His horror must have shown on his face because the man laughed.
“No need to look so terrified, little omega. We will take great care of you until you are handed over to your new master. I’m not about to damage the merchandise. It lowers prices and casts a disreputable image on my business. I warn you not to try and escape, however. Foreigners always cause the most trouble with that. There are several guards at every exit and if they catch a runaway, they get to have a little fun before they are returned.”
The man strode forward and grasped Kari by the chin. His fingers dug harshly into his cheeks and the man’s lips twisted up into a cruel smirk.
“Don’t think you’re safe just because you’re an omega either. They might not be able to have their fun with your little hole but I’m sure they would happily make use of this pretty little mouth.”
He twisted Kari’s head around and inspected him much like one would a horse for sale. The man fingered his hair, forced his jaw open to inspect his teeth and even checked his hands and feet, lingering on the daiyan tattoo on his left wrist. The other man in plain robes waited impassively while all this occurred and Kari struggled to force down the humiliation at such treatment but he was far too weak to resist.
In the end, he suffered through the inspection in silence. Seemingly satisfied, the long-haired man released him and stepped back. He continued to survey him with an intent stare however.
“Once you are healthy and fattened up a little, you will come up looking very pretty. Almost a shame I’ll be giving you away. You would fetch me quite a large sum of coin. Now tell me little omega, are you a virgin?”
Kari gaped at him and felt his cheeks infuse with heat. The man’s lips curved up in a sly smile and he looked away in embarrassment.
“Oh? You’re blushing. How precious. And just how did you manage your heats, little one?”
“Not like that!” Kari snapped out, his voice horse.
“Oho, so you do have a voice. A feisty attitude, too. Normally I would beat you for speaking to me in that tone but your new master doesn’t like broken little obedient slaves. He has an odd fascination with things with spirit. You’re lucky it counts in your favor. Now answer me clearly omega, are you a virgin?”
Glaring at the floor, Kari whispered, “Yes.”
“Completely untouched by another’s cock?”
He felt his cheeks heat up more and risked an embarrassed glare up at the long-haired man. “Yes.” The other man looked exceptionally pleased with this answer.
“Oh, how marvelous. So much extra added value. It unfortunately means I cannot train you how to please your new master but it makes you a truly exceptional and perfect gift. There’s no way he could turn you down. Such a shame I won’t get to try out your pretty little mouth, however.” He gave a dramatic sigh and flapped a hand at the other man who was still observing. “Enid, make sure he eats and sleeps. We leave for the Halshany Vesnice tomorrow at first light. I plan to give him over personally.”
“Yes, Master.”
The long-haired man turned and swept out of the room, leaving Kari with the quiet man Enid. He stared at the door in shock. It wasn’t until Enid moved that Kari turned his focus back to him. He blinked at a small bowl that was handed over before he took it mutely. His head swum after that conversation and the revelation that he had been taken and sold.
A heavy feeling twisted in his gut and made him feel nauseous at the mere thought of food. The way he had been inspected as though he was an animal and not a person was humiliating but it was the questions he had asked and the meaning behind those that made his stomach turn.
It was good that he was a virgin and untouched. Why? What was he going to be used as?
Kari didn’t want to think on the answer to that. He was pulled from his musing by a gentle pat on his knee.
Don’t fret, little one. Everything will be fine.” Enid gestured to the food and tried to encourage him to eat. “You need to eat though. You nearly died and very skinny. You will need your strength for the journey.”
Kari gave him a small nod but didn’t move to touch the food. Instead he stared at it mournfully while he tried to get his mind to stop from turning to the dark suggestions of what his future held. Enid sighed and nudged him again.
“You have questions, yes?” Kari nodded. “I will answer so long as you eat while I do so. First you must take a bite and swallow. Then you can ask a question.”
Kari scooped up a small spoonful of a thick soup and dutifully brought it to his mouth. He was pleased that it didn’t need much chewing and he forced it down. It sat heavily in his stomach though. He took a few moments to think about what he wanted to ask but there was really only one thing weighing on his mind.
“What kind of slave am I?”
“You are being sold as a pleasure slave.”
Kari blanched at Enid’s blunt statement. “Does that mean that I have to…?” He couldn’t force himself to say the words.
Oh Yhieris, please no.
“Yes.”
He felt panic well up inside and clenched the bowl in his hands. He started as a hand gently stroked his hair. “Please don’t panic, little omega.” The hand continued to pet his hair in an effort to soothe him. “I know they don’t have slaves in your home country but it’s not as bad as you think. Many people here sell themselves into slavery, particularly omegas.”
He chuckled as Kari gaped at him in disbelief. “It’s true. Pretty omegas in particular fetch a good price as pleasure slaves. The only people who buy pleasure slaves are those wealthy enough to do so. There are many who will happily trade in their freedom if it means that they do not have to worry where their next meal will come from and their buying price will often help support their families for some time.”
“But they have to do…things with their bodies for their masters, don’t they?” Kari cursed his omegan instincts as he realized he unconsciously leaned into the gentle strokes and pulled away sullenly. Enid continued his petting with a small chuckle.
“I told you to eat between questions, little one.” He waited until Kari had forced another spoonful into his mouth. “Is it so bad to give your body to another? You would be well looked after through your heats too.” He seemed to sense the omega’s doubt.
“Pleasure slaves are shown off. That’s part of your role as a pleasure slave. Only the rich and powerful can afford such a luxury and as such, they are normally exceedingly well looked after. They are often put on display and shown off for their traits, but at the end of the day, they only have one master. It is a crime to touch another’s property without permission. Remember that is what you are now. Property. You treat your possessions with care, do you not?”
He waited for Kari’s small nod before he continued. “This is much the same. Your new master, Prince Lezzker, has a reputation for being a fair and respectable man who treats his staff and slaves alike with great care. He never had a pleasure slave before and has no any pleasure slave now so you do not have to share his attention.”
“Lezzker?” Kari spoke tentatively, trying the name out on his tongue.
“Prince Lezzker,” Enid corrected. “He is part of the ruling royal family and presides over the Halshany Vesnice. He is third in line for the throne and extremely well respected in Niamrean society. My Master owes him a great debt, which is why you are being given as gift to that man. Of any who could take you, you are lucky that it is him. It will take us nearly two weeks’ travel by carriage to reach the city of Mishal where he lives. The Halshany Vesnice has a warm climate and is known for its fruit and alcohol produce. It’s a very nice area. I’m sure you will enjoy your new home.”
Kari wasn’t particularly fond of warm climates, being an ice Daiyan and all, but he wasn’t about to bring that up. He wasn’t averse to it either but he much preferred the large snow falls in the dead of winter back in his home village. Still, it didn’t sound as bad as it could be. And the travel there might give him an opportunity to escape.
Although he wasn’t too keen on being caught after the other man’s warning, so he would have to plan any escape attempt very, very carefully. He finally finished his bowl of soup and handed the empty dish over to Enid.
“Lezzker is his family name, right? What’s his actual name?”
Enid gave him a gentle smile and spoke as though his words didn’t bring Kari’s world crashing down.
“Ryedir Lezzker, the Niamrean Prince of War.”
Karihad clearly underestimated how weak his near-death experience had left him. An escape attempt while they travelled was laughable. He could barely stay awake for more than half an hour after eating before he was sleeping again until being woken up for more food. Enidhad praised his increasingly healthy appearance and even his Master had seemed pleased although he had a greedy glint in his eye when he observed Kari.He had quickly learned that Enidwas Oran’s only personal slave.All the others he owned helped to run his slave trade business. He specializedin pleasure slaves and Kariwas exceedingly glad he had avoided having any personal lessons. But the way the man watched him with unveiled greed and lust made Kari’s blood run cold.His brief waking moments had been plagued by thoughts of what this Lezzkerperson would be like. Enidrevealing that he was the NiamreanPri
The darkness outside meant that Karicould see nothing of their surroundings as they made their way to the keep where this Lezzkerresided.All he could do was keep his head down and feel the sways and bumps of the carriage. Earlier,he had been dragged into the bath by Enidand scrubbed within an inch of his life before being doused in scented oils. He had then been dressed in nothing but a large black cloak and he felt incredibly exposed even thoughhe was fully covered.It felt like his nakedness under the heavy fabric was somehow visible and it made him uncomfortable. Enidhad reminded him gently that he was a pleasure slave now-his body no longer belonged to himself and he would be inspected before being accepted by his new master. The man had probably meant it to be a comforting thought somehow but the very idea that his body was no longer his own was disquieting.A
Karistood and stared in shock. What kind of choice was that? Death or an entire lifetime of servitude. He would take his own life before he allowed himself to be sold to a brothel but the other choice removed his freedom-the one thing he truly valued, and tied his very soul to this unknown man.Both choices were incomprehensible to Kari.“W-what? You can’t be serious!”The alpha merely raised an eyebrow and swirled the glass of liquid in his hand. “You should be more thankful, omega. It is rare for a slave to receive a choice. I could just as easily take that choice from you and claim you as mine whether you like it or not.”“Why don’t you?” Karistood with his arms still wrapped around his frame but stared up at the large man with all the defiance he could muster.Anything to focus his attention away
The sheer magnetic force of the alpha when he stood so close was insane. His heart raced in his chest and his thoughts had scattered completely. No wonder alphas were so dangerous to omegas. He flushed in shame when he noticed the man’s eyes flick down and Karirealizedthat he was still naked. He could feel the slick just starting to drip out from between his cheeks and his little cock attempted to stand straight.What kind of reaction is that? The atmosphere around the man screamed danger, yet he was getting turned on by it? He was mortified by his body’s reaction.“How cute. What is your name, little omega?”“KariGeneina.”“Kari…” The way the man spoke his name was dark and seductive, it sounded as though he was tasting it on his tongue. “You may keep Karithen.”“Keep?!
Pleasure slave. He knew that’s what he had been sold as, well, given away, so sharing the bed made sense except for the fact that the man had said he wasn’t going to touch him unless he chose him willingly. So until then, shouldn’t he be more wary of him? Ryedirknew he was a Daiyan, so why was he not more suspicious of him? He had no idea what he was capable of. For all he knew, Karicould shank him in his sleep. Karireached out for his power and felt a pang of disappointment when he still felt nothing. He glanced at his tattoo and observed the silvery white hexagonal prism with six thin arms that form a star-like shape. He took a deep bracing breath in and slowly let it out. It was there, he reminded himself, he still had the marking of a Daiyan. He needed time to heal, that was all. He set the towel down on the floor and padded out of the room. Ryedirsa
Karigroggily 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.”
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