Savage Kingdom

by Deanna Ashford

  “I do trust you, lord,” she murmured, desperate to please him.

  “Are you sopping yet?” His lips twisted in a scornful smile. “Do you ache to feel me inside you?”

  He was strong. He was powerful. He was a Dai’Shi-en. “You know I do, my lord.”

  “Then beg.”

  “Please, please, fuck me,” she pleaded, her senses aroused like never before.

  He gave her left nipple a painful twist. “Turn around.”

  Senshu’s legs shook so much she was barely able to do as she was told. She couldn’t see what Jaden was doing as she faced her bed, and part of her feared he might be picking up the keitan again. To her relief, there was no searing pain, just a warm, firm hand on her back pushing her forward, forcing her to bend at the waist until her upper body lay across her coverlet. The fluffy white fur tickled her face as he shoved her legs apart. How she ached to feel his massive cock plunging deep inside her. She was certain he was unfastening his breeches. Senshu shivered, anticipating the blissful sensation of his hot, hard flesh sliding inside her.

  “No,” she sobbed as instead she felt the cold tip of the keitan slide down the crack of her buttocks.

  “Do you know what it feels like to have this thing inside you?”

  Senshu clutched at the fur coverlet, tensing fearfully—too terrified to move a muscle. “Lord Naga has never used it on me,” she whimpered.

  She’d used the keitan on Lord Naga a number of times when he wanted to be hurt but still remain unmarked. No one else in this citadel knew of his masochistic desires and his need to be controlled. It had been fortunate she’d discovered this soon after she’d first come to the citadel. Pandering to Naga’s perverse demands had enabled her to rise to a position of power in no time at all.

  When he pulled the keitan away, Senshu sagged with relief. He still didn’t enter her. Instead, to her surprise, he slapped her left buttock. She bit her lip. It was painful and demeaning, but she wouldn’t cry out. To her consternation, he brutally struck her again and again until the skin of her buttocks felt as if it was afire. Yet she didn’t dare move or cry out. She endured the punishment as best she could, although, oddly enough, it served to ignite her desires even more, until she thought she would die with disappointment if she wasn’t soon stuffed full of his hard flesh.

  “Did that hurt?” he asked.

  “No,” she lied, then clamped her mouth shut to stop herself from begging him to desist. The Dai’Shi-en didn’t show mercy.

  He gave a chilling laugh. “Then perhaps I should continue the punishment?”

  Filled with fear, she waited for him to hit her again. Unexpectedly, he thrust into her with such incredible force that the bed shook and the breath gusted from her body. Senshu felt as if she’d been hit by a thunderbolt of sheer pleasure. His flesh filled her completely, and the delicious pleasure overwhelmed her. Jaden ground his groin against her buttocks, pushing deeper, stretching and filling her until she thought she could take no more. His fingers trailed down the ridge of her spine, and she gave a pleading moan, desperate for him to fuck her as hard and fast as he could. “Do you want the kiss of the keitan again?”

  “Please, Dai’Shi-en, no.” She pushed her bottom back against his invading shaft, feeling the heat of his groin press against her abused flesh and the cool leather of his breeches resting against her buttock cheeks. “I just want you.”

  The words weren’t even out of her mouth when he began to move his hips, pumping into her with long, powerful thrusts. Jaden fucked her with a ruthless determination, his shaft penetrating deeper and deeper inside her. By now she could barely breathe. She existed only to give and receive his brutal pleasure. This was how she’d always wanted it—a dangerous, ferocious coupling. She could almost feel the cold darkness which controlled this man sliding like an insidious serpent into her own flesh, eating her up from the inside.

  How had she managed to live without a lover such as this? Lust consumed her entire being. Her hands clawed at the mattress, her body buffeted by a wild, angry storm as Jaden fucked her with the violent determination and near-inexhaustible strength only a Dai’Shi-en could display.

  Senshu was close to climaxing when the cold tip of the keitan slid inside her anus. With each perfect lunge, it slipped deeper. Then the magic within it ignited, sending a surge of perfect bliss deep inside every part of her body. When her orgasm exploded, she lost consciousness for a moment.

  Her head whirled, her body ached and she was replete, at least for a while. That wouldn’t last long, but no doubt a man as powerful as a Dai’Shi-en would never disappoint her. He could fuck her again and again without respite. Jaden withdrew, but she was too overcome to move for a moment, hardly able to believe how amazing her climax had been.

  She vaguely heard Jaden say, “Turn over.” Damn him, she was too exhausted to even follow the orders of a Dai’Shi-en. She felt good, and if she left her legs open, he’d be able to see her swollen sex. In a few moments he’d be hard again. “Do you or do you not want me to use this on you once more?” The keitan brushed her buttocks. “This time it will be far less pleasant,” he threatened.

  “Forgive me.” His threat sounded real. She rolled onto her back to see him looming over her, his cock, still hard and erect, standing out from the opening of his leather breeches, slick with the dew of her body. He’d not climaxed. She’d been too overcome to know if he had or not. “I did not please you?”

  “Stand.” She did as ordered. Her legs trembled, so weak they could barely support her. Jaden sat on the bed and spread his thighs. “Now kneel and pleasure me with your mouth.”

  She smiled and licked her lips as she moved to obey him.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Nerya awoke just after dawn had broken. Propping herself up on one elbow, she lay there, staring at Jaden still fast asleep by her side. Four days had passed since he’d first removed his amulet and become the man she cared for again. Now, every night when she shared his bed, she took it from his neck and placed it in the silver box. The cold, almost distant Dai’Shi-en disappeared in an instant, although at times she sensed there was still a terrible struggle going on in his mind. A struggle she couldn’t even begin to appreciate, let alone understand. However, at present, she had no choice but to put her trust in him.

  Just as she’d promised, she’d not left his rooms, but Asumi had visited her often. The first time Asumi had come to see her, she’d whispered in Nerya’s ear that away from the protected confines of the seraglio they had to be careful what they said. Lord Naga had spies all over the citadel. Some said there were secret tunnels running through the building so the occupants could be spied on unseen. Others believed Lord Naga had the power to read minds.

  To please Asumi, Nerya agreed to be cautious, but she knew that, whatever happened, Jaden would protect her. Yet she wished she had some idea of his true intentions toward Tarn and Sarin. So far he’d refused to discuss them with her, but she prayed that eventually he’d find a way to rescue them both. When he wasn’t with her, Nerya’s mind churned with so many thoughts and plans to get out of this terrible place. She wanted to do something. She needed to do something. All her instincts told her she should try to find a way to escape the citadel and help her friends. Sitting back and doing nothing wasn’t easy or natural for her.

  Jaden opened his eyes and smiled. “You’re awake early.”

  “I woke some time ago. I didn’t want to disturb you.” She snuggled closer, knowing he would soon get up and leave her again. “I do wish you were able to tell me a little of what troubles you. Over the last few days you’ve spent so much time with Naga, and every time you return your expression is so grim.”

  He frowned. “He’s carrying out some experiments on a few of his captives—poor townspeople. It’s not pleasant, but I can’t stop him.”

  “People who will become soulless like the servants in the citadel.”

  He nodded. “This isn’t easy for me, but I still can’t tell you any more t
han that, Nerya. You’d be in danger if I did, but one day, I promise I’ll tell you everything,” Jaden said, pulling her into his arms.

  “What about Tarn and Sarin?” she persisted.

  “What about them?” He gave her the impression he was uneasy even discussing them.

  “Asumi tells me they’re still confined in the dungeons, as far as she can ascertain.”

  “Then Asumi is playing a dangerous game.” He sighed. “Don’t press her to enquire about them again. Not if you want your little friend to remain safe.”

  “Why?”

  “Nerya.” He sounded exasperated. “Naga has plans I can’t speak of.”

  “And do they involve Tarn and Sarin?”

  “You never give up, do you?”

  She brushed her lips across his. “I’ve remained patient far too long, and patience is not one of my virtues.”

  “I want you to be safe and, believe me, I can’t be assured of that if you involve yourself in any of what’s going on at present.”

  “How can I trust you, if you won’t tell me?”

  “Relationships involve trust,” he countered.

  She’d talk to Asumi again, try to figure something out. Maybe Asumi could help her find a way to visit Tarn and Sarin. Jaden was hiding so much from her; things she deserved to know. How could she love a man she didn’t trust? He’d asked her to trust him and at first she’d agreed, but there were so many doubts filling her mind. “Will you do one thing for me?” She slid her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. Honey attracted bees; vinegar did not.

  “I thought I’d done enough for you last night?” he teased as his hands kneaded her buttocks. “Now you want more?”

  She smiled as his hand slid between her thighs and eased its way into the crack of her sex. Gently he eased two fingers inside her, and she gasped with pleasure. “That’s feels so good, but it’s not what I want.”

  “Not what you want?” He thrust his digits smoothly in and out of her, adjusting his position so he could press his thumb against her clitoris at the same time. “Are you certain?”

  “You’re deliberately misinterpreting my words.” She shuddered as her sex grew wetter and the wonderful pressure started to build inside her. “I just want you to arrange for me to visit Brion again.” Asumi trusted Chang, goodness knew why, but maybe she could learn something from him. He cared for Brion and he seemed to know a lot of what went on in the citadel.

  “Didn’t Asumi tell you he’s fine? She visits him often.” He pumped his fingers faster, and the knot of pleasure in her groin grew and expanded.

  “Yes…oh…don’t stop,” she groaned, trying not to let the delicious sensations distract her from her goal. “It gets boring being in here all the time.”

  “This is boring?” He nibbled at her earlobe, then rolled her onto her back. “I’ll have to do something about that.”

  Tenderly he eased open her thighs and slid the tip of his tongue along the sensitive inner flesh. Nerya gave up trying to talk to him and surrendered herself to the pleasure as his mouth worked its magic. He nibbled at her labia and pulled her clit between his lips to suck on it while his fingers slipped inside her again.

  In no time at all, she was lost in a whirlwind of bliss as her climax consumed her.

  Ignoring the guard at the door, as none would dare challenge a Dai’Shi-en, Jaden guided Nerya into Brion’s quarters and pushed the door shut behind them. Brion sat on a rug next to Chang, playing with his kittens. He giggled as the two kittens chased the red satin ribbon he trailed in front of them. The child glanced up as Jaden took the cloak from Nerya’s shoulders.

  “Hello, Nerya.” He smiled with innocent warmth, but his expression changed to one of distrust when he saw Jaden.

  “Brion,” Chang said. “You must not fear the Dai’Shi-en. He’s only here to ensure that you are happy and well cared for.”

  “That’s correct.” Jaden bent forward and smiled at the boy, but he could still see a measure of fear in Brion’s innocent blue eyes. “I want you to be happy. That’s why I brought Nerya to see you.”

  Chang affectionately ruffled Brion’s blond hair. “He’ll get used to you.”

  “No doubt Asumi will be along to see you soon as well,” Nerya added. “Perhaps you can both try to teach me that game again?”

  “You were funny.” Brion wrinkled his nose. “You kept getting it all wrong.” He sprang to his feet and trotted over to the table. “I’ll set up the board,” he said as the kittens scampered after him and wound their way around his ankles. “Let me show you how to play the game properly, Nerya.” Purring loudly, the kittens rubbed themselves against Brion’s legs as he began to lay the wooden pieces on the board.

  As Nerya moved to join the child, Jaden beckoned to Chang. “A word in private, if you will.” He pointed toward the door leading into the garden.

  Chang rose and followed Jaden into the garden. Jaden’s tension began to ease a little as he walked across the grass and stood beneath the shade of a lemon tree. The sweet scent of flowers filled the garden and birds twittered in the trees. It felt as if he was in a totally different place, far away from Acheron. For a brief moment, he was reminded poignantly of his home in Iberim.

  “You wished to talk?” Chang plucked a large white flower and sniffed it. “They call this a maiden’s kiss. It smells beautiful. They grow only in Acheron.” He paused. “How can I help you, Dai’Shi-en?”

  “Promise me you will personally escort Nerya back to my rooms after she’s spent time with Brion. Can you do that for me?”

  Chang nodded. “You fear for her safety.” It was more a statement than a question.

  “I would prefer it if Lord Naga did not lay eyes on her,” Jaden admitted.

  “Because you fear what he might do to her?” Chang’s expression was inscrutable. “He might try to use her against you if the need arose. Affection is not a word normally associated with the Dai’Shi-en. Yet it is clear to me you have deep feelings for Nerya.”

  Jaden tensed. “I care for her well-being. That’s all.”

  “It is quite safe to speak in confidence here.” Chang surveyed their tranquil surroundings. “As soon as I brought Brion to these rooms, I checked out this garden. I have ascertained there’s nowhere here we can be spied upon.”

  “Safe? Nowhere here is safe,” Jaden said bitterly.

  “Some claim Lord Naga has the power to read minds. I’ve been in the citadel for almost two years and I know that not to be true.” He sniffed the flower again. “It’s a story he fosters, as it protects him from those who might think of moving against him.”

  “You’re certain?” Jaden had heard the rumors, but he’d suspected they were wrong. Maybe the Dark Lord had the power to read minds; he didn’t know. He’d never heard of any other sorcerer in Acheron who could do so. Despite that, it was still sensible to be cautious.

  “I’m certain,” Chang confirmed. “And there is no point in denying it to me, Jaden of Iberim. I know the truth.” Chang smiled as Jaden frowned. “Do not look so troubled. Your feelings for Nerya may be obvious to me, but not to others. Come—let us walk further in this beautiful garden. It soothes the soul to remain here even for a short time.”

  As Chang strolled beneath the wide branches of a tamarind tree, Jaden felt obliged to follow. “My soul needs no soothing at present,” he said. Chang didn’t reply as he reached up to touch a cluster of reddish brown fruit. “I should leave now,” Jaden continued. “I only wanted to ask you that one thing.”

  “No. You want more.”

  “Do I?” Jaden wondered how Chang had come by the terrible scars on his cheeks.

  “I cannot help it.” Chang shrugged. “I find I know things about people, almost as if I can sense their innermost feelings. I was born with the ability and, to be honest, I find it a troubling burden to bear at times. My scars?” He smiled enigmatically. “Perhaps I will tell you of them some time.”

  Jaden struggled with human emotions he shouldn’t
be able to experience while wearing the powerful dragon amulet. Maybe the remark about the scars had been a lucky guess, but if Chang was telling the truth, then what else did the man sense about him? “Chang, I don’t think—”

  “I’ll not betray you,” Chang interjected. “Be assured of that. Many terrible things have happened to you in the past that have changed you and shaped you into the man you are today. I don’t blame you for that, just as I don’t blame you for being a Dai’Shi-en.” He glanced up at a small blue bird perched on a branch above their heads. It sang as if its life depended on it. “We have both suffered, it seems. You’ve done terrible things to others, as have I.” He focused on Jaden again. “Often I have sought forgiveness from the gods, but they never answered me. So I’ve found a way to live with it myself. Just as you have.”

  Had he found a way to live with himself? It wasn’t easy to be certain of anything. He was tiring of the constant warring struggle consuming his mind. Not that he could admit it to Chang—a man he knew nothing about. After all, it was possible Chang was following Naga’s orders and trying to probe his mind. Jaden knew the mage resented him being here and was suspicious of his true intentions.

  “Life forces us to do things at times,” Jaden said obliquely.

  “I know how troubled you are,” Chang persisted. “You suspect my motives and question why I’m talking to you like this. I could try to reassure you, but first I think I need to tell you a little about myself.” He pointed to a low stone bench set in a shady spot beneath an almond tree. “Sit a while with me.”

  He’d no wish to do so, and yet Jaden found himself walking toward the bench and sitting. “I have to see Lord Naga soon.”

  “I’ll not keep you long.” Chang sat crosslegged on the ground in front of Jaden, placing the white blossom on his lap. “I came to Acheron almost eight years ago. I traveled with a woman called Niska. She was fleeing from her past, and I was fleeing from my future.” His eyes filled with sorrow. “In my youth, I was cursed. There’s no need to explain how or why, but it prevented me from having a normal, loving relationship with any woman. I thought in Acheron, a land of magic and mystery, I would find someone who could lift the curse and make me normal again.”