“It’s too cold in the palace to be without clothing.”
Stepping forward, he adjusts his belt.
“By all means, I can warm you up.”
Stiffening, I don’t back away from him.
“Don’t even try it.”
Shaking his head, he expresses amusement. Grabbing my arm, he forces me toward the exit.
“You realize you’re outnumbered here, don’t you? Belore isn’t going to be kind to you, so maybe you should learn to make friends with others who might be willing to do you a favor, now and again.”
Planting my foot down, I stop our movement.
“What could you possibly do for me to make my life here easier?”
Staring down at me, his bold green eyes roam over my face, lower to my chest, then farther down, his lip curling before meeting my gaze once again.
“Lay with me continually, and I’ll help keep Matheas alive.”
Staring back at him, I take in his appearance. Short, peppered hair covers a round, tanned face. Below his deep-set green eyes is a pink jagged scar across the left side of his face. The man is fit, large like Demerick was, and probably of the same age.
“Get him out of the palace, and you have an agreement.”
“What’s to stop you from reneging on our agreement once Matheas is free?”
“I’m sure you won’t have a problem coming up with a punishment for my betrayal, would you?”
The corner of his wide mouth turns upward.
“Not in this palace.”
“Then I’d be wise not to betray you.”
“I want a good faith deposit,” he demands.
“What kind of deposit?” My nostrils flare above my tightened lips.
“The feel of your mouth on my cock.”
“I’m not one to play games. In an agreement, the individual taking the greater risk receives the good faith deposit. Seeing as how my life is at risk, I’ll await your good faith effort.”
Storming out of the healing chamber, I walk right into the waiting hands of four more arms men. Grabbing hold of my arms, one of them whistles as he looks me over.
“You really are a delicious little fox, aren’t you?”
Palming my ass, he jerks me to him, his other hand enclosing over my breast. Shoving him back, I slam my fist into his jaw, knocking him back a step.
“I’m not an object to be fondled. Keep your hands off.”
The skinny, pervert comes at me, ready to strike, but the arms man from the healing chamber steps between us, raising a hand.
“Until our King gives us the word, she’s off limits.”
The other arms man with his skinny stature and beady, cruel eyes sneers at me.
“Come on, Richter, I was only having a taste.”
“Keep your cock in your pants and your hands to yourself. If I have to tell you again, I’ll put scars on your back.”
Nostrils flaring, he scowls.
“Fine, but once we receive word, I’m shoving my cock in every hole she has.”
Bile rises to my throat. Coming forward, my fists clench at my sides.
“Do that, and you’ll pull back a tiny nub. This fox bites.”
Richter and the other arms men laugh, fueling the anger of the scrawny, aggressive pervert.
“Then I’ll just have to put a muzzle on you,” he snaps.
“Enough,” Richter says, annoyed. “You’re a damn child. Why don’t you boys find something useful to do? I’m taking her back to her room.”
The men stroll off in different directions. Richter gently takes my arm, leading me down a long hall and back to the grand foyer to the stairs. Once we’re alone in the hallway upstairs, I get his attention.
“I’m willing to offer you far more than intimacy if you help me. Luxuries Belore would never offer you.”
Looking at his side profile, I watch his brow rise.
“I’m listening.”
“An estate, an option of wives, a great sum of monetary value. Even a position in the capital if that’s what you desire.”
Glancing around him, he pulls me into an alcove in the hallway, fitting me between him and a statue.
“I’m interested.” His green eyes study my face, desire filling them. “But only if you fulfill our agreement.”
“Why do you want me?”
Slipping his fingers through my hair, he caresses my neck, the touch more affectionate than I expected.
“You’re what many men desire—a woman as beautiful as she is powerful. It’s why Belore is in a rage, waiting for King Ryker’s response. He’s sick with anger he can’t have you, so he’s forcefully shoving his cock into his mistresses instead.”
Disgust churns my stomach, and I’m sure Richter recognizes my discomfort by the grimace on my face.
“Why are you willing to help me?”
“Belore’s a weak King. He’s more concerned with conquering your territory and satisfying his twisted fetishes than he is with running our territory. He’s losing his people’s confidence and steering our territory toward famine and poverty. Monarchs have withdrawn trade agreements with him because they’d rather be loyal to you and King Ryker.” Running his fingers along the length of my hair, he follows the strands, grazing my breast. “I wouldn’t hurt you. I only wish to know what it feels like to be a King between your legs.”
“Get Matheas to safety, and I’ll give you the opportunity.”
The power of his strength and dominance comes down on my lips, shocking me, stiffening my shoulders. At the sound of my whimper, he eases the force of his kiss, becoming softer, moving his lips slower, his tongue tasting me in one languid motion. Hand to his chest, I carefully ease him back from me.
“You have an agreement, Your Highness. I’ll help you.” Restrained desire flashes in his eyes, his stare fixed and intent as if he’s debating stealing more intimacy. “Belore wanted you both to go without food today. I’ll have two meals snuck into your room.”
Cheeks flushed, I recuperate from the unexpected kiss.
“Thank you.”
Cupping my elbow, he leads me the remaining distance of the hall to the room we’re being held captive in. Ushering me in the door, he watches as Matheas rushes to me, enclosing me in his strong, muscled arms. The automated door closes, and I take a breath, finally safe for the time being. Stroking my hair in repeated soothing caresses, he kisses my head.
“It’s my job to protect you. Don’t take his abuse. Let me.”
Looking up at him, his left cheek is swollen and broken, tiny bits of dried blood surrounding the puffy skin. On his arms, there're more blotches of red and bruised skin, the sight of his wounds agonizing to see.
“Whatever he does to me, I’ll heal. He’ll put me in the healing chamber each time he hurts me, so he can do it again. You can’t continue to take the abuse and torture without treatment. It’ll wear you down, risk your life. I won’t let you suffer like that. All I need is time alone with him, for him to make one mistake, and I’ll end him.”
Cupping my jaw on either side, he stares into my eyes, the emotion in his reaching deep within me, dazzling my heart. The love he exudes is nearly enough to obliterate the magnitude of fear I possess. I can’t lose him again, not now that I have him back.
“You’re asking me to stand by while he physically assaults the woman I love. Do you realize what you’re asking of me?”
“I do, and I beg you not to fight. Each blow they give you breaks me, not Belore’s abuse. I can’t lose you, Matheas. Not again. You’re everything to me.”
Thumb caressing my cheek, he leans down, placing his warm lips to mine, my body responding instantly, one half of a pair needing its counterpart. Our kiss lasts for several moments, the slow caress of his lips momentarily soothing away every ache and fear in my heart. When the kiss ends, we take several breaths, staring at one another, indulging in the comfort and bliss of what we share.
“I love you, Fi. You’re everything to me, and you always will be. The ne
ws of your engagement hasn’t changed that because I know your heart will always belong to me.”
Even with his injured knee, he scoops me up, one arm under my legs, the other around my back and carries me to the bed. Laying me on it, he undresses and joins me beneath the thin bedspread. Hand on my hip, he brings my body to his. Wrapping an arm around me, he lies above me. Spreading my legs with his knee, he moves between them, his hardened cock sliding gently between my folds.
CHAPTER FOUR
FIORA
Matheas caresses along my side and hip, admiring me with an expression of contentment. Moving closer into his space, I lie on his chest. With his arm wrapped around my back, he continues to caress me.
“We have more time than I anticipated. If Ryker loves you as I suspect he does, he’ll stall Belore and come for you.”
My fingers stop tracing a circle around his heart when I hear Ryker’s name. I don’t want to admit it to Matheas, but I miss him. I’ve had little time to think of him since being brought to Belore’s palace, but now, lying here with Matheas, I struggle with what my heart feels—love for two men.
“We don’t know what conniving Belore has done since he brought me here. I can’t rely on Ryker or fault him for not attacking Iowan. He has an entire territory to consider in his actions.”
Lifting my chin, he brings my attention to him. The edges of his mouth tighten, his expression serious.
“He’ll come for you. I have no doubt. He wanted you before you were made to believe I was dead. Having had you in his arms, I know he’ll want you back.”
Tears well in my eyes as I stare into his.
“I didn’t want to betray you. I begged you for forgiveness.”
His kiss is tender, an effort to soothe my heartache.
“You didn’t betray me. You were living and doing what it took to save your people and territory. A marriage alliance with him would have secured your protection and the longevity of our home. What I’m worried about now, if we make it out of captivity, are the choices that will have to be made.” Laying his head back on the pillow, he stares up at the dark ceiling. “There’s a lot that will need to be considered.” The last words are spoken with angst. I’m sure he’s worried he’ll have to go through what he did before, being forced to the side while I marry a royal.
I don’t have a chance to answer. The automated door opens and Matheas jerks upright, covering me with the bedspread. A young woman comes in the door and stops just in front of it. In a black, formfitting dress, her curvy frame is enticing, her long, smooth, brown hair resting over one shoulder. In her hands is a silver tray with food and water. Tilting her head toward the corner of the room, she draws our attention to it. In the edge of where the walls meet, I can barely make out a black dot.
“There’s a camera facing the bed,” she says quietly. “I can’t come in any farther.”
Anger surges through my body like heat lightning. The bastard Belore and his arms men have been watching us. Probably stroking their cocks as Matheas and I lay together. Leaning over and kissing me, Matheas leaves the bed, dressing in his pants. Outstretching his hand, he awaits me to take it then helps me off the bed, handing me his shirt. Leaning in to kiss my cheek, he whispers, “Have your meal first. I’ll relax on the bed. Pretend you’re in the shower.” I begin to protest, and he shushes me with a finger to my lips. “Go eat.”
Giving in to his request and my hunger, I head toward the bathroom, then veer left to the entrance door when far enough away. Approaching the young woman, I recognize her. Brown eyes stare at me with sympathy. On the plate are two sandwiches. I take one of them, breaking off a piece and eating as I study her.
“You’re from Ryker’s palace. How did you end up here?”
“I made the mistake of laying with Belore. He wouldn’t let me return home. Made me come here with him. He’s taken me as one of his mistresses.”
The bite I was about to take stalls at my lips.
“It’s as horrible as you can imagine,” she shares.
Head dropping, the light I remember seeing in her eyes has dimmed. On the outside, there’s no evidence of his abuse, but inside she’s holding on to the memories.
“Don’t hold on to that pain. Don’t let him have that.” I place my hand to her heart. “You’re stronger than he is.” When I caress her cheek, she steps forward, balancing the tray on her side so she can put one arm around me. Squeezing, she holds on to me. I imagine the girl is craving tender affection after what she’s been through. Putting my free arm around her, I stroke her back.
“I promise you, I’ll kill him as soon as I have the chance.”
“Maybe you were meant to be brought here. You can save us all.” Pulling back from me, she wipes at her stray tears.
“I’m not going to hope for a happy ending. If my fate is sealed by killing him, so be it.”
She glances at Matheas then lowers her voice. “We’re hoping King Ryker comes for you.”
“How many of you are there?”
“There are three of us he takes to bed. I pretend to enjoy his company, so he’s nicer to me. But last night, he was cruel to all of us. He called Ariana by your name as he hurt her.”
My heart aches at the horror these women are suffering, and to know my presence is causing them to suffer more creates an excruciating pain in my gut. Setting the sandwich down on the plate, I hold my hand to my mouth, tears pooling in my eyes.
“I apologize, Your Highness.” The young woman places her hand on my shoulder. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Lowering my hand, I swallow the lump in my throat. Matheas is watching us, his head tilted, his brows pinched in concern.
“You don’t need to apologize. My heart aches for each of you. I hate that you’re suffering at his hands.”
“We became hopeful when you arrived. I’ve heard of your strength and ability to instill faith in your people. If anyone can put an end to Belore’s wrath, it’s you.”
The automated door behind the young woman opens, and she jumps, startled by it. Matheas is off the bed, quickly crossing the room as Richter enters. Pulling me into his arms, Matheas squares off to him. The difference in their frames is visible. Richter is a few inches taller and his muscles thicker, but it doesn’t faze Matheas, not when he’s intent to protect me.
“I’m not going to hurt her,” Richter tells him. “I have to take her with me.”
“Where?” Matheas snaps.
“To meet with Belore.”
Grip tightening on me, I know he wants to fight. Curling my hand around his arm, I turn him to face me.
“Please, for me.”
Hand on my neck, he stares into my eyes, his gaze tortured as he pleads with me.
“Fi, don’t ask me to do this, please.”
“I have to.”
Withdrawing from his protective arms, I walk to Richter, his hand taking hold of me.
“You’ll need to remove the shirt.”
Matheas comes forward, anger etched into his tight mouth and flared nostrils. Putting up a hand, I stop him. Lifting the shirt up and off, I hand it to him.
“I’ll be all right. You trained me, remember?” I give him a smile meant to soothe his fears.
“Fi—”
“I love you, Matheas.” Placing my hand at his cheek, I caress my thumb over his lips. “Please don’t do anything that will bring you more harm.”
Richter tugs at my bicep, pulling me from Matheas.
“We need to go. Belore will get angry if he has to wait.”
My fingers slide through Matheas’s, our arms outstretching because neither of us wants to let go. The automated door closes, sealing him off from me, and I have to fight the urge to cry. Richter’s hand settles on my lower back.
“You’ll need to gather your strength. Don’t let Belore see you like this.”
With a sniffle, I pull my shoulders back.
“What does he want?”
“To have dinner with you, in his suite. He says h
e wants to have a discussion, but I know better. It’s why I’ve arranged for a strong sleep aid to be put in his ale. Make sure he drinks it if he hasn’t already.”
“I’ll kill him if given a chance.”
“Not tonight, you won’t. His most loyal arms men will be outside the room. You attempt to kill him, you won’t make it out of that room alive.”
The knot of fear in my gut cranks tighter.
“If that’s my fate, so be it.”
Grip tightening on my hip, he gives me a sideways glare.
“Don’t be a fool. They’ll each rape you, then beat you to death. Don’t be so eager to die.”
I’m silent the rest of the walk across the palace, my thoughts and emotions struggling with whether the sacrifice will be worth his death. Nearing his suite, three arms men are lined up on either side of the door. Immediately, my eyes catch the skinny pervert, a deadly gleam in his eye. I imagine slitting his throat and give him a wicked grin as I pass by.
The automated door opens, and I’m ushered into Belore’s suite. My gaze bounces from one contraption to another, the entire room filled with different ways to be confined. There are straps on the king bed, metal rings hanging from the ceiling, a curved leather bed with arm and ankle straps attached to it. The sight of each one of them dries my mouth.
Sitting at a black metal table by the window, Belore has his leg folded over his bent knee, a glass of liquor dangling from his hand. Treacherous eyes are pinned on me, his smirk frightening.
“Bring her to the table,” he orders.
Several heavy boots thud behind me. More arms men join Richter, grabbing me and forcing me into the chair across from Belore. My hands are secured behind my back in leather and metal cuffs, my ankles bound the same. The arms men leave, a couple of them snickering at me over their shoulder.
Belore sets his glass down, stands, pours a glass of water, and slides it across the glass top toward me.
“I’m sure you’re thirsty.”
Raising my chin, I glare at him.
“Would you like me to bring the glass to your lips?”
When I say nothing, he laughs, the sound sinister.
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