Ask nothing for yourself.His personal rule for his relationship with Destoiya. She had never made such a demand. He freely gave.She is my empress. I live to serve her. I live to advance her cause.
“I’m glad you’re growing this beautiful blond hair of yours long again, love.” Destoiya tightened her hand in it. “I know you prefer it short, but I like wrapping it around my fists when I’m kissing you.”
He groaned, feeling his body harden at her words. “I live to please you, Your Majesty.” She sat so close to him he could smell the remnants of his pheromones on her skin. Apricot and peach, crisp and sharp.
Tears brimmed in her silver eyes.
“What is it?” He squirmed on the bed to move closer. “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head and smiled. “Everything’s all right.” A tear slid down her face.
“Your Majesty, I…” He silenced when she shook her head, but the sight of her tears rammed an ache through his heart. Alitus reached for her and ground his teeth together when the silken bonds at his wrists prevented it. “You’re upset. Let me hold you. I can take away your pain.”
He could, once his pheromones restored. Unique among Betters, his pheromonescalmed instead of aroused. Her Majesty once confessed that his ability to calm was what drove her into his arms. His touch eased the sexual hunger that sang through her veins like fire. Night after night, she’d confessed the desperation desire created in her, begged him to take away her lust and give her rest.
“Shh.” She pressed her fingers against his mouth. “I hate being separated from you, even for a moment.”
But they were going to be separated. It showed in her eyes; the resolute way she looked down at him and away from Erryq. Destoiya was going to place him in that woman’s power, under her control. Under Erryq’s thumb.
Alitus sucked his lower lip between his teeth and held it. “How long?”
Destoiya’s chin quivered so briefly he could not be sure he’d seen it. She lifted her head. He had never seen his empress look frail until that moment. She wiped at her eyes with the back of her fingers.
“Long enough to accomplish what must be done.” Destoiya remained motionless, allowing him to study her. She usually resisted being watched, looked at, examined, but she showed him no resistance.
Her slender face held no trace of the mercilessness she dished out to enemies. Her eyes were as silver as moonslight on Felidae and as bright, without a hint of the callous indifference she meted out to rebels. That wicked, seductive mouth of hers showed no sign of the ruthless justice she handed criminals in her courts. It looked soft, inviting, begging him to taste it.
“You’re testing me. Testing some aspect of my devotion to you because I resisted the veil.”
She gave him the most brief of smiles and lowered her gaze to her hands, folded in her lap. “Is that what you think?” She looked back at him without expression, but his empress could not hide her inner struggle from him.
“I think you want me to pass this test, but don’t want to put me through it.” He turned his head aside. Erryq’s shadow danced across the ceiling in the candles’ glow. “But you will.”
She drew in a short, harsh breath. “Alitus…” When he turned back to her, tears streamed down both her cheeks. “You’ve always given yourself to me without reservation. Without holding any part of yourself back.”
“Yes.” He smiled at her. For her. To give her courage for whatever it was she thought must be done. “And I always will.”
“You wish to be wholly mine.”
“No, Your Majesty. Iam wholly yours. If there’s any part of me that isn’t…” He paused when her nostrils flared. Thiswas a test. He resolved to pass it, no matter what Erryq did to him. “—may it die a clean death tonight.”
“Oh, Alitus!” Destoiya caressed his cheek, brushed back his hair. Her gaze held a tenderness beyond anything he’d ever seen from her. “There is far more to come than simply surrendering to Erryq. But when it’s all over, my love—when it is over, you will be mine forever.”
Chapter Thirteen
Conqueror’s Palace, Alitus Vivaldi’s Quarters
Sumertsag 44
Alitus lay still, listening as Her Majesty and Erryq spoke in soft tones near the door. They used a language he’d never heard before, until one word came to the fore.
“Vaara.”
Her Majesty said it first within a sentence and Erryq repeated it in another. He’d heard that word before.
Alitus positioned himself protectively in front of Her Majesty, withdrawing a gun from inside his coat. He aimed at the man who’d held a gun at his head. Only Her Majesty’s plea had released him.
Who was this man that Alitus couldn’t affect him with pheromones? More importantly,whatwas he?
The man’s long silver hair spilled against a black velvet cloak, which he unpinned and dropped on the floor. He tucked the gun into his belt. “I’m impressed, Rheyn. Out there, in his office, this one looked like nothing more than your usual toy. Does he know how to shoot that thing?”
“I never miss.” Alitus thumbed the weapon, and it hummed, charging to full power. “Put your gun on the desk. Use two fingers only.”
The man tossed his head, sending a long lock of silver hair over his shoulder. Despite his hair color, he had the face of a teenager. Danger rolled off him like heat waves.
The man shrugged, lifted the gun with two fingers, and dropped it on her desk. “Or what, boy? Are you going to kill me?” He leaned against the wall, almost daring him to shoot.
“Say the word, Your Majesty, and he’s a dead man.” Alitus never looked her way, never lowered his weapon. Her Majesty touched his throat, the underside of his jaw, all the places that stung from being manhandled by this stranger. “Don’t be afraid, Your Majesty. I won’t let him hurt you.”
“I know you don’t understand, Alitus, but believe me, I don’t need protection. I’m safe with him.”
His smirk made Alitus want to spit. Alitus didn’t take his eyes off the man for even a second, never sent one glance in her direction. “He’s dangerous, Your Majesty. I can feel it.”
“Yes, he is, but not to me.”
The man had demanded to see Her Majesty and taken Alitus hostage when he refused to permit it without an appointment. No one saw her without full background checks and every bit of security Alitus thought necessary. The hooded stranger had been close to seven tradestandard feet tall. The man had grabbed him by the throat, lifted Alitus and dragged him into her office. It was all he could do to keep both feet on the ground.
Praetorian were always standing by; they’d rushed the room as Dhia Ruh came to escort the empress to safety.
Until the man had said one word: “Vaara.”
That stopped everything. Her Majesty shooed the Praetorian out and sent him away.
Alitus hadn’t seen the man since. Later, when he’d checked the security vids, the entire incident had been cut from the files. No trace remained. Her Majesty never spoke of the event, as if it had never happened at all.
The door closed, a lock clicked into place and the sound of bare feet on carpet came to him. Alitus turned his head toward the sound.
Erryq stood near the bed, arms folded beneath her breasts, watching him. Her dark red hair was longer than Her Majesty’s; it tumbled over her shoulders. Her pubic hair was the same lovely color, a rich russet complementing her tawny skin.
“You are a brave soul.” She padded to the foot of the bed and pulled on a gauzy gown of white lace. She fastened it beneath her bosom. “Staring at me like that will cost you ten lashes if you do it again.”
“Your pardon.” He focused on the elaborate gilded and crystal chandelier on the ceiling.
“Much better. I’m going to release your bonds. Do you think you can stand?”
“Yes.”
“You will refer to me as Lady Erryq.”
“Yes, Lady Erryq.” He brought his right hand to his face and rubbed the itchy spot on his nose.
/>
She worked on his other hand. “Has Rheyn spoken of me?”
“No, Lady Erryq, but she gave me your book.”
“Which one?” She patted his feet. “You may sit up.”
He did so, surprised at how weak he felt. It had been hours since he’d eaten; perhaps it was simple hunger. “The one about ruckball.”
“Oh, yes.” She took his arm and helped him stand. “Have you read it?”
“I started it, Lady Erryq, but haven’t finished yet. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I imagine you’re a busy man.” She folded her arms again. “How do you feel? Are you hungry?”
Should he admit he was starving? The Conqueror always wanted the truth from him, not what he thought she might want to hear. “Yes, Lady Erryq.”
“Good. Rheyn is sending us something to eat. It should be here soon. In the meantime, I want to get to know you better. Stand in the center of the room, please. Hands behind you, head down.”
*
Saying not a word, Erryq walked in a slow circle around him, scrutinizing. Alitus radiated sensuality. No jewelry except the fist-shaped stud earrings that marked him as Rheyn’s. Such a beautiful, endearing man. Rheyn’s description of him had appealed. How could Erryq refuse her request to test him?
Alitus is perfect, Erryq. But if I make him myChosen , he must be tested first. Will you spend a weekend with him? Get to know him? Find his greatest fear? I must know if he can be cowed into betraying me.
Erryq had laughed.No man is perfect, Rheyn.
This one is. He’ll enthrall you. He’ll sate you.
No man enthralls me. Least of all a human.Being a Sempervian meant outlasting human lovers. Few even satisfied. None sated.I doubt he’d ever be able to sate me.
Rheyn had folded her arms and given her an imperious glare.Want to bet?
So here she was, taking that bet, hoping for a miracle with a man who’d been exiled to life within a veil that hid every aspect of his charms.
“Rheyn extols your beauty, Alitus.”
He did not move. “Thank you, Lady Erryq.”
“When I kept hearing how magnificent you were, I decided to see for myself.”
She slid the tip of her finger under his chin to lift his face. She’d heard his eyes described as deep-water blue. Far from cool, they made heat rise in her cheeks. Other places, much lower, tightened. Dark blond lashes lowered, lifted again in a slow, sultry invitation. Alitus had lush lips and fine cheekbones. A voluptuous male beauty, erotic and tempting.
“Well,” she said, at last. “She didn’t exaggerate about that.”
His smile sent warmth right through her. “Thank you, Lady Erryq.”
She touched his smooth cheek, recalling he’d had his beard permanently removed. “I like your voice, Alitus. Say my name once more.” He repeated it. “Sounds sexy as hell, the way you say it.”
He smiled again. She signaled his head down and did another walk around him. “Rheyn thinks you’re perfect.” She stopped behind him. “What do you think, Alitus? Is she right?”
“My Conqueror is never wrong, Lady Erryq.”
“It sounds possessive, calling Rheynyour Conqueror. I didn’t know her lovers were allowed such liberties. Explain.”
“A small indulgence of her favor, Lady Erryq. Shall I refer to her in another way?”
“No, I’ll allow it.” She lifted a handful of his hair, rubbed it with her fingers. Luxuriant, sleek. Silken. “You respond well to questions, Alitus. I’ll be sure to compliment Rheyn when I see her.”
“Thank you, Lady Erryq.”
Still behind him, she watched the part of his lowered face she could see. “Rheyn has given you to me for tonight. Does that please you?”
“I’m always pleased to obey my Conqueror, Lady Erryq. Whatever you desire of me will be yielded at your leisure.”
Excellent response to a difficult question. Let’s see how he handles this one. “Does she whip you, Alitus?” She saw his Adam’s apple move, and knew he had swallowed. Nervous was he? Good.
“No, Lady Erryq.”
“Perhaps it’s time you were tutored in the pleasures of the whip, then. I have a mind to volunteer as your tutor for that.”
He gave a subdued, broken whimper, so soft, she was not sure she’d heard it. She went to face him and motioned him to lift his head.
“Give me your mouth, Alitus.”
He leaned toward her at once.
She flicked her tongue against his teeth. “Open,” she murmured. She held his face between her hands, possessing his sweet mouth, drawing a little sigh from him when she stepped back.
His head went down again. Not once had he taken his hands out from behind him, nor lifted his eyes unless told. He knew his place, and kept it, as Rheyn had boasted.
“Damn, I hate it when she’s right.”
“Your pardon, Lady Erryq?”
“Nothing, Alitus. You may look at me without further permission.” Erryq stroked her thumb across his full lower lip. “I’ve been anticipating having you pleasure me. Rheyn will join us later. It seems she can’t bear being separated from you.”
That erotic smile showed itself again.
“I’ve never asked one of her lovers this, Alitus, and I’ve always been curious. Does it bother you that she sleeps with other people? How does it make you feel? I want the truth.”
He seemed to vacillate before speaking. “My Conqueror owns my heart, Lady Erryq. I’m hers to do with as she pleases. Hers to command. I have no rights whatsoever regarding what she does. I have no right to mind.”
“I didn’t ask what your rights were and I didn’t ask you to parrot what you’ve been taught about belonging to her. I asked if it bothered you when she takes other lovers.”
“Your pardon, Lady Erryq. I accept her desire to have other lovers. It’s part of what it takes to please my Conqueror.”
She waited, listening for more. He didn’t speak. “Do you like it?”
“Yes, Lady Erryq.”
“Do you like yourself?”
“Yes, Lady Erryq.”
She slid her fingers through his hair. “Do you like Rheyn?”
“Yes, Lady Erryq.”
“You only like her?”
“I love her, with all my heart.”
“Then why didn’t you say so?”
“Your pardon, Lady Erryq.”
“Does Rheyn love you?”
He didn’t hesitate. “She rarely says so in words, Lady Erryq, but she shows her love for me.”
She brushed back his hair, her fingers gentle. “Very well, Alitus. Your answers satisfy me.”
“Thank you, Lady Erryq.”
“Stay still,” she said. “I want to taste you.”
She kissed him, dragged her mouth and tongue along his smooth jaw and pressed her lips against the pulse in the hollow of his throat. She kissed down his smooth chest, pausing to scrub her tongue across his nipples. She heard his intake of breath when she tugged one into her mouth. As she dragged her teeth across it, he stiffened, rose a little on his toes. He twitched, a muffled cry escaping his lips, part anguish, part desire. His hands remained behind him.
His muted reactions kindled fire deep inside her and the feel of his skin set her ablaze until the burning threatened to overwhelm.What will he be like when his pheromones restore fully? She pulled back, walked around him again, taking deep breaths. It did nothing to cool her down.
The high, rounded cheeks of his hard ass drew her hands like a magnet. She slid them down and cupped it. “You sincerely do have a great ass, Alitus. Some men have wiry hair. I like yours. It’s soft. Touchable.” She went back to face him. “Take me in your arms. Kiss me. Hard.”
He tugged her closer, slamming their bodies together. He slanted his mouth across hers. His lips scorched her. A lusty moan slid from her mouth into his.
Erryq broke off the kiss. He was burning her up inside. She dragged her gaze down the length of his sculpted body, over his muscled chest a
nd abs. His parted thighs … Lust swamped her. She had to close her eyes for a moment.
“Down, Alitus, right here in front of me. Knees apart.”
He obeyed with fluid movements, a tentative glance up at her.
“Head back. Look at me.”
Allen, Kayelle - T4 Alitus (2007) Page 9
