by Lora Darc
When Danielle entered the great hall, she continued with her duties as commanded. But, as she picked up her tray of wine and turned around, she caught several eyes on her. Hungry, vicious eyes.
Remembering what the girls taught her, Danielle steadied herself and kept her face indifferent but her eyes inviting. Swaying her hips, she sauntered about the room. Every time she handed over a cup of wine she gave a playful smile. She tried her best to ignore the stares until she approached Lord Tyris on his throne, who was engaged in conversation with a group of nobles and hadn’t noticed her.
One noble caught sight of her in mid-sentence and nearly choked. When the others looked over at her, they stopped their conversation.
Danielle took the cue to approach closer and hand them cups of wine. The nobles stared at her as they took the cups and, when she turned to Lord Tyris, saw him glaring at her, his face unreadable.
Danielle didn’t flinch when she caught his eye. She offered him wine, and he merely shook his head. Though her heart raced, she smiled and turned away. She didn’t have to look back to know he continued to watch her as she strolled away. She could feel his eyes burning into her back.
When she went to refill her tray, Danielle gazed over at the usual spot where the Night Lords congregated and saw the wolf lord gone. The others were present, however, and they too glanced her way.
When she picked up a glass pitcher and went to refill the Night Lord‘s mugs she saw they had nightwomen around them as usual but were not as engaged with them. They were talking low to one another.
“They were seen this close?” said the blue devil.
“Lord Tyris asked Lord Grabril and Captain Bohren to go with their men and talk to them. Looks like they’ve gained back their power…” said the snake lord.
Danielle didn’t pay much attention to whom they spoke of as she focused on serving them. As she made sure not to spill a drop of wine, she noticed the conversation had gone quiet. When she looked over she saw the snake lord staring at her with his penetrating gaze. She turned over to the devils and saw that they too watched her. Danielle righted herself and bowed her head. She backed away and the snake lord caught her arm. The Night Lords each glanced over at Lord Tyris, who thankfully had not seen, then looked back at Danielle.
“Curious little thing aren’t you?” The snake lord whispered. Danielle caught the glint of his curved fangs. She looked over and saw the devils smiling at her. They gazed on her like hungry wolves eyeing a piece of delicious meat. Danielle swallowed hard.
“My lord?” Danielle asked, keeping her composure as best she could. The other nightwomen shifted in their seats, glancing at Danielle then back to the Night Lords with curiosity.
The snake lord looked her over for a long moment, then let her go. He turned away and didn’t look back at her as if now completely indifferent to her. The devils too ignored her, and they continued their conversation. Confused, Danielle turned from them and looked up in time to see Lord Tyris watching, his eyes narrowing at them. Danielle shot her eyes away and slipped back into the crowd.
***
“I don’t understand,” Danielle said to Madam Bree. “Isn’t that a lesser servant’s job?” Danielle eyed one of the shrouded servants who was resetting the table in the gathering room.
“The Night Lord commands it so it shall be done. It is not our job to question,” stated Madam Bree. “You will go with the others tonight to his quarters and do as he wishes.”
Danielle didn’t move to complain. If anything, the opportunity seemed too good to be true. Though she didn’t much like that the lesser servants—the shrouded ones—would be there as well. She would have to find an excuse for them to leave.
Taking up their buckets and supplies, Danielle followed the lesser servants to the snake lords quarters. With heads bowed they entered his rooms, passing his bedroom to enter a large and lavish bathroom. A large tub, nearly the size of a small pool, was set into the black marble surface with lounge chairs seated to each side and long mirrors hanging on the walls. The lesser servants placed their buckets down and put towels out on the chairs. One turned a large knob and jets of steaming water began to fill the tub. As the water rose, they threw in scented oils and placed bath soaps around the edge. They laid out several silk robes along with an assortment of foods and a jug of water and of wine. When the tub had filled completely, they shut the water off.
A shadow in the doorway moved and the snake lord entered the room. He took off his robe and set it on a chair. “Leave,” he said to them.
Danielle, not daring to look at his naked form, began to walk out with the others, but made sure to be the last behind them. When she was near the door, she heard the snake lord call out to her.
“Not you,” he said. “You stay.”
Danielle didn’t immediately turn around. She placed her hand on the edge of the door. “My lord?”
“Come here. Now,” he hissed.
Danielle turned slowly around and saw him standing naked by the edge of the tub. Danielle did as told and came up beside him.
He stared down at her, a small smile forming on his lips where Danielle could see the tips of his fangs, and gently brushed a lock of her hair from her face. Danielle turned her face up to his and parted her lips, drawing closer. The snake lord turned from her and went into the bath.
“You will bathe me,” he said, stepping all the way into the tub and turning back to her. He gave her his piercing stare and Danielle went to obey. She took up a bar of soap and went around to his side and the snake lord laughed. “Take off your clothes and come into the bath, girl.”
Danielle couldn’t help smiling a little too, slightly embarrassed. She set the bar of soap down and went to the edge of the tub where a set of stairs led down into it. She removed her top first then her bottom attire, each clattering to the ground, removing all but her necklace. When she stood before him, naked, she felt heat rise up her body at his unblinking stare.
Danielle slowly dipped into the tub and felt the fresh sting of heat hit her skin. It burned at first but soon turned soothing. She carefully entered the tub and took up the bar of soap once again. This time she readied herself and locked eyes with the snake lord, giving her own sultry gaze in return. She approached him with lithe movements, dunked the soap into the water and lathered her hands, then reached out and placed her hands on the snake lord’s chest. She stroked a hand down his middle and across his shoulders noticing how smooth his skin was.
“I have heard some very... startling rumors about you, girl.” The snake lord watched her with his hypnotic gaze as Danielle continued to wash him. “Wondering what those rumors are?”
Danielle only paused for a moment then continued to caress him. “Yes, my lord.”
The snake lord gripped her wrist as she went to touch his neck. “That you are a clever little temptress,” he whispered in her ear. “It takes a very serious curiosity on my part to go against Lord Tyris’ wishes. But I had to know for myself. No lone human can be so enticing. But perhaps you can prove me wrong?” The snake lord put an arm around her waist and drew her close against him. Danielle gasped as she was ground against him, her pleasure rising immediately.
“If it would please you, my lord,” Danielle said softly. She was thankful for the rumors, glad they were making it easier to get close to the Night Lords and take what she needed. The only obstacle now was to find out how exactly she was going to acquire the snake lord’s venom.
As soon as she thought of it, the snake lord drew his head down to her neck and let the points of his teeth prick at her skin, almost breaking the surface. Danielle went still for a moment afraid he would bite her. Instead, she felt a hot, thick liquid drip down neck and chest like honey. When the lord released her, Danielle looked down and saw his venom, like clear gold, dripping down her breast.
“Oh,” Danielle breathed.
The snake lord laughed. “Don’t worry, it won’t poison you—well... not unless I bite you and break the skin.” The
snake lord grazed a finger along her collarbone. “Lord Tyris wouldn’t be very happy if I harmed you though.”
Before Danielle could speak, the snake lord drew her close to him again and took her nipple into his mouth. Danielle could feel his twin fangs grazing her skin as he suckled. He pulled himself away and Danielle saw more venom trickling down her breast.
“Unlike Lord Grabril,” The snake lord said. He flicked his long, split tongue over her nipple. “I like to savor each part.”
Danielle felt the ache return full force, she arched her back and ground into him. The snake lord laughed low and gripped her thighs. He turned and lifted her up to the side of the bath, setting her on the edge. He spread her legs wide and had her lie back on the marble floor. When Danielle looked up, she saw another mirror on the ceiling. She watched as the snake lord hovered above her stomach and then slowly lowered himself between her legs.
The feel of his tongue grazing her clit had Danielle crying out a small wave of pleasure hit her. His venom was hot, but not burning as she felt it dip her center. The heat was glorious.
“Oh, yes, my lord, don’t stop.” Danielle caressed her own breasts and squeezed, lathering the honey-like venom over her. She could feel his tongue moving in a slow rhythm against her and, in turn, she moved her hips along with it. “Your tongue is heaven.”
Danielle remembered the nightwomen directing her to speak out her pleasure and she did as best she could though she was still unused to it.
“Oh, yes, more!” Danielle cried.
The snake lord lifted his head and grinned. “As you wish”. And with that, he stuck out a second tongue that was hiding under the first. Surprised, Danielle watched as he slipped his second into her center as the other continued to play around her clit. She cried out as he stroked through her core.
“Yes, good, so good.” Danielle spread out her legs further. She got up on her elbow and pushed up her hips, watching in the mirror above her body being lovingly devoured. She watched herself come the first time, watching her body spasm and writhe in painful pleasure. The snake lord didn’t slow his pace despite her coming and Danielle moaned loudly, gritting her teeth. His hot tongues ripped through her, driving her mad. Danielle sat up more so she could watch him in total awe as he ravaged her.
“You’re... you’re amazing.” She breathed, shocked and still in disbelief at what he was doing. She could feel each hot, smooth stroke of his tongue inside her while the other circled and grazed her. She could feel the drips of honey venom trickling down her core.
Danielle came again so hard she screamed despite herself. This time the snake lord lifted his head and backed away.
He came out of the tub as Danielle was catching her breath and grabbed a long backless seat from nearby. “You taste just as imagined, I don’t want to stop. Get up and come sit on me,” he commanded.
Danielle did as told. She stood up and, as the snake lord laid out on the long seat, Danielle placed a hand on his chest and raised a leg up over his head so that she kneeled above him and could see his legs splayed before her. She dipped her hips down and felt him grip her, bringing her core down to his mouth. Danielle felt him slip inside her again and she rode against him, moaning. She could see from the reflection of one mirror into another the snake lord spreading her out more and filling her with his tongues. She looked down and saw the length of him thicken and harden before her and thought to pleasure him as well. She leaned down and put the tip of him into her mouth. She felt the snake lord moan. Danielle went down farther until she could properly stroke him with her own tongue. The snake lord opened up for her and, as she rode against him, she made to pleasure him.
He came swiftly, pausing in his act to groan loudly and hiss. He quickly went back to her after, stroking and teasing until Danielle shattered on top of him again, almost falling against him.
Danielle lifted off him and crumbled to the floor. She saw the snake lord rise, his eyes glowing, his face filled with pure delight.
As he took up a towel, he handed one to her. “So the rumors are true... how fascinating. You are truly something, girl. Lord Tyris doesn’t know what he keeps.”
Danielle smiled and thanked him. As he turned from her to put on a robe and make two cups of wine, Danielle took the chance to quickly uncap one of her vials, take some of the venom still dripping off her, and store it within. When he came back, she took the robe gladly as well as the cup of wine.
“Here’s to you, girl.” The snake lord laughed. “For proving me wrong.”
Chapter 8
Danielle laid on a cushion within the gathering room as pleased as a kitten. The others could see something had occurred but none dared voice their thoughts. They merely whispered and smiled in her direction.
Danielle let the rumors fly. A power coursed through her stronger now than before. Though she knew she could never fully belong, Danielle felt she had finally learned her place within the mountains. Within the Nightlands. Even if it was only temporary. She was less afraid and more sure of herself. Like a new trainee becoming a skilled worker.
Though she still wasn’t allowed to take part in any lovemaking or sex gatherings per Lord Tyris orders, Danielle felt confident in her abilities of seduction. When she was made to serve in the great hall, she walked with a sultry grace practiced in the servant’s hall, catching eyes and giving small, secret touches when she could. In other rooms she got a little more brave, allowing some to touch her every so often when the guards weren’t looking. She enjoyed defying Lord Tyris and making the others burn and hunger for her. A flower to be looked upon but never touched, or so Lord Tyris believed.
Danielle found it thrilling.
One moonrise, however, Danielle noticed many of the nobles in the great hall seemed distracted. Many talked in low whispers and glanced toward the door as if they awaiting something. Or someone.
Danielle didn’t pay much attention as she served around the room. She caught Lord Grabril and Lord Virsis—the snake lord—watching her intently by Lord Tyris’ throne and she winked at them. They smiled back at her in return.
The doors to the great hall opened and a figure stepped into the hall. The crowd hushed and backed away. When Danielle turned to see who it was she nearly dropped her tray.
Torq, now known as Torquel, the geist, flowed gracefully into the room glowing blue and silvery-white as bursts of lightning flashed through his body. His clothes were metal like the machine body he had once possessed, only it was more armor now, covering his legs, and arms. His face—hidden in a metal mask in the shape of some beast with a sharp-toothed grin—glowed underneath, with tendrils of an icy mist and fog spilling from him.
Danielle froze where she stood as Torquel glided down the way to stand before Lord Tyris and the other Night Lords. Behind them came a wave of soldiers with a symbol of the moon and stars across their armored chests.
“Lord Tyris.” Torquel did not bow. Instead, he placed his hands behind his back and stood tall and regal.
“Lord Torquel,” said Lord Tyris, who didn’t bow either. “Or is it Prince now?”
Torquel lowered his head only slightly and Danielle caught the gleam of a blue collar around his neck. When she looked down at his wrists and ankles she saw blue bands there as well. She remembered seeing him captured by the princes in the desert and could see he was still bound to them, only now in a new way.
“Soon... when I have finished my sentence,” Lord Torquel seethed.
“Yes, I heard about your defiance,” said Lord Tyris. “Now the princes make you general of their army, do they? I remember having that title myself. It was a thankless job.”
Lord Torquel shifted in place. “I serve my princes as they command.”
“Fine. Then why have you come?”
“The princes wish to tell you that, due to other matters within the palace and the realm, they will allow you to hold their lands for them for the time being.”
Some of the lords hissed at him, others merely laughed.
> “But,” Lord Torquel continued, “in time—very soon—you will have to answer to them of your unwillingness to obey when called. They might be willing to forgive—and deal a less harsh punishment—if you agree to hand back over their lands and swear fealty to them once again. They may even make you their seconds once again.”
Whispers flew around the room and Lord Tyris put up his hand. He rose from his seat and glared down at Lord Torquel. “Many things have changed in the Nightlands since the princes have been locked away. We, the Night Lords have guarded and cared for the lands, and the people respect us. The princes would do well to think on that before making such a demand.”
“They are the rightful rulers nonetheless, Lord Tyris,” responded Lord Torquel. “And the people are being reminded of that as we speak. The palace returns to its usual form. Nightkin flock to it like a beacon. The ones here too will soon see and follow. Do not delay the inevitable.”
“I heard the rumors. Still, I -and the others - will not be so easily swayed…”
Danielle went to move out of the crowd as far away from Lord Torquel and the others as possible. She got to the door but saw it was being guarded by soldiers; she tried to creep back into the shadows, to hide, when a hand gripped her arm.
“No dawdling, girl,” growled a guard. “Get back to work.
Danielle was pushed back into the crowd. She served out small plates of food, keeping as far away from the stage as possible. Unfortunately, she caught the eye of a large, girthy noble with blue skin who was constantly shoving food in his mouth. The noble waved her over and she was forced to comply, having to stand closer to the palace soldiers near him.
The noble took up two platefuls and waved her away. As Danielle went to move quickly back into the shadows, one of the soldiers spotted her.
He elbowed his comrade next to him and they both looked at her.
No, no, not yet. I can’t go back, Danielle thought in a panic. But the elfish, grey-skinned soldier gestured for her to come over.
