again throbbing, the scent enwrapping her in a warm protective cocoon. She remembered Ser Raymond breaking down the door, rushing against the demon, his sword flashing in the candle light, his face fierce and set in battle.

  Her hand wandered down her front. She wondered what he looked like; beneath that steel he wore. If his body were scarred by battles won and survived. Firm and etched with exercise. A vision of masculinity.

  “Hmmm…” Damera gasped as her fingers slipped between her thighs. “Ah!” she gasped as she found the hot gash of her cunny. She bit her other hand to muffle her moans as she began to stroke the furnace of her cunt, fingers gliding inside, seamless, stroking those clutching, sensitive walls.