Ryedir stared down at the dead assassin bleeding out over his plush carpet and tsked.
It had been a while since anyone had bothered to even attempt to take his life. The man was nondescript looking and the alpha knew he would have nothing on him that would point to the mastermind behind the plot. This man had been good, he had to give him credit, scaling up the side of the manor in the dim light of the early evening and even able to get a hit in on Ryedir while he was unarmed.
Although it would have been a different story had the little omega not been there, but he had not been willing to take a chance of Kari being used against him.
No, that one was a treasure of great worth- when he wasn’t being stubborn, that is.
An anguished scream tore him from his musing and Ryedir spun around with sword raised, intent on killing whoever attacked Kari.
&nb
Ryedirmade a noncommittal sound at theback of his throat but didn’t reply further. Laretwas an excellent healer and almost fanatical in her care. Not just regarding theirphysical health, but also mental health. This was especially true for bonded pairs and she was more than happy to take every opportunity to state her mind on just how to strengthen those bonds. Which had resulted in a rather hilarious sex talk with himself and Kari. Laretwas oblivious to social cues and had given a rather long and detailed list of sexual activities that did not need bonding, as though they were adolescents fumbling through sex. He almost snorted at the thought. He couldn’t fault Laretfor her overzealous care, especially as it had proven exceedingly entertaining watching Karistutter in mortification. The memory dulled his anger somewhat and Ryedirstood with Karistill in his arms.
Kariwoke up feeling tired and groggy and groaned as the feeling hit him full force. He went to roll over but was stopped by something around his waist. Eyes snapped open and he came face to face with a muscled chest. It took a few moments to realizethat his pillow was not actually a pillow and instead a bulging bicep. A soft rumbling croon reverberated out from the chest in front of him and Karifelt his body relax, the rigid tension he wasn’t even aware of draining from his body. He cursed his traitorous body before placing his hand on Ryedir’s chest and shoved, moving himself backwards so he could scowl up at the smirking man. “You can stop that,” he said irritably. “I’m not some crying kid that needs comfort.” “No one ever said you were, little one.” Kari’s eyebrow twitched at the way the alpha referred to him.He already know that he was small. No need
Karipouted as he followed Nevisthrough the manor. The beta had been teasing him endlessly about his bruised lip and the fact that he now smelt like Ryedir. It wasn’t like he could do anything about the fact that he spent all of last night and most of this morning curled up against the alpha. And that not quite kiss was enough to have him tripping over his own feet at a mere thought, let alone Nevismentioning it. Apparently, the beta was mostly amused because Karibecame a blushing, fumbling mess every time he brought it up. It was an unusual reaction for a pleasure slave, to say the least. Still, Nevistalked more than normal and kept a watchful eye on Kari. The beta didn’t once comment on the marks on his neck, however. Karihad to wonder if it was about what happened yesterday. In light of Ryedir’s teasing, he had temporarily forgotten his woes but it all came back to the front 
Karifroze. Just thinking about the memories set his limbs trembling. Saying it out loud would just make it all the more real, more tangible. Like he couldn't run away from the truth any more. Worse still, he would be showing what a monster he really was to someone who he didn't know. The alpha was not any less of an enigma now than he was the first night Kariarrived. He knew pieces of information: alpha, warrior, harsh but fair, kept his word. Ryedirseemed to be able to see right through him, read even the slightest reaction in his body language. But Karididn't know how he would react in return. What could he even say? "Oh yeah, I just, you know, massacred half of your goddamn army. This is just my punishment for crimesIcommitted." With a derisive snort the omega looked
He should have known it wouldn't be easy. Logically, Kariknew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park but Ryedirhad far too much fun dancing circles around Karibefore knocking him on his ass. One of the entertaining rooms had been temporarily repurposed into a training room with all the furniture pushed against the walls. In the morning, he would have to help Nevis re-assemble the room but for now, it was a good spot away from prying eyes. Kari had been skeptical at first but now he was glad for the plush rug helping to cushion his fall. He had been even more confused over being made to keep the same attire as normal, Ryedir had only replied that it’s what he would be wearing during an attack so he may as well get used to it and that it was also an incentive. He didn't understand what the alpha meant until he was knocked to the ground, tunicflying up an
Ryedirstared unseeing at the reports on his desk. He had long since sent Troisto bed and instead sat by his studycontemplating his little omega. He had proven to be a quick learnerand had been picking up all the different moves well. Ryedirhad taught others before and the constant repetition required to drill in the knowledge always tested his patience. Never had it been so fun to practice-the alpha had greatly enjoyed the view of tumbling asswhen the omega wasn’t quite fast enough to counter. Even more intriguing had been his unconscious reaction that evening. They had been going at it for a while and Karihad made considerable progress in being able to read and react to Ryedir’s attacks. However, he was starting to get tired and was slowing down, reacting too late and even completely losing focus. Then it seemed as though his fig
“How are you feeling?”“I’m fine,” Karigrumbled sulkily while trying to remove himself from the alpha’s clutches.Ryedir was having none of it, however.“You were having a bad nightmare last night.”Karipulled his chin out of the large hand and lay his head back down on the man’s chest. It was still embarrassing, but he was still too tired to care too much. It was better than looking into those knowing eyes, anyway.“I’m fine.”Ryedir made an unconvinced noise in the back of his throat but said nothing else. Instead, he sat up, pulling the omega into his lap and pursuing the tray of food. Karigroaned and was about to protest any more hand feeding but they were interrupted by a slightly ruffled looking Trois.Apparently some merchants fr
The entertainmentroom had been all set up and Nevishad been helping Karipractice pouring when Ryedir, Trois, and a large, round bellied man Karididn’t know came in. Nevisleft with Troisand the other two sat at a small round table.Karistepped forward and set to carefully pouring both men a glass of the expensive alcohol before folding himself up at Ryedir’s lap. It made Karibecome conscious of what it means as he recalled his talk with Nevis earlier but he pushed it away from his thoughts. Thiswas far better than sitting on the flooranyway.The omega huffed and had to fight a scowl from his face when Ryedir ran his fingers through his hair as though he was petting a favored animal.The talk was all business and bored Karito no end as he idly listened in. They seemed to be bartering over a shipment of silks in exchange for a mix of
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