Kari groggily registered muted voices but was still too deep in the clutches of sleep to understand what was being said.
Sleep had taken a long time to come last night, and he was unsure how long he had lain awake with his thoughts swirling around in his head. It made whatever time it was feel extremely early, though.
A hand gently shook his shoulder and he grumbled, curling into himself to escape the prospect of getting up. It was unfortunately persistent. The voices were more distinct now but Kari’s foggy mind still couldn’t decipher the speech. After a few more unsuccessful tries, the hands gave up on shaking him and pulled him, albeit gently, sheets and all, to the edge of the bed. He was manhandled out of bed and into a standing position.
He swayed drunkenly on his feet in his sleepy state, far too out of it to be bothered about his lack of modesty as the bedding was removed. He vaguely reg
The man’s lips thinned. “Once you are recovered, you may accompany Nevison his errands outside of the manor unless you prove yourself to be untrustworthy. I doubt I need to remind you but any attempts at escape will be futile and only result in the restriction of your activities as well as just punishment. Prince Lezzkeris fair. Treat him with due respect and he will return it. I do not know of the circumstances around anAithyeanbecoming a slave however I would suggest you accept it and follow the boundaries set. Prove yourself trustworthy to His Highness and you will be allowed a great deal of freedom. Now, I suggest you get dressed.” Karichewed his lip in thought. He didn’t want this but he was relieved that they would not be watching over his shoulder every waking moment. He could play the game for now. Learn about the culture, learn how everything worked here, and bid his time. He might not have much time but he
He glanced further down and viewed his Daiyantattoo up close. It shone metallically in the light, a beautiful silvery colour that almost seemed as though silver itself was etched into his skin. It was more intricate in the daylight. The tattoo covers his wrist. A big snowflake at the center and individual little snowflakes with gorgeous patterns glittered around it acrosshis skin and seemed to dance in the light. It made it appear as though a blizzard raged across his wrist. He stared in stunned silence until he caught Nevis’s curious look over his shoulder and jolted. “I-I’ve never seen it so clearly before,” he mumbled, embarrassed at being caught staring at himself. “We don’t have vast sunlightat home and seeing itina dimlightreally doesn’t do it justice. I wear long sleeves and thus, never seen it that much. I was taught not to draw attention to it so I don’t really look at it.”
Karistayed flopped on the bed while Neviswalked around the room and threw open the thick curtains. “You should come here and check this out. You haven't seen the view yet.” The omega looked up and saw the other slave standing in front of large windows. He beckoned him forward and Karihauled himself off the bed before dragging his feet across the carpet towards Nevis. He realizedwith a start they weren’t actually windows, but doors inlaid with large glass panels that led out onto a balcony. The beta carefully opened the door and Karistepped out into soft afternoon sunlight. He gasped at the sight in front of him and ran to the railing to stare in wonder. He could see the yard below with people training and the stone wall surrounding the manor. But it was the city sprawling beyond that took his breath away. The afternoon light cast the city in a warm
The two slaves had finally finished cleaning one of the private entertaining rooms located off the bedroom and were heading down to the kitchen.Kariwalked a little behind Nevis, who chattered away and pointed out different things. Kariwas wary about the other people here and especially his outfitand collar. He had quickly discovered while cleaning that bending over was a terrible idea and to kneel instead.What the hell was the point of wearing something so fitting? He was feeling a little mollified about the whole thing once he realizedNeviswasn’t lying about no one else caring.They passed many people in the hallways and stairwells as they made their way down into the kitchens in the belly of the manor. And while they all looked at Kari, their gazes were filled with curiosity and lingered on his face, hairand especially his tattoo.Not a sing
That voice caused an embarrassing reaction in him when he said his name like that-like he was somehow caressing him with his words alone. He took a deep fortifying breath before jerking his gaze up to meet amused golden eyes. Curse the man, he knew exactly what he was doing to the little omega. The alpha patted his lap and Kariblanched. He expected him to what? Sit like some pretty little doll at his lap while his so-called master worked? He caught Troisglaring at himand nudging his headfrom beside the desk and swallowed his pride. He wanted to argue, scream that he would not bow down but that would just make him seem more like a child in the scowling beta’s eyes. He had decided to play the game for now, right? Gritting his teeth, Kariwalked forward, feetthumping petulantly against the soft carpet. He slowly sat on Ryedir's lap and fought down the urge to tur
A week of good food and rest had done wonders for Kari’s appearance.His skin glowed with health, his ribs no longer stood out starkly against the thin material of his clothing, and he was brimming with boundless energy. He was everything that had been hinted at under the pallor of sickness and more. As he improved and become more and more himself, he only became more and more distracting to Ryedir.The little omega was an intriguing mix of confidence and defiance with those fiery blue eyes and short temper, yet he would almost purr in delight over sweets. When caught in the embrace of sleep, he would be as pliant and cuddly as a little kitten, yet any mere mention of sex or nudity would leave the slave an embarrassed, stuttering mess.It all seemed so contradictory, and what a delicious combination it made. Add in the drool worthy appearance, Daiyanpower, and possibility of bearing childr
When he came around, Karifound himself lying flat on his back against something cool and hard. He opened his eyes as he forced himself to sit up and groaned at the headache thumping behind his eyes. A bleary look around showed him what appeared to be jewelersshop and he was sitting on the polished stone floor near the back of the shop. Pruesat next to him and held out a large green, round object. The top was cut away and he could make out something fleshy and white lining the inside. Inside that appeared to be water. “What is this?” “It’s a coconut. This is a young one, good for drinking as it has lots of water inside. You passed out from the heat so you need to drink to make sure you recover.” “A young coconut?” He stared down at the object in his hands in confusion. “Coconuts are fruit. The young coconuts are green and have lots of wat
There was a grunt and a thud in front of him and the slave looked up to find Ryedir grappling with another man dressed in faded brown leathers. He caught the glint of a knife in the assailant’s hand and gasped. Ryedir grunted again and managed to grab the hand that held the knife, forcing it back away from his throat. Kari’s heart thumped loudly in his chest as he still struggled to regain his breath. The unknown beta in the room was an assassin! He was trying to kill Lezzker! He didn’t think andjustthrew out his hand, unconsciously trying to will his ice across the floor so he could help the alpha. Nothing happened and in a panic, he tried to force it. All he got was a glimpse of his beloved serene pool that indicated his power-lush grass in soft rich soil surrounded the pool but the pool itself was empty, the rocks lining the bottom still bone dry.
Aderynsighed as she made her way through the thick forest. It was lush and green at this time of the year, a beautiful, warming sight. But her favorite was still the icy beauty of winter. The glittering snow would coat the trees in a breathtaking white and the world would wait the coming of spring with a gentle stillness. The lush warmth that surrounded her had been comforting as a child but now she viewed the world a little differently. She was biased, but a mother always was. Aderynheld back tears as she approached the lake. Previously she had only come here in winter when the teeming forest life lay sleeping and the surface was covered in a layer of ice. It was Kari’s favourite place to be and he would always lose track of time. So, she would come out and just watch with pride as her son skated across the ice or built giant fortresses for him and the other childr
Karilay dozing on a puffy clean towel that lay over the destroyed sheets of the large bed. Ryedirhad cleaned them both off once the last vestiges of heat had finally gone from the omega’s mind. They had been able to eat and drink a little in between the clutches of heat but it hadn’t been enough to sustain them properly so Ryedirhad gone in search of food. Having completely lost all sense of time and with his body aching madly, Kariwas happy to lazily wait for his mate to return. His doze was interrupted by the return of his alpha carrying a large plate of something that smelt absolutely delectable. Raising his arms like a child, the omega made grabbing motions in the general direction of his alpha, too worn out to be bothered about being independent right then. He could gripe about following his own mind and not his instincts tomorrow when he had eaten and slept. &nbs
Karislept for the better part of two days, only waking when Ryedircame and hand fed him light foods. He had used far more of his power than he initially realized. It had been far from running out but the fight went on for a surprising amount of time. Minor cuts and scrapes that marked his unprotected skin had been carefully treated by Ryedirbut had now mostly healed. He drifted in the comfortable space between sleeping and wakefulness when he noticed something disturbing his blankets. A familiar scent washed over him andheblinked his eyes open owlishly. “Rye?” “How are you feeling?” Ryedirasked softly as he pulled more of the blankets away from Kari’s frame. The omega didn’t reply, his brain was oddly sluggish and he struggled to process exactly what was being asked of him. “You’re nesting,” the a
Ryedirstill slowly stalked forward, power and anger radiating from his being. No one else moved. The silence only broken by the dull thud of Ryedir’s boots hitting the stone floor with each measured step.The commanding aura that surrounded him blanketed the room and smothered all sound. It was like everyone held their breath as they waited for his actions.He looked truly magnificent in that moment and Karifelt a surge of pride that such an alpha had chosen him. His raw power was so apparent and yet he had chosen Kariand let him pick in return. Used his willpower to hold back, to show Karihis real self with nothing in the way.Ryedirhadn’t done it particularly well, of course. Karineeded far more explanation than the stubborn man had given him, but he could see the truth in his actions now. It was never more obvious than in the way he had tried to protect Kar
Screams of pain echoed off the walls to be matched by yells of panic. The soldiers surrounding Hanzenleapt forward at his command to be met by the few loyal guards that had remained inside the throne room.The nobles at the edges of the room shrank back even more, not a single one stepping forward to defend their king or new queen. It was odd to him that they watched such a conflict yet did not step forward to help in any way, but he had no time to ponder the reasons.Armored bodies surged together in the center of the room and Karihad difficulty making out who was friend or foe from this distance. A small knife whizzed past his ear and lodged itself firmly in an enemy’s throat with a meaty thunk. Millicentstepped past him armed with a dozen more knives twirling around her hands as she let them loose with deadly accuracy. Ryedirstepped around Karias well, drawing the sword at his hip and leap
It was the day of the coronation. The wedding had taken place the day before and the newlywed omega bore her bonding mark proudly for the world to see. She wore another stunning gown for her coronation as queen and the entire court sat in attendance. The royal family still seemed a little on edge, but less so than yesterday. The throne room was done up in beautiful red and gold draped fabric, the royal colorsapparently, and Ryedirwas back in his military style outfit while Kariwas adorned in yet another fanciful tunic-breech outfit. He could feel the tenseness of his alpha.The entire line of succession was in one place and he was wary of something happening. Jaidhad been organizingextra guards who were outside of the capital’s influence, but the omega could see just how concerned both alphas were. Ryedirhad muttered something about it being too easy with no a
The wedding was a truly beautiful affair. Karihad never seen such an elaborate celebration before but then, this was for a king of a powerful nation. People were dressed in their best, everyone glittering in shimmering fabrics and adorned with precious metals and stones. Even the servants and slaves were done up. Karihimself had a new tunic that was intricately patterned with swirls of blue, and small sparking silver chains that had tiny sparkling jewels hanging off them. His breech was made from beautiful shimmering blue fabric and he veritably dripped in silver chains adorned with more sparkling jewelswhile his knee-length boots shined with silver swirls on each side. Millicenthad painted black around his eyes again and when he glimpsed himself in a mirror, he looked almost otherworldly. His skin was as pale as snow, almost unearthly, and his eyes, hai
“It was a stupid move, but it was nothing to start a war over. It’s been two years.Jueanshould call an end to it. It’s nothing but a waste of resources at this point. No, even right from the beginning.”“We are all well aware of your stance on the war, Rye. But it was father’s last wish and decree as king. Jueancan’t very well call it to an end without seeing it through.”“Seeing it through how?” Ryedirwas starting to snarl at this point.Karihad never seen him so animated in conversation before. “We have taken enough land now that we could claim it as a fifth NiamreanVesnice and have that as reparation. Then send you across to set up and run the area. You are more than capable of managing such an undertaking, including the construction of additional infrastructure to link it to the capital.”&ld
“Well, you certainly are thorough, aren’t you, Rye?” The man in question growled at Millicentas she waltzed through the door without knocking. Kariflushed. He knew exactly what she referred to. Ryedirhad been overzealous in scent marking him last night and removing all traces of the perfume that lingered on him. He had certainly put Karithrough his paces. He practically came dry at the end just from the man’s fingers and had been too exhausted to react to the cum that splattered on his face to then be rubbed into his neck. It was embarrassing to think about now but there had been something thrilling about seeing such a wild-eyed look on the normally restrained alpha. He had honestly thought the man might finally lose to instincts and go back on his word to only claim Karionce he agreed. But by some great feat of will, Kariremains unbonded and unmated, just very tho