Mastered By Love

by Tori Minard

  Tariza clenched her hands, ducking her head once more. There was nothing she could do for the woman. Any attempt to help her would result in another beating for Tariza and would make no difference to Miri at all.

  She kept her head down so long she almost missed the grand entry of the new Bellerenic ambassador and his even more illustrious companion, Prince Shadow, brother of King Night of Belleren. Ambassador Envy was a paunchy man in middle age whose thinning gray hair looked oddly out of place with his Demon Kin horns. Shadow, on the other hand, nearly vibrated with barely contained sexual energy as he stalked toward the Saturnian throne, his thick dark hair swinging against his back.

  Goddess, he was fine. If she wasn’t so completely besotted with Dario ...

  She cut off the too-revealing thought. Prince Shadow bowed to Grasos and they exchanged pleasantries, but even from her limited vantage she could see his attention continually strayed toward Miri. What did he make of her terrible condition? Could outsiders do anything about Grasos and his abuse of power?

  Probably not, unless they wanted to declare war on Saturnios.

  She continued to keep her head down, hoping to go unnoticed, focusing on making herself invisible. She could hear what the men were saying – Grasos accepting the gifts the Bellerenics had brought him – but their voices began to drone monotonously as they made boring diplomatic small talk. Her body began to cramp because of the uncomfortable position. Even the cushion beneath her knees wasn’t enough to block the room’s icy drafts from creeping under her skirt.

  She was going to go crazy with boredom.

  “... Tariza Concordia,” the king said.

  The sound of her name on his lips sent a nasty jolt through her and she gave an involuntary twitch.

  Tariza sneaked a glance through her lashes at the king and his guests. They seemed to be looking at her. She broke out in a cold sweat, her heart slamming in her chest.

  “Bring her forward,” the king said.

  Dario grasped her gently by the elbow, drawing her to her feet. He bent his dark head and whispered, “it’ll be all right; I won’t let him hurt you.”

  She put her hand over his in gratitude, yet she didn’t look at him because that would be improper.

  Dario led her toward the cluster of men standing before the throne. All she could see of them was their lower legs and feet, clad in woolen trousers and heavy boots just like the men of Argelia. Except men of Argelia didn’t have tails and these Demon Kin did – long, catlike tails, covered in silken fur, that swished lazily back and forth.

  She wanted so much to lift her head and gaze at them, but it would be a breach of slave protocol and she did not wish to receive another beating. Dario’s hand remained at her elbow, his warm touch giving her strength. Somehow, her captor had become her only ally.

  “Here she is, gentlemen,” the king said in an expansive tone that made her grit her teeth. “Tariza, former princess of Concordia, now a slave in my household.”

  “How do we know it’s really her?” Shadow said.

  “Are you accusing me of lying?” Grasos sounded livid.

  “Not at all, Your Majesty,” Ambassador Envy said in a conciliatory voice. “We merely wish to ensure no mistake has been made.”

  “Show them her face,” the king snapped.

  Dario squeezed her elbow. “Look at them.”

  She lifted her head and stared into Prince Shadow’s startling, pale gray eyes.

  “I recognize her,” the ambassador said. “From pictures.”

  “So do I.” A muscle ticked in the prince’s jaw.

  Why would he be angry at her plight? Belleren had never taken any interest in Argelian politics.

  The Demon Kin prince’s black tail flicked from side to side like that of an angry feline. “Very well. I confirm that you do possess the princess.”

  “She is a princess no longer,” Grasos said. “She’s a slave. Dario, show them your mark.”

  Dario sighed, so quietly she was probably the only person who heard it. He took her arm, lifted it, pulled back her loose sleeve to display the tattoo. Shadow’s eyes met Dario’s accusingly.

  Tariza risked a glance at her master. He gazed back at the Demon Kin prince with no expression on his face, as coolly self-possessed as if they were discussing horses.

  “Have they abused you, Princess?” the ambassador said.

  She couldn’t say yes in front of Grasos, or he would take out his wrath on her skin later. She flushed. “Dar – my master is kind to me. He hasn’t abused me.”

  “She can’t speak the truth here,” Shadow growled. “Can’t you see she’s afraid?”

  “Your Highness, we can discuss this later,” the ambassador said.

  Shadow made a visible attempt to control himself. Tariza looked at the floor. She’d already pushed the boundaries too far by keeping her head raised longer than necessary and in her peripheral vision she could see Grasos glaring at her.

  Goddess, she was already beginning to think like a slave.

  Chapter 14

  When Paolo came to tell Dario his new slave wasn’t wanted at that evening’s banquet, he didn’t know what to say to Tariza. Would she feel hurt at being excluded? Maybe she’d be relieved. She hated Grasos and would rather be anywhere else than in his company.

  Tariza emerged from the bathroom, wet hair wrapped in a towel. As her gaze met his, she raised her brows. “What’s wrong?”

  She still forgot to address him properly, but in their – his – quarters, it didn’t matter.

  “The king forbids you from attending the banquet.”

  “Oh.” She smiled. “That’s good news.”

  He nodded. “I’m glad you’re not disappointed.”

  Tariza put her hands on his shoulders, smiling up at him. “Such concern for the feelings of a mere slave?”

  “You know that’s not what you are to me.”

  A dimple appeared in her cheek. “And you know I’m only teasing you, my exalted master.”

  “The things I let you get away with.”

  Her dimple deepened, her eyes sparkling. If he didn’t know better, he might think she was truly happy.

  Dario pulled her into a tight embrace. “He’s afraid Shadow will try to take you away from me.”

  Her arms clasped his waist, but she didn’t answer.

  “Would you want that?” he said, his throat suddenly tight.

  “I don’t want to leave you.”

  Dario rested his cheek on the crown of her head. Thank God.

  “But I don’t want to be a slave, either. You know that.”

  “I know.” He stroked her golden hair.

  If he wasn’t so goddamned selfish, he’d let her go. He’d take her right to the front steps of the Concordian palace, where she belonged. Yet didn’t she belong with him, too? Hadn’t she said she didn’t want to leave him?

  He didn’t know how to let her go. Didn’t know how to live without her. They’d only been together three months and he could hardly imagine a day without her in it. Thank God the other men didn’t know of his weakness; he’d never live it down if they discovered it.

  “Go to the banquet,” she said. “Enjoy yourself. I’ll be fine here.”

  “I’ve ordered a meal for you.”

  “Thank you, milord.”

  Dario tipped up her chin to give her a gentle kiss. “I’ll see you later. Don’t wait up for me. It might be a late night.”

  “All right.”

  She really did seem relieved to stay away from the banquet. Dario dressed in clothes befitting a feast in honor of foreign dignitaries and left Tariza locked in his chambers – for her own protection.

  A hum of male voices filled the banquet hall when he entered. Most of the men had brought a female companion. The women all wore elaborate slave harnesses studded with jewels or diaphanous silk gowns that revealed everything the wearer had to offer. He seemed to be the only male without a woman on a lead.

  Perhaps he should have reques
ted a slave to accompany him. With a shock, he noted that until this moment the option had never entered his mind. He’d thought only of Tariza.

  Men in other countries often bonded with a single woman. Romantic love, they called it. The idea wasn’t unknown in Saturnios, but it wasn’t commonplace either. Dario had never met a man who claimed to be in love with one of his slaves ... except for his father. The love his parents had for each other had been obvious to everyone around them.

  I’m not in love with her. It’s all so new. She’s just a novelty. That’s why I didn’t think of bringing someone else.

  He took his assigned seat, next to Prince Shadow of Belleren – who sat in the place of honor at the king’s right hand – and across from Mateo. Ambassador Envy sat next to Mateo.

  His brother had Lola with him. She wore a scarlet harness glittering with diamonds. More diamonds sparkled from her ears and in her hair.

  They’d been together a lot lately. Was his brother falling under the peculiar spell of romantic love, too?

  I am not in love.

  “Where’s your female, brother?” Mateo said with a mischievous grin.

  “I didn’t bring one.”

  “I see that. Why not?”

  Dario shrugged. “Too much bother.”

  “Not with the right slave.”

  “Sometimes I just want to enjoy my food without having to hand-feed a woman.”

  “Ah.” Mateo’s smile broadened. “I see.”

  No, you don’t.

  Shadow, sitting next to Mateo, gave Dario a hard stare. “Where is the Princess Tariza this evening?”

  “My slave is in my chambers, where she’ll be served the same food we’re eating,” Dario replied coolly. If the Demon Kin prince thought he could steal Tariza, he was in for a disappointment.

  “I was glad to see she appears to be in good health,” Ambassador Envy said in a bright tone.

  “She’s my slave,” Dario said. “Naturally she’s in good health.”

  “Uh – of course, Your Highness. I meant no offense.”

  “Dario is well known for spoiling his girls,” Mateo drawled.

  “I don’t spoil them. I care for them.” He gave his brother a pointed look. “Nothing good comes from mistreating women.”

  “I never said otherwise.” Mateo took a long draft of his wine, then offered the cup to Lola.

  Shadow glanced at King Grasos, who seemed absorbed in something his server was saying. “Queen Merita is enlisting Galactic help to retrieve her daughter,” he said in a low voice.

  Dario’s hand tightened on his fork handle. “She is, is she?”

  “That is why we’re here,” Envy said.

  “You Saturnians have overstepped the line this time,” Shadow continued. “If you’re wise, you’ll return Tariza before you call up a demon you can’t easily dismiss.”

  “Meaning what?” Dario leaned across the table. “Your folk are in no shape to wage another war after what the Novus Vitans did to you.”

  The fanatical Novus Vitans, who despised the Demon Kin and believed them truly demonic, had sent a biological weapon that had wiped out most of Belleren’s female population.

  “Must I remind you we won?” Shadow smiled coldly. “I wasn’t referring to us Demon Kin, but to the demon War. Believe me, you don’t want Galactics here on Argelia, occupying Saturnios. This country, this planet would never be the same.”

  Dario held the Bellerenic’s gaze for a moment before nodding. “You’re right about that.”

  “So why don’t you do the smart thing and let us return the princess to her people?”

  “My uncle will never let her go.”

  “Eventually he may not have a choice.”

  Dario shook his head. “If you – or some other power – press the issue, she may not be safe. I might not be able to protect her under those circumstances. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  Shadow frowned. “I believe I do.”

  The Demon Kin’s gaze flicked to the king, sitting at the center of the table, then down to the battered slave crouched at the king’s feet. Miri wore no gown and no glittering harness. On her neck, she had a plain leather collar, so worn the black-dyed top layer had cracked to reveal the dull brown beneath it. Her face was still bruised and swollen, her nose permanently misshapen from all the times Grasos had broken it.

  Shadow’s face reflected the same sick anger Dario felt every time he looked at Miri. The Demon Kin’s ebony tail whipped back and forth, smacking lightly against the legs of his chair.

  I should have gotten her away from Grasos. If I can protect Tariza, I can probably shield Miri too.

  Shadow’s expression smoothed to complete impassivity as Grasos turned toward him. Even his tail stopped flicking to curl around his chair. Grasos smiled at his unwanted guest with false benevolence.

  “It’s traditional at feasts like this to offer guests their choice of women. I know women are scarce on Belleren, so tonight I’d like to make that offer and extend it.” The king gestured grandly. “You may each choose a slave and she will be yours permanently. Ownership will be officially transferred to you by tomorrow evening.”

  Grasos turned toward the assembled crowd. “Gentlemen, have your slaves stand for viewing, please.”

  Dario gave a subtle breath of relief that he hadn’t insisted on bringing Tariza.

  All the women in the room got to their feet except for Miri, who remained crouched with her face pressed to the floor. The Bellerenic ambassador surveyed the slaves with a secretive smile. Shadow made a show of looking, but his gaze continued to rest on Miri.

  “Are you ready to make a choice, Your Highness? Ambassador Envy?” Grasos said.

  “Go ahead, Envy,” Shadow said.

  “I choose the lady in the green dress,” Envy said, pointing at a slender redhead.

  “Excellent.” Grasos beamed.

  The redhead walked to the ambassador, her gaze on her feet.

  “And you, Prince Shadow?” Grasos said.

  “I want this one.” Shadow gestured toward Miri. “The one in the black collar.”

  Grasos scowled. “This one? She’s worthless. Surely you’d rather have one who is beautiful and accomplished, not this ugly little stick.” He shoved Miri with his toe.

  Dario tensed. Hell. The Bellerenic prince was hotheaded. He’d probably lose his temper now and ruin his opportunity.

  But Shadow merely smiled and leaned nearer to the king. “I like that you’ve ... marked her.”

  The king’s eyes gleamed. “Do you indeed? I never would have guessed.”

  Somehow the Demon Kin prince manufactured a blush. At least, Dario assumed it was manufactured. What if Shadow was telling the truth and Miri was going to a master just as brutal as Grasos?

  “It’s not something I advertise,” Shadow said, still looking embarrassed.

  “There’s no need for shame here.” Grasos snapped his fingers. “Slave, attend your new master.”

  Miri scuttled across the floor to crouch at Shadow’s feet. Her dark head barely showed over the top of the table and as she settled in, she disappeared from view. Shadow bent his head to speak softly to her.

  The Demon Kin lifted his goblet of wine, lowering it beneath the table to offer Miri a drink.

  “We don’t feed Miri at table,” Grasos said.

  “Ah, but she’ll need her strength for what I have planned.” Shadow smirked.

  That sanctimonious prick, acting all high and mighty, pretending to be offended by Dario’s treatment of Tariza when all along he was looking for a woman to abuse. Dario’s whole body tensed.

  Grasos laughed. “You’re a man after my own heart.”

  Shadow caught Dario’s eye and winked. He was signaling something – maybe that his show of solidarity with Grasos was just an act. Dario gave the Demon Kin a cool, polite smile and turned to Ambassador Envy with a remark about the weather. He’d keep an eye on the foreign prince and Miri to ensure she wasn’t abused anymore. It
was the least he could do.

  ***

  “I’m taking the ambassador and the prince on a tour of Saturnios today. Unfortunately, we’re not taking any women so you’ll have to stay behind.”

  Tariza forced a disappointed smile. The thought of spending a day on her own in the palace made her skin crawl She’d be vulnerable to Grasos without Dario there to protect her. And if she were honest with herself, she had to admit she would miss him. But she smiled anyway, determined to put a happy face on things for her master’s sake.

  “I’m sending you down to the slave quarters for the day.”

  “Oh.” Was that better or worse than being stuck in his quarters by herself? She was betting on worse.

  “The king won’t bother you. He’s got a lot of business to deal with today and he’ll be occupied until late evening.”

  Another weak smile. “That’s good. Thank you for telling me.”

  Dario hugged her. “You’ll be fine.”

  “I know.” She hugged him back. She shouldn’t be so weak, so needy, but she couldn’t seem to help it. Maybe it was something to do with her position as slave. It affected her mind, her soul, and made her less of a woman than she’d been in Concordia.

  “I’ll walk you downstairs,” he said, his deep voice rumbling in her ear.

  The slave quarters were in the basement of the palace. Light wells brought daylight inside, so it was less cave-like than she’d expected, and wood-burning stoves kept the air warm. But the atmosphere in the dormitory was chilly anyway.

  The slaves all stared at her for an uncomfortable minute when Dario brought her into the room. Then they looked away, and began muttering among themselves. Dario gave her an apologetic look.

  “I’ll see you this evening,” he said. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “Be a good girl.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  He lifted a brow at her subservient tone, but made no remark. She watched him turn and walk away from her, leaving her alone in a room full of hostile Saturnian slaves.

  The women ignored her. She might have been invisible for all the attention they paid her. Tariza stood feeling lost and directionless while the others went about their morning grooming routines or left in groups to exercise.