Allen, Kayelle - T4 Alitus (2007)

by Allen, Kayelle

  He followed her and Ruh for the usual tour of the facility. Generally, the Conqueror came here but twice a year and never failed to visit the three governors she’d imprisoned for raping Khyff Antonello.Do they ever sense her studying them through the blackened glass wall overlooking their isolated cells? And what of Destoiya? Does it give her some kind of perverse pleasure to see them locked in empty metal boxes not high enough to stand in, nor long enough to stretch out fully and sleep?

  They would leave those dim coffin-like cells only after a long, wasting demise. Faceless androids brought them enough food and water to ensure their starvation wasn’t quick. It could take them years to die. Lots of time for regret. Animals in a slaughterhouse fared better.

  True, Khyff had been the Conqueror’s favorite for the brief time she’d owned him and he had nearly died from what they’d done to him. But surely, the man wouldn’t want this kind of vengeance. Had he known of it, no doubt he’d implore her to cease.

  Though Destoiya said not a word, the unabated rage on her face when she finally turned away warned Alitus not to ask questions.

  Exactly why did Khyff still mean so much to her? She only owned him for a couple of days.Lights turned off beyond the blackened glass, revealing no clues from the prisoners. The antiseptic scent of the place invaded.

  “Alitus.”

  He started at Destoiya’s voice and hastened to catch up to her. She held out her left hand. When he put his right into it, she drew it around her waist, wrapped an arm about him and held him close to her.

  The captain appeared as shocked as he felt, darting looks everywhere but at him and the Conqueror.

  Destoiya lifted her silvery gaze. “You’re wondering why I sentenced them here, aren’t you?” Alitus stood stock still. “Let me tell you. Khyff wasmine .”

  He held his breath, scorched by the savagery in her eyes. Here was the ruthless killer her detractors abhorred. Alitus understood suddenly why her soldiers feared her, her enemies loathed her. Yet that same pride and remorseless ferocity made her a lover beyond compare.

  “Anyone who takes what is mine…” the Conqueror never flicked so much as a glance at Captain Ruh, “…and thinks to keep it for herself, to abuse or misuse it, pays for that sin with death. Full recompense. No mercy. Alitus, my love…” Destoiya reached up and stroked his cheek. “—if anyone ever did to you what those bitches did to him…” A fierce sweep of anger transformed her to an avenging angel, hell bent on retribution. “I wouldn’t let them die that fast. I’d make them suffer for centuries.”

  Alitus remained motionless, riveted by the glint of raw fury in her eyes.

  “Captain.” She turned toward Ruh. “When your troops get their hooks into these rebels who want to steal my empire, remember that. I want a Kin’s vengeance with blood, fangs and claws. They dare eventhink to take my empire? Not while I live!”

  The Kin hissed like a mad cat. Folding a fist over her heart, she bowed deeply toward Destoiya. “My Empress, by the hallowed blood of my foremothers, while I live, no traitor will ever take this empire. If you give me the power, I will rally the entire Armada.” She took a bold step forward. “Let me serve Your Majesty in a greater capacity than this…” She gestured around her. “—and I will break the back of this petty rebellion.”

  After the briefest hesitation, Destoiya inclined her head toward the Kin warrior. “I will see to it.”

  Ruh growled, fierce as a jungle cat. Extending her claws, she bowed as she swept a hand toward the door. “Your loyal Praetorian await you, Your Majesty.”

  With his hand still linked with Destoiya’s, Alitus accompanied her toward the square outsideHellTower . There, she would speak to the assembled crowd of more than five hundred Praetorian.

  He stood aside with Her Majesty while the captain opened the final door.

  Alitus dropped his hand and remained behind when Ruh introduced the Conqueror. Outside, the gathered Praetorian cheered Destoiya’s entrance.

  Alitus followed a moment later and stood at the rear of the platform. While the Praetorian stomped, rattled weapons and roared their battle cry, Destoiya turned her head and met his gaze, the unspent shimmer of a satisfied smile in her eyes.

  Chapter Three

  Conqueror’s Palace

  Stable, Keeper Wing

  Sumertsag 36

  Promptly at nine, Rheyn Destoiya strolled into the dining room of the Keeper Wing for an evening meal with her six Jades, all of whom rose and bowed. The styles of their black tuxes reflected their personalities, from sensual to exotic.

  Dinner in the Stable was formal every night—it kept her Jades on their best behavior and in practice for the times she needed an escort.

  It was no secret each man would set out to seduce her to his bed, greeting her in a way that invited her to sample his talents later. To prevent favoritism, she always had them greet her in order of age, which put Corran Breland first. As a dual-gendered Androg, the proper pronoun wasphe , but Corran, like her other Androg, preferredhe . Most of the time he dressed like a male and usually served her as one in bed. He cupped both hands around her face and pressed his mouth against hers in a gentle kiss.

  “Good evening, Majesty. Your hair looks especially lovely tonight.” Corran stroked his fingers through her hair, which she’d worn down for a change.

  It reached her shoulders, the curls no doubt in disarray after the passionate good-night kiss she’d shared with Alitus. She’d placed a diamond-encrusted comb on the right side to display the silver streak there and she reached up to ensure it was still in place.

  “Thank you.” Her black strapless gown begged for more adornments than the string of pearls she’d worn. Destoiya smiled up at the first Jade she’d owned. “I’m glad to see you. I’ve missed you at dinner.”

  “Night classes at Tarth Tech.” He shrugged. “But you did insist I complete another degree by the end of the year.”

  “This is your third, correct?” When he nodded, she took his hand. Her elbow-length black gloves made his fair skin seem even lighter. “How long ‘til you graduate?”

  “Seventy-six days and a wake-up.” He grinned. “But who’s counting? Will you be there?”

  She squeezed his hand. “You know I will.”

  He bowed slightly and stepped aside with a smile.

  Febreya Andrus, the only Jade she allowed a beard, wore a tux that sported black leather trim. He swept her into his arms, bent her backward and kissed her. The others were applauding when he set her on her feet.

  Destoiya patted her hair. “Well! And good evening to you, too, Andrus.”

  His laugh made him seem younger and carefree. Of all her Jades, he was the only one she trusted with a lash in his hand. He’d never gone too far, but he knew quite well how to make her beg for mercy.

  He was the only Jade for whom Alitus ever expressed dislike. Probably because she always went to Alitus to be patched up after Andrus was through with her.

  Grant Hawke bowed deeply, his straight, sandy-brown hair falling over his broad shoulders and hiding his face. The lapels and sleeves of his tux displayed the intricate hand beading for which his people were famous. He kissed Destoiya’s hand before rising. “Good evening, Majesty.”

  Big, brawny, intelligent, kind, Grant worshiped a goddess of lust whom he appeased by dancing in supplication before sex. And his prayers were always answered in the most glorious way … Destoiya bit a knuckle and nodded to him, smiling.

  The levels of Novice, Toy, and Keeper in the Stable came about so she could honor Lef Ardleigh. Although not her first Jade, this Androg’s abilities and talents soon made him her absolute favorite and the first to be labeled “Keeper.” His voice alone warranted that.

  “So good to see you, Majesty. How are you?” Altered in an experiment at her request, Lef’s tenor resonated under her skin as if he’d stroked her. He could bring her to orgasm by reading aloud. She could never turn him loose in society. Women would swarm him.

  Destoiya caught the wary
glances of her other Jades. She could almost hear them thinking,Uh-oh. She’s going for Lef again tonight. His talent made him one she used often. But not tonight.Maybe in the morning, she conceded, flashing him an impish smile.

  She inclined her head to Lef and reached out her hand to the dancer, Rudolf Brakovsky. He and Alitus had birthdays two days apart and were identical in height and size. She might forget ages, but the groom of her Stable alerted her to important events like birthdays and graduations.

  Rudolf wrapped both arms around her, pulled her up hard against his body and bent down for a kiss.

  Rudy liked to boast he’d danced his way into her stable. She submitted to his kiss the way she had to his passionate dancing. She’d taken him to bed night after night, until he’d danced all the way into her heart and made every other Jade jealous to the bone. Rudolf always kissed as if he had every right to take her, as if she were his property and he had liberty to plunder her mouth whenever he wished. Destoiya clung to him and allowed the kiss to take its course, melting into his arms.

  Rudolf’s blue eyes went glassy. He stroked one finger down her face and across her mouth. “So damn glad to see you tonight, Majesty.”

  She set shaking fingers against her lips. His scent clung to her glove, an amber musk that made her instantly wet. “Oh, Rudy. You, too.” She drew off her glove, placed a kiss on her fingertips and lifted them to his lips.

  He opened his mouth and caressed her fingers with his tongue.

  “Oh, Rudy…” Smiling, she fanned herself with the glove as she turned to greet the youngest of her Jades.

  Paytha Lanidrac, her only Jade at Novice level, had been a dancer like most of the others. She had a real fondness for limber, well-toned bodies. What he lacked in experience, he more than made up in stamina and eagerness, and was learning fast. An antique clasp fastened his long dark hair neatly at his nape. One tendril fell over the shoulder of his satin-lapelled tux as he bowed and kissed her bare hand.

  “Good evening, Your Majesty.”

  “Paytha. Very good to see you tonight.” She’d spent quite a bit of time simply enjoying his sculpted face and perfect body the last time they’d been together.How did that old saying go? A thing of beauty … She kept his hand in hers as she gestured to the others. “Well, gentlemen, shall we dine?”

  The meal passed with the banter of companions long used to each other. Jades spent every day together, either in exercise or class. She ensured they stayed fit and educated themselves. Even the youngest was already a graduate of one of the local colleges and beginning a second degree.

  Two steadfast and unyielding rules held sway in the Stable.

  One. Jades exist for the pleasure of Her Majesty. They are slaves given every luxury, indulged like princes and educated like kings. If they serve, obey and satisfy Her Majesty, they will gain their freedom and a generous retirement.

  Two. At the tiniest sign of jealousy, backbiting, infighting, quarrelling, the least disobedience or disrespect, the Jade is sold as a common street slave. No argument, no pleading, no kidding. Gone.

  Once they understood those rules, few others were needed. Destoiya could spend an evening being the center of male attention without the annoyance of egos crashing against one another like bull walruses grunting and shoving over a cow.

  Besides, she managed to get ‘round to each of them at least three times a week.More than most married men get. She lifted her wineglass to hide her smile.

  She rolled the dark red SkovronBurgundy on her tongue. The wine had been a gift from Luc Saint-Cyr only the month before and she’d immediately sent half the cases to the Stable.

  Which one do I want tonight?Paytha’s youthful perfection? Lef’s seductive whispers and skin-tingling laugh? Grant’s heartfelt worship? Andrus and his skill with knots and rope? Or Corran, her first Jade, the one who knew her best and could enjoy the same type of orgasm he gave? An incomparable lover, truly.

  Rudolf threw back his head and laughed at one of Paytha’s comments. The others joined in and Paytha both blushed and preened at their attention. Rudy shared a toast with Paytha and downed the dregs of his wine, affording Destoiya a wide grin.

  She drained her glass and stood. As one, her Jades rose with her. “Thank you for a wonderful dinner, gentlemen. I’ve enjoyed it.”

  The Jades assembled themselves in the reverse order with which they’d greeted her, Paytha first. She extended her hand, signaling he would not be her choice tonight.

  He bowed over her hand, courtly in his wishes for a pleasant rest, his good-night kiss full of yearning.

  She passed Rudolf and went straight to the next Jade.

  Rudy’s chest swelled. His head went up like a stallion that pined for a long, stretching run and had scented open fields.

  After Destoiya kissed the last Jade good-night, Rudolf held the door and escorted her into the foyer. “Which pleasure room would Her Majesty prefer tonight?”

  She smiled up at him. “I just want to be yours, Rudy. Do you mind choosing?”

  The blue of his eyes darkened with lust, lashes lowering. He offered his arm and gestured toward the sweeping double staircase. “Allow me.”

  Chapter Four

  Conqueror’s Palace

  Stable, Keeper Wing

  Sumertsag 36

  The groom kept all the rooms in her Stable prepared for use at any moment. Destoiya smiled at Rudolf’s choice. No bed in this one, but close to the fireplace sat a couch shaped like an S-on-its-side, designed for sex. A fire flickered, and candles had been lit everywhere. The closet held padded foam ramps, squares, wedges, plus other shapes created to adjust body angle and heights. The padded floor provided cushioning as well.

  “I’m glad you chose the Toy Room.” Destoiya pulled on one of her elbow-length black gloves. “I believe I’m wearing the right accessories for it.” She drew on the other glove and turned her back to Rudy. “Do you mind unfastening me?”

  “My pleasure.” His voice sounded thick, rough with passion. His deft touch made short work of the fastener and the dress puddled at her feet like black, silken water.

  She stepped free of it, naked except for her black heels, white thong panties, black gloves and pearls. She swept out her hands as she made a graceful turn. “How do I look, Rudy?”

  He loosened his collar. “Like you wish to be mouth-worshiped, my Goddess.”

  She tilted her head. “You know me well.”

  He went down on one knee before her. “May I have the honor?”

  “By all means.” Destoiya caressed his dark, curly hair. “You may proceed.”

  Rudolf crouched and pressed his lips against the top of her right foot. He kissed along her ankle, flicking his tongue in gentle, circular motions. The feel of his warm mouth and tongue made her so wet she could feel her vulva begin to weep. Few could lick so gently without tickling; Rudy knew how to play her body like a fine instrument.

  He took his time reaching her knee and kissed his way up the inside of her thigh, licking every inch. He steadied her with both hands against her bottom as he kissed his way across the top of her trimmed pubic area. He dragged both hands down her other thigh while he licked and kissed along its length.

  “You’re trembling.” Rudy rose and led her to the couch, seating her before he began to remove her shoes.

  Destoiya stretched on the padded, rolling shape. Its natural arches supported her spine and allowed her to rest her head while her feet remained elevated.

  Standing at the end of the couch, Rudy held one of her feet between his hands, warming it. “Comfortable, my Goddess?”

  “Mmm.” He stroked his thumbs along the arch of her foot, wringing a moan of pleasure. She almost writhed, the pleasure was so intense. When he shifted to the other foot, she sighed. “Don’t ever stop.” She closed her eyes. “You give the best foot massages I’ve ever had.”

  “It’s nice to know I’m good for something useful.”

  She opened one eye.

  Smiling at her, Rudy
bent to kiss her feet. “I’ve missed you.”

  According to the Stable’s groom, she hadn’t called for Rudy in almost five days. Jades did not pleasure themselves without permission. Their sexuality belonged to her, and only her.

  “It’s been too long, hasn’t it, Rudy?”

  Continuing to massage, he shrugged in a wistful, non-committal motion, eyes down. “You are worth waiting for, Your Majesty.”

  Destoiya pushed herself up, turned and rose. “On the couch, Rudy. Get your cock out.”

  He looked up at her in surprise, but laughed and quickly sat, legs on either side. He opened his pants; she preferred sex the first time with her Jades fully dressed.