by Zoey Ellis
As he lifted her from the bed to carry her to the living area for their morning meal, she placed a palm on his chest. "I want to walk.”
Instantly he growled and suspicion entered his eyes. "To where?”
She pressed her lips together. "To the table,” she said, sternly.
He relaxed a little, though his brows crumpled to frown. "I want to carry you.”
"I know," she said. "But I’m not a child, Malloron. And I’m sure you’ve locked the door and secured it with many spells.”
Malloron took a deep breath as he thought, then let out a gruff exhale as he put her down, ensuring to keep his arm around her.
"Stop sulking.”
The man seemed to increase in size, affronted. "Kings do not sulk!”
"It is only kings who sulk,” Amara teased, as she led him to the living area. “Everyone else is used to disappointment.”
As they arrived at the table, plates, silverware, and drinkware appeared on the table, as usual. Amara was quick to take a seat and start sharing their food, keen to avoid him having her on his lap like he usually did. Amusement threaded through her as he hovered by her chair and then dragged a nearby chair to sit as close to her as he could.
They usually ate in silence, but the strange lightness of their exchange, and the new seating arrangement, caused thoughts to stir in Amara’s mind. "When I left the room, I went to the kitchens.”
"I know,” Malloron uttered. "My chef sent a message with the next meal she sent. She thinks I’m going to turn her into a slave because you kept asking about your food being tainted.”
Amara bit her lip. "I didn't mean to frighten or worry her.”
"Were you satisfied with her responses?”
She nodded.
"Good.”
Amara shifted her food on her plate. "Where is the book that you need? The one I saw in your memory?”
Malloron lifted his tankard to his lips, his eyes wary on her. "Somewhere in the castle.”
Amara nodded, taking a moment to figure out how to phrase what she wanted to say. "What if,” she began slowly, "I came with you?”
Malloron drank deeply, his eyes still on her. Placing down his tankard, he leaned on the table. "You want to leave this room?”
Amara shook her head. "I want to come with you.”
Malloron didn't respond.
"You have to leave the room eventually, Malloron,” Amara said softly. "If I come with you, then you won't be leaving me. Maybe I can help.”
"And your sudden interest is nothing to do with you trying to get the tenebris out of you? Or to try to escape?” There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
Amara frowned, she hadn't even thought that he might still not trust her, but of course why should he? It wasn't as though she trusted him. "We made an agreement,” she said, her voice hardening. "You may not have stuck to it, but I have. And I also want the answers you promised me.”
Malloron finally moved his attention away, his eyes roaming the walls as he took another deep drink from his tankard. Amara watched him, waiting for an answer. It took longer than she thought. He still hadn’t answered by the time both of their plates finished.
"Malloron?” she asked tentatively.
He exhaled heavily. "The book is in a room that is extremely precious to the Visant family. No one without Visant blood should enter it.”
"Is it magically protected?”
"It was.”
When he didn't continue, she got up. He immediately tensed, alert at what she was doing. She slowly climbed into his lap, settling herself the way he usually held her when he fed her.
He looked down at her warily, but his eyes softened.
"You can carry me there,” Amara suggested, the hint of a smile on her lips. "But we have to put on clothes.”
Malloron’s dimple appeared as he smirked, and it took all of Amara’s willpower not to be mesmerized by it. "I have not agreed yet.”
"You don’t agree with clothes?” Amara said, feigning surprise.
His smile deepened, then after a moment it faded and his eyes became a little glazed. Something was clearly on his mind he did not want to share with her.
Amara lay her head on his shoulder and began to stroke his chest. "You don't have to,” she murmured. "But if you want to make progress with the tenebris, you need to make a start, and I don't mind coming with you. In fact, I could do with different surroundings.”
"And what if I wanted to tie you up and carry you there?” Malloron asked. "What if I did not want to risk you escaping?”
Amara looked away, disappointment bounding through her. Although she was only saying what she needed to get him to investigate the tenebris, it was still a great disappointment that he felt the need to tie her up in order to secure her. After everything… she stilled her mind. What did she expect? That was who he was. "Whatever you deem appropriate, Your Majesty.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
MALLORON
Things were in danger of spiraling out of control and Malloron had no one else to blame but himself.
First, he stupidly left Amara’s bedroom door unlocked, allowing her to escape into the castle—every time he thought of it anger roared through him at what could have happened before he arrived in the corridor. Secondly, since he had been with Amara in the room, nothing else was important. All other concerns fell away and he was only interested in being with her. It was a dangerous way to feel—and it threatened to have him discard everything his father had drilled into him for over a decade. And yet he couldn't help it. Something in him compelled him to prove to her that she was his and her denial about it infuriated him. Within the last week, she seemed to have mellowed somewhat. She no longer showed any obvious sign of resistance, and even actively participated in their mating. Of course he loved her raging jealousy about the Beta woman. That had been a shock and surprise that sent a hard thrill to his core and kept his mood on a high for days. When she was furious, she was fucking beautiful, not to mention how adorable she had been throwing a pillow at him with all her small might. He chuckled about it sometimes when he watched her sleep. It was as though she had no idea or understanding how pointless her attempts were to try to fight against him. But she was learning. And the way in which she had asked to go with him yesterday morning showed him that she was still capable of manipulation.
What Amara did not realize was the tenebris behaved differently depending on her emotions. With the Beta woman, and even within himself, the tenebris was like a separate entity with its own movement and moods, but inside Amara, it was a multi-layered hum that was completely her. When she had been angry, he could feel it buzzing wildly, which was very similar to when she orgasmed, except at that time it had a softer edge. He had come to learn the different qualities of the tenebris with her different moods, and the morning that she had asked to come with him, she had been in deep contemplation since the previous night. He suspected that she was trying to manipulate him, and what frustrated him even more was that he knew that she could if she chose to do it the right way. Because he wanted her so badly that he did not know how far he would go to have her completely—body, mind, and soul. It made him apprehensive, but there wasn't much he could do about it. One thing he did know was that he wanted her eyes back. When he thought about how they would have looked during her jealous outburst, he grew hard within an instant, the animal within him ready to claim her again and again. He needed them back, and that was the only reason why he would consider taking her with him to the temple.
The next morning, he dressed slowly, watching her as she slept. It was time to see if they could be apart without being overwhelmed with their desire for each other. Since the tenebris had repaired, he hadn't tried. There were things that he had to see to in the castle, and as much as he wanted to forget about everything and stay with her, her suggestion of leaving the room with him made him realize he had to see to them before that could happen.
He leaned over her and pressed his lips to hers. It had be
come his new favorite thing to kiss her; it strengthened their connection and made every mating so much more intense. She stirred and automatically kissed him back.
"I will be back shortly, Amara.”
At that, her eyes fluttered open and he was pleased to see the mild panic on her face. "You are going?"
"I have things to look in to but I’ll be back."
The disappointment in her expression echoed what he had seen the morning before. "You are not taking me with you."
"There are things I need to see to before I can," he said, willing himself not to climb back into the bed with her. "I’m locking the room."
She nodded but said nothing.
"I won't be long."
Again, she didn't reply, and he was dissatisfied with that. He kissed her again, this time hard and rough. She softened underneath him just the way he loved, and her arms wrapped around his neck.
He groaned into her mouth and pulled himself away before he lost the willpower to leave. Shooting her a lingering look, he left.
He was surprised to find Emric hovering outside. It wasn't a good sign.
“What is it?” he demanded, as he shut the door and wove the spells that would keep the door locked and secure.
“I know you said not to disturb you under any circumstances, Your Majesty, so I’ve just been waiting," Emric said hurriedly.
“How long have you been standing out here?” He began walking down the corridor and Emric hurried to keep pace at his side.
"I fear there is something wrong with Banon,” Emric blurted, seemingly not even hearing the question. “He stopped eating and he doesn't look like his normal self."
Malloron nodded slowly as his mind raced. He’d completely forgotten about Banon. "I will be down to see him in a moment. Make sure he’s ready to see me when I arrive. Give me an update on all matters of concern."
By the time they reached the solar wing, Malloron was up-to-date. He dismissed Emric and headed toward the shinno’s room. It was time to get Banon out of his cell. Not only had the pleasure chamber been disadvantaged by his absence, but the man was suffering for something he had no control over. His conversation with Drocco a while ago had been fruitful. The Emperor had been able to get some useful information about Gammas, and not just that, but he seemed to have detailed knowledge about Omegas too. It had been surprising the level of detail he was able to give. Something told Malloron that the Emperor’s Records Keep wasn't just some simple data storage place as he tried to imply, but Malloron didn't have time to think about it right now.
The guard announced Malloron’s arrival to the shinno, but when he strode in, the Alpha was sitting on the couch surrounded by three girls. One was riding his cock, the other was between his legs with her face close up to their joining, most likely sucking his balls, while the other had her nipple in his mouth.
Malloron turned to the guard. "Why did you say he was available if he is not?"
"He is available," the guard grunted. "You may speak to him."
Malloron turned back to the spectacle on the couch and suddenly realized that the room was just as busy as before. The shinno was fucking his women in the middle of the room on the couch while servants moved about the space as though nothing was happening. Maybe this was normal for them. Maybe this was why he had found the whole incident in the corridor with Amara amusing.
Malloron watched as the girl on his cock shuddered and arch her back, only for the one with her nipple in his mouth to push her off his cock and sink down on it in one swift movement.
The shinno caught sight of him and grinned. "Do you want to join?"
Malloron smiled. "No."
"Oh yes," the shinno said, lifting a hand. "You have your pretty little woman. You need nothing else, is that right? This is the rumors that I’ve heard. That those little women can satisfy even the neediest of sexual appetites. It cannot be true. Even with your actions in the corridor, I cannot believe it."
"Many things I thought to not be true about those ‘little women’ have been proven wrong to me," Malloron commented. "But it is not for me to persuade you." He stepped forward. "I need to speak with you about my staff who attacked your tribe member."
The shinno grunted. He grabbed the head of the woman riding him and pulled her head down to one side so he could view Malloron. "What of him?"
"You were correct; he was indeed in his rut." Malloron frowned, realizing something. "How did you know? You have no… ‘little women’ in the Southern Lands do you? How did you recognize the behavior of an Alpha in his rut? I don't think any of my staff here would recognize that."
"The Haze recreators you trade are enhanced by our own potion masters. They give a Beta woman all the signs and signals of an Omega, and can inspire ruts in some Alphas. I’ve seen it in our Lands before."
"And do you punish those Alphas if they commit crimes during their rut?"
The shinno’s eyes narrowed as the woman on top of him rode him harder. She suddenly shook wildly, and moaned into the couch. "Are you trying to excuse your subordinate?”
“The rut is a complex behavior,” Malloron said, as the third woman straddled the Alpha. “It is not a behavior that can be helped.”
“I agree that an Alpha in his rut cannot help his actions,” the shinno said, grunting as the third woman increased her speed. “This is why you are to blame. He should not have been in that position, among such carnal activity, in that state.”
Malloron kept his smile frozen. “If he is not to blame, why do you want him punished?”
“The lesson is for you, not him.”
Malloron growled. “I need no lessons from you, shinno Kardos.”
“You have plenty to learn from me,” the shinno snapped back. “You are insolent and rude to your guests. You have little honor, and seek to find excuses and justifications for things that can be dealt with very simply with integrity and the enforcement of clear rules. The only thing I have seen you do well is discipline and protect your woman.”
Malloron ground his jaw. Once again the shinno was overstepping his boundaries. Where the fuck did he think he was and who the fuck did he think he was speaking to? He did not rule here. “Banon will be spared,” he announced.
The shinno’s face darkened and they remained locked in a gaze as the third woman found her release. The shinno pushed her off him as he stood, and immediately one of the women dropped to the ground to take him in her mouth. “He shall not be spared. We had an agreement. If you break your word on any matter, there can be no agreement between our Lands.”
“You said yourself that he cannot be blamed for his behavior,” Malloron said irritably. “If your purpose is to teach me lessons like I am a child, there can be no agreement between us anyway. I am King of this Land, not the son of one, like you.” The shinno’s strange green-blue eyes darkened even further but Malloron continued, his voice rising to a bellow. “I will not kill a member of my staff to satisfy your need to imbue your code of ethics upon me. It is not your place and you have no right to make such demands when his actions were not his fault.”
"So you plan to support this attack on my tribe?" The shinno asked, his voice gritty with anger.
"It was not an attack on your tribe," Malloron snapped. "It was an incident that may not have happened if I’d been aware that it was possible for him to go into a rut for a Gamma."
The shinno’s expression changed suddenly and he examined Malloron carefully. Turning his attention to the woman on her knees, he gripped her hair and exhaled smoothly as he pushed his hips into her face in a series of hard thrusts. As he withdrew from her mouth, he shouted, "Hallan!" The other people in the room began to exit, just as before. The shinno grabbed his tunic from the couch and put it on. "What is a Gamma?" he asked as the door shut behind Malloron.
"It is an extremely rare dynamic, one that has no scent." Although Malloron had known of Gammas before he met Emric, Drocco had not. He had taken it upon himself to delve into the details of what Gammas were and gav
e Malloron all the information he had. "They tend to be found in this Land rather than yours or the Eastern Lands, and of course they can hide themselves quite well if they choose to."
The shinno nodded slowly. "So if they have no scent, how can an Alpha go into a rut?"
"Exactly," Malloron said. "It is not something I was aware could happen. I only discovered it through research. It seems that a Gamma has the capability to going to a Haze, but it’s not like the Omega Haze. It is barely detectable."
"But," the shinno said slowly, "your Gamma is male. And the Alpha is male. What is the purpose of the Haze? It cannot be to reproduce."
“There is a lack of research around that aspect,” Malloron responded. “There are old tales of Omega males being able to reproduce but no one was able to verify as they usually didn't survive past puberty. Then Omegas began to disappear, including the males, and there were bigger problems. From my understanding of what I have discovered, a Gamma’s Haze is more about survival. It is subtle and will only affect their mate, who is likely to be an Alpha with a specific kind of scent impairment he was born with.”
The shinno stood quietly for a long while, his eyes roaming the wall as he thought. "I am tempted to tell you that you should have known this before having such a deviant dynamic in your employment," he said. "However, I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt that this information was not available to you at the time."
Malloron watched him warily. If Kardos was anything like Emperor Drocco, he would not allow any slight on his honor to go without some kind of consequence, regardless of any explanation that Malloron would give.
"So I will not request that this man be castrated," the shinno said. "However I would like another form of compensation."
Malloron nodded. He knew it was coming. "What is it you want?"
"An Omega."
Malloron would have laughed if the shinno’s face was not so serious. "You are aware that Omegas are also rare? I cannot just materialize one for you, it is impossible."
"In my view, it is not." The shinno moved back to the couch and sat down. "The Emperor of the Lox has an Omega, and from what you say he has many. You have an Omega and you have a Gamma in your employment. It seems to me that these rare dynamics are abundant in every Land except mine." His voice turned hard. "And we are the ones that need Omegas the most."
