All Chapters of TAKE ME THERE, DADDY (Tangled In Temptation Collection): Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

As Leonard and I descend the stairs into the hall, I examine the atmosphere.The environment may be dim—only lightened by four lantern balls on each corner of the long table—but the mood is gloomier.Beside the two long sides of the table stand the ministers. While the Grand Priestess occupies one end of the table, the other end is reserved for me.They turn to me with a bow as they say in one voice, “Your Majesty…”“Sit,” I mumble after taking my seat myself.The golden flames of the lanterns shimmer on their faces as I look from one person to the other until my gaze lands on the Grand Priestess.Being a religious empire, she represents a branch of authority almost equal to mine. However, she limits herself to matters that directly involve her shrine.Myssa’s case is one of those that I did not expect her to meddle in.“There is an evil among us, your majesty,” she starts, “and it is closer than acceptable.”Murmurs rise round the table as the ministers whisper to themselves, quietin

She wraps her legs around my waist, her heels digging into the skin of my back. Although she does not know, they are kneading the tensed bones in my back that have accumulated from years of stress, her fingers adding to the comfort by harmlessly clawing at my upper back.I pucker my lips to peck hers, but the moment she tries to pull me back in for a full-on kiss, I slide down—out of her grip—while leaving wet kisses on her skin. From her chin to her neck to between her breasts and down her stomach, where I pause to rub my nose a few inches above her V-line.Now her legs are spread at my sides, and her fingers weave into my hair, subconsciously massaging my scalp as she arches her back.I gather the flays of her dress around her waist first before yanking down her inner wear to behold her winking subtlety, which is flushed, glistening with arousal, and has thin lips parted.The sight of that alone makes it difficult for me to contain the strain of my hardness under my pants, which is

I huff. “Are you not only pretending to help me because of the mutual benefits we could each get? You could win the war with a dragon as support, and I would get my revenge with your army at my back. So stop feigning like you are doing me a favor. You are not.”I try to stand up, but a sharp pain attacks me in the spot where I was stabbed.Wincing, I fall back to the mat, while the emperor hurries to my side and tries to hold me.But I shove his hands away. “Do not touch me!”He retrieves his hands, watching me struggle to my feet.After staggering out of the tent, I look up at the twilight sky above the hill. Then I feel the emperor’s body graze my shoulder as he stands beside me.“Why are we still here?” I ask.He remains quiet until I gaze up at him.“Since this matter is yet to be resolved, it is unwise to return,” he mumbles. “I may rule the empire, but I cannot control what my people do. Among the palace maids are spies of those who seek to oppose me. They could kill you.”I loo

“Is there anyone else who craves a taste of my blade?” the emperor asks in a manner that would convince a clueless onlooker that he is merely joking.But I think he actually means harm. Not only I, but even the soldiers and the villagers think the same.No one moves. No heads turn. Confusion descends on the soldiers, visible in their expressions.“Surround the people. Let no one escape,” the emperor tells them, and they get to work without a split second of delay.The people scatter around as their screams fly, yet the soldiers cage them within one big circle. Their wails fill the environment, their fear a breath of fresh air to the emperor, who cranes his neck in my direction.“Would you like to denounce Veedonian and take up the title of a Latvian?” he asks.Without hesitating, I cover the few spaces between us, standing beside him and meeting his gaze. “Yes, your majesty.”His eyes linger on mine as he tucks out the same blade he used on me from his pocket and slides the sharp edge

“All hail the Emperor, first of his name, lord of brazen men, and the overseer of the vast North Ocean!"“All hail!”Unlike the other hall, this one is larger. Less dark. Swallows matter. And has a flight of steps that lead up to the throne—which is the only seat in sight.However, instead of taking these steps, I turn around to face the ministers right after walking past them.One thing about this hall is that whenever the ministers of the empire are called to gather here, ALL of them respond. I mean all, high or low rank.While the ones in high ranks are more confident and look as brave as a lion, the low ranks cower. They shiver merely from my glance and are easily controlled.Today, I wonder which of them fell for the tyrannical lure of the high ranks.“The spies that hid within our walls have suddenly been rattled,” I announce, my voice echoing throughout the silent space. “They are busy everywhere. Horsemen. Falcons. Anything that goes from here to Veedonia. I have destroyed mos