RecompenseEben was shouting in his face. Intent on hanging the animal’s head above his mantle in vengeance for her crimes.It struck Zier that doing so would be quite a shame. She is one of a kind.He remembered how trustingly she’d allowed him to lead her into the castle.Zier’s brows drew together, and his chest was heaving with his anger. Furious that Eben would accuse him of purposely betraying him.And then tell me what to do with the prize I acquired.Yes, Zierno had intended her to be Eben’s but the thought of slaughtering her in the King’s name seemed a damn shame.“It’s a waste of a powerful beast.” Zier objected.“I’ll make that decision, Mercenary.” Eben hissed.Twice today, he’s reminded me how low I am.Gritting his teeth, Zierno collected his sword and spun. His cloak billowing around behind him as his boots clicked over the marbled floor. He adjusted it over his shoulder. Straightening where it dangled, from his recent toil.Storming through the doors of the Receiving
RefugeI have to get her somewhere safe. It was Zier’s only thought.Even as he heard the clatter of armor coming through the castle.And drawing nearer the stables.A knot tied his gut.Keep her safe. Get her away from here. He’d never felt such a strong compulsion to do anything in his life.She looked utterly helpless, and some piece of his soul knew that she needed him on a level that he could never have articulated.He was anxious that someone was going to catch him. Catch sight of her.Without knowing why, he was certain that would prove dangerous.EBENEben restlessly paced his personal chambers.Filled with something between fury and remorse, it was impossible for him to quiet.“What’s wrong, Liege?” Dorin asked. Watching him with a flicker of annoyance.“My closest friend has betrayed me.”“The mercenary?”“He’s a bit more than that.” Eben snapped. “As you are aware.”Dorin had been Captain of the Guard when he and Zier were still young yet. He had seen their friendship bloom
An IrritantDorin returned, gripping Liba’s arm and dragging her into the King’s chambers.Eben awaited her, sitting on the edge of his bed.“Service your King.” Dorin thrust her into the chamber and closed the door. Turning the lock as she rounded to slap the wood, desperately trying to flee.She spun back toward Eben as he crossed the room. Catching her by the throat and holding her against the door. “There you are, Slave.”“P-please…My King. Not-not tonight…I…”“I don’t care.” He dismissed. With his other hand he wrenched the dress she wore to the side. Exposing the thin leather strap covering her nipple. He hooked it with a finger and scooted it aside. Seeing that the red marks wearing into her shoulder was lessened today.“You’ve taken this off.” He batted her face.Making her gasp and her cheek redden.“What have I told you?”“I never take it off, My King.” She gripped the hand tightening on her neck. Giving him a wide-eyed look.“My King?” He snapped acidly.“Master.” She corre
Sacrificed“The others?” Dorin reared back in affront. “Is that how you qualify me?”“You’re not protecting me!” She defended.“Get up.” He said coldly.She climbed to her feet, holding herself, trying to keep the leather straps from pulling at her.Dorin caught her viciously by the arm and began pulling her as roughly as he’d brought her.“No! Please stop.”“Shut up.” He snapped. Clearly disillusioned, he walked her back to the door of the dungeons. Looking around to ensure no one saw as he turned the key and shoved her down. Pushing at her shoulders while she squealed in agony every time her step was rushed.“Men.” He announced from the bottom of the stairs. Making the five knights watching prisoners there, turn to him. “This woman is no longer under my protection. Have at her.”One of them rose immediately.Liba gave Dorin a begging look, but he’d already given her his back and was heading back upstairs.Ignoring her shouts as the knights dragged her further into the dungeon chambe
Demons WithinShe was squealing but with her face jammed in the hay, it was of no consequence to him. Notes he barely heard.He guided himself towards her fine puckered hole. So excited he was nearly shaking in anticipation. Certain her small frame guaranteed she’d be tight. He pushed parted her cheeks with his palms and positioned himself, so he hooked just in the entrance. He lurched up to align with her and pushed past the tense muscles guarding the opening and well into her narrow back channel. Sinking into the heat which gripped him. Feeling like its warmth was tugging him in further.He moaned in pleasure. Going still, as he savored her heat and tautness. Which were clutching at him beckoning him in further. He strained to touch deeper. Leaning over her, he felt her soft skin under his chest and couldn’t resist flattening out over her. Resting his legs along the back of hers until her small body was entirely covered by his larger one. His swollen belly resting perfectly in the c
The King's PropertyFrowning, Zier stared at his friend. Shocked that the king would say such a thing aloud.Before his subjects.He’s clearly possessed.Zier cast a startled gaze down at the woman in his arms. What is she?Zierno’s gaze returned to the lustful king. He’s no more Eben now than he was when he yearned for the Kelpie.Zierno’s chest tightened. I’m on dangerous ground.It was obvious from the king’s face that denying him now would constitute a grave act of disobedience.He could have me beheaded.But Zierno could see the darkness in the king’s eyes. The shadows that danced over them, told Zier that he would harm the girl.As surely as the wind blows.Zier envisioned all the women the King kept for his pleasure. Numerous slaves at his whim.Yet, he’s determined to have this one.Zier’s eyes fell from Eben to her.She turned her face to meet his gaze. Her perfect features revealing nothing. Still shivering in his arms, she exuded vulnerability and helplessness.Zier’s need
Defying the KingHeretic rounded the corner.People leapt from the stallion’s path as his heavy hooves threw up clods of dirt. The guards pulled the king from the destrier’s path and leapt sideways.Spotting Zierno, Heretic lurched to a stop, dirt piling up over his hooves. Rounding to stand next to him.Quickly sheathing his sword Zierno stared at them all challengingly as he smoothly mounted. Keeping their eyes as he tilted to reach for the girl. Offering his hand to her.Without hesitating, she slipped her small, bloodied, hand into his.He pulled her up in-front of him. His arm wrapping her waist, dampening with blood as he held her in the saddle before him.Catching Heretic’s mane, he heeled the mount who lurched forward. Heretic tore through the bailey. People cleared a path for them. Zierno looked past her shoulder to see the pale hand gripping the mane in a white-knuckled fist. She didn’t object, didn’t fight.Clearly in shock.“Stop him! Kill him and bring me the woman!” Eben
Her Proposal“You’ll have no need to kill me after that.” She urged. “I will be fully returned.”Returned?Zierno stared down at her and wondered if the woman was completely out of her mind.Yes. She is.“Woman what are you talking about?” He demanded in frustration, running his free hand through his hair.She refused to respond further. Clinging to him and staring up as though she could convey some message he wasn’t understanding.Growling in his throat, he caught her by the upper arm and yanked her to her feet. Shaking his head bemusedly as they strode into the woods.“Do whatever you want with me…” He echoed. Shaking his head. “Chain me up. Keep me for forty-seven days, she says.”He looked at her, following him numbly. “You have got to be the most, wild, unstable woman I’ve ever laid eyes on!”They went on foot for awhile. Giving Heretic time to recover from his run.What the devil am I doing? Zier chastised himself. Knowing he was only going to bring all of the Netherlands Knight