“Please, please…” Shiloh begged, easily falling into the fantasy. Oh, that felt so good. He managed to tuck the phone so he could hear and touch his aching cock at the same time.
It was as if Killian could read his mind. “Oh no, I didn’t say you could touch your cock, Sprite.” Killian’s voice still held that sex-on-a-stick tone, but he was breathing harder. Shiloh imagined Killian touching himself, stroking himself. “Keep playing with your nipples, love, I want you to come without even touching your dick, just like the other night.”
“Oh, God,” Shiloh breathed as his body tightened further.
“You feel so good under my hands, taste so good I want to eat you,” Killian murmured to him. Shiloh pinched and twisted his nipples more, and imagined Killian’s tongue licking them, teasing. “Can I, Shiloh? Can I bite those hard, pert little nips?”
“Yes, please, bite me; suck me, anything you want!” Shiloh answered desperately, pinching them again as he remembered feeling the heat of Killian’s mouth on them. He cried Killian’s name as he came, cum landing hotly on his stomach and even his neck. He dimly heard Killian cry out his name as he came, too, and Shiloh focused a little more on the phone, loving the sounds of Killian’s pleasure. “Oh, Deity, Kil.”
Killian’s voice was hoarse as he chuckled. “I agree, Sprite.” He chuckled again as Shiloh giggled happily. “I think I love phone sex with you.”
“I know I do.” Shiloh sank into the bedding, feeling boneless. The spunk drying on his skin started to feel sticky but he didn’t care. He felt all tingly, and Killian’s still heavy breath was in his ear. “So much better than ‘How was your day, dear?’”
Killian laughed. “Oh yes, although, you already told me how your day was, dear.”
“So did you, dear,” Shiloh teased back. “I can’t wait until you get here, Killian.”
“Who knew three weeks could seem that long?” Killian asked plaintively.
“And the week you’ll be here will go by too quickly,” Shiloh added with a sigh.
“Ten days. We’ll work our asses off all day—and play all night,” Killian corrected.
“Ten days?” Shiloh repeated. “Good. I want all the time I can get with you.” He sighed again. “Any ideas on how we’re going to do this?”
“Not yet, but something will come along. I won’t be Regent Artris forever, after all. Araminta will take over in a few years, and I’ll have fewer responsibilities.”
“I don’t know, I think you’d go nuts not handling things. You’re good at it.” Shiloh yawned as Killian did. He giggled again, feeling bubbly. “Our brains are complaining about lack of oxygen.”
“And lack of sleep. Go on to sleep, Sprite. I’ll talk to you in a few hours.” He yawned again.
“I love you, Killian.” Shiloh turned onto his side, pulling the sheets over himself. His eyes drifted closed as Killian told him he loved him, too. He barely remembered to close the phone to end the call.
§ § § §
Sitting in his study, Shiloh thought about his phone call with Killian the night before. He had just come to a decision about something when his cell phone rang. Seeing that it was Milossa, he answered promptly.
“Hello, my Lady. How are you today?”
“I am well. And you?”
“I’m working on it,” he said with a small laugh. “Things have much improved since I replaced the housekeeper, at least in the house.”
“We heard about that. Lorretta actually complained to the Council about your dismissal of her,” Milossa told him.
He blinked in surprise. “Why? Did I forget something I was supposed to do? I gave her a severance, and Sherry wrote a far better reference for her than I would have done. We arranged her travel to another enclave willing to take her on.”
“No, you were quite generous given her behavior towards you. She was reminded that it is one thing to think your boss is a disgraceful waste, but smart people do not tell them so, and in their own homes, at that.” She made an odd sound, which sounded kind of amused and kind of rude. “You had every right to dismiss her. For that matter, you have every right to dismiss every tenant on the estate if you must.”
“Yes, but given what Anan’s done to my reputation, on top of being divorced, I’d have a hard time replacing them.” He sighed. “They’re being more respectful, which I can deal with. I’m hoping that if I give them some time, they’ll see the bullshit was never true, that I’m still the same person they were happy to see years ago.”
“Perhaps not quite the same, but yes, I see your point. That is a very wise decision.”
Shiloh found himself flushing at the praise.
“There’s a purpose for calling you this morning, Shiloh. You are ordered to come to Rimalia in three days. You will bring your estate manager, Sherry, your housekeeper, and five witnesses from your estate. I suggest you draw them by lots; that should squelch any claims of coercion or whatever. Lucretia has volunteered her services, but it is traditional to have a gift for the Sennrojai who provides travel for you and your party regardless of how well you know them. The gift is not necessary for emergencies, of course, just so that you know for the future.”
Shiloh was too shocked by the order to be able to focus on it right away. He considered Lucretia instead. “It will be nice to see her again but, my Lady, what would I get her?”
Milossa made a sad sound. “I happen to know that she recently lost her pet, her only companion, a dog. Perhaps the breeder from whom you got your pups might have another litter ready for adoption? I noticed that she was quite charmed by your girls, I understand you call them.”
“Yes, my Lady. I’m afraid I treat them kind of like my children. How long is recently, though?”
“A few months. Don’t worry, I wouldn’t have made the suggestion if I didn’t think she was ready for a new dog,” Milossa assured him.
“More like two dogs, my Lady. Some breeds don’t like being alone, more so than others, and Boxers need playmates. They’re very high energy dogs, so if that would frustrate Lucretia…?” Shiloh asked delicately.
“On the contrary, a few wild pups to chase after would do her some good, I think,” Milossa said with a laugh. “And their playfulness will help her smile again.”
“My Lady?” Shiloh asked cautiously, afraid to ask a question he wasn’t sure he wanted the answer to.
“Yes, Shiloh?”
“Why am I being summoned to Rimalia? Did I do something wrong? Am I not doing something I’m supposed to?” he asked in a nervous rush.
“The Council will inform you of why when we meet in three days. However, I will tell you you’re not in trouble. As for the other, it’s entirely possible that you’re not doing something you should, or doing it wrong. But I don’t know, I’m not there. I’ll give you a bit of advice, Shiloh. Do the best you can and make no apology. Your best sometimes isn’t enough, and that is true of everyone, not just you or me, but as long as it is your best, you have nothing to be ashamed of,” Milossa told him, the warmth in her tone reassuring Shiloh greatly.
“Thank you, my Lady. What time should we be ready?”
“At ten in the morning.”
“We’ll be ready.”
After the necessary courtesies, he hung up. When he began to shake, he picked his phone up again and called Killian.
As soon as Killian answered, he spoke. “I’ve been ordered to Rimalia in three days.”
“I know, love,” Killian replied, sighing. “I’m sorry but I can’t tell you why.”
“I know. I’m sorry I’m freaking out,” Shiloh apologized as he tried to calm down.
“Just breathe, love,” Killian soothed. He hummed a little, knowing it helped Shiloh when he was out of sorts.
“I’m alright,” he said eventually. “I think.”
“Yeah, well, getting called to Rimalia to face the Council out of the blue can be pretty startling. Are you going to stay with me?” The suggestiveness in Killian’s tone made Shiloh smile.
“Is that an invitation?”
“Of course. I understand if you would rather go to the Zahirris house…”
“No, I don’t think so. My father is there currently, I believe, and I just don’t want to deal with him. The estate is in bad shape because of all his, Senki’s and Anan’s combined bullshit. I’m not sure I could trust myself to be civil. Not to mention Senka has made it perfectly clear how little he cares for me.” Saddened, Shiloh sighed. “I’d rather spend time with you guys. Are you bringing Jaden?”
“I hadn’t planned on it, but I can. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you, too.” Shiloh could hear the smile in Killian’s voice.
His heart finally calmed from its racing, and he was able to take deeper breaths.
“Are you bringing the girls?”
“I don’t know. Is it acceptable to ask Lucretia when she’s already got to bring so many others? I didn’t even know that it’s custom to give gifts to Sennrojai when they provide transport.”
“You can ask, the worst she’ll do is tell you no. But unless there’s someone there the dogs will obey, it’s not an unreasonable request,” Killian replied.
“They listen to Keith, and some to Sherry, but otherwise… No, not really, and those two are coming with me. I don’t suppose you can tell me why about that either?’”
“Council business, love. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize for something that doesn’t need it, Killian. I know there’s a lot you can’t talk about unless they’re on the Council,” Shiloh assured him. “Are you busy right now? I didn’t mean to interrupt…”
“It’s okay. I was just taking a break. I’m recovering from Hypercane Mary.” Killian laughed.
“William and Carys finally told them?” Shiloh grinned.
“Not intentionally. They went over to Mary’s for dinner and both were hit with morning sickness. Mary was both dancing around because she’s going to be a grandmother and cussing them out for not telling her sooner.” Killian laughed hysterically as he described the whole scene. By the time he was finished, Shiloh was chortling hysterically, as well. Having met Mary, a human married to a Rimalian, he could well imagine the pint-sized woman’s antics.
There was a knock at the door, and, even though he was still laughing, he managed to call out, “Come.”
The door opened quietly and Keith entered, shutting the door behind him before giving Shiloh a quizzical look.
He waved Keith to a seat. “Keith just came in.”
“All right then, I’ll let you get back to it then. I know you can’t say it back right now, but I love you, Sprite,” Killian said softly. They had decided to wait a little time before revealing to others that they were seeing each other.
“Yeah, you’re right, I do. I’ll talk to you later and see you in a few days.” Shiloh hung up.
Keith jumped right in. “What’s so funny?”
Shiloh grinned and explained about Hypercane Mary, Keith’s laughter joining his. “So you’re going to see Lady Larrestes in a few days? I thought he wasn’t going to be here for another couple weeks?”
“In three days, you, Sherry, five witnesses, and I are expected on Rimalia,” Shiloh replied. “I have no idea why. It could have to do with Anan’s crap, but wouldn’t they have told me if that was the case?”
“Well, does Sherry know yet?”
“Nope, I was only just informed myself.” Shiloh picked up the phone on his desk and asked Sherry to join them. A few minutes later, during which Keith got them all some tea, Sherry joined them. Shiloh quickly related the details of the call with Milossa.
“It could have nothing to do with Anan and everything to do with you, Shiloh,” Sherry said. In private, they were informal, although when out and about she addressed him more formally.
“But Milossa said I wasn’t in any kind of trouble,” Shiloh protested.
Sherry smiled. “Trouble isn’t the only reason people are asked before Council. You are one of the few Zahirris left. It could be that they wish to speak to you about keeping your line alive. Since Elizabeth died, the Zahirris haven’t had an Artris; your cousin can’t do it, she’s already heir for her mother. The other females are obviously too spineless and careless for at least one of them to step up and take the job on. The Zahirris can function without an Artris, for a time, since it’s a very small clan, but it’s the duty of the Council to keep lines alive.”
“But what’s that got to do with me?” Shiloh asked.
“Well, it’s not out of possibility they will ask you to endeavor to have a few daughters, since you are the son of the last Artris,” she answered.
Shiloh stared at her with such shock that Keith got up and poured him a brandy, holding the glass to his lips. He swallowed the liquid down, coughing as the liquor burned his throat. He waved away a second glass. The Council knew he was gay, and with his shredded reputation, just how the hell was he supposed to have children?
“There’s no point in worrying about it right now. We’ll find out in three days,” she said, getting up again. “The rest of the security bids on the house should be arrive by tomorrow morning.”
“Okay, thank you. Find me when you’ve got them.”
“Will do.”
Chapter 14
For the second time in as many weeks, Shiloh found himself in front of the Council. He was nervous but tried to reassure himself with the fact that none of the Council members appeared angry. Lucretia, and her new puppies, sat beside his group.
He hadn’t been able to find any Boxer pups available locally, not even at the Boxer rescue, although he did find himself making a financial donation. The rescue supplied him with the number of a woman who was looking for good homes for her litter of pit bulls. When he and Keith visited, they found the dogs well-cared for, well-behaved, and obviously well-adjusted, all signs they were born to a good home. He chose two females from the litter, and to Shiloh’s delight, Keith took one of the males and suggested there were others on the estate who might be interested in the remaining four pups.
They promptly took them to the same vet the estate used for the farm animals, the Prewitt Veterinary Practice. Dr. Liam Prewitt assured Shiloh the pups were in perfect health and gave them all their shots. Lucretia had been very pleased to be given the pups, actually hugging Shiloh for such a thoughtful gift.
They waited patiently as each of the Council members confirmed there weren’t any matters more pressing than the issue concerning Shiloh. There were not.
“Lord Shiloh Zahirris, come forward, please,” Milossa called.
Shiloh made his way forward warily, facing the Council’s low dais.
“Recently, you brought to our attention certain inequities in your father’s management of your birthright. You also brought to our attention Mistress Anan Nyirej’s attempts to take over an estate that did not yet belong to her, at a time when you—and by extension, your property—were under Sanctuary.” Milossa glanced around the chamber briefly. “Anan Nyirej has ignored the Council’s command to be here, and we will deal with that momentarily. Lord Ewan Zahirris is in no fit state to be here. Lady K’Arith placed him under the care of the Tii-su earlier this week.”
At Shiloh’s startled and worried look, Milossa reassured him. “He will be well physically, but he is in need of care. Your concern does you credit, given his treatment of you.”
“My Lady, what’s wrong with my Senka?” Shiloh asked.
Kelia answered quietly. “He is broken mentally, Lord Shiloh, severely enough to require intervention. This decision was made when we went to question him about his mismanagement of your birthright. The Council also decided not to inform you until we reached a decision about the entire matter.”
“I see.” He didn’t really, but he’d be polite. From a few smiles he caught, they didn’t believe him but weren’t going to say anything.
“Lady Lucretia, if you would be so kind as to grab Mistress Anan?” Milossa asked with a smirk.
Lucretia nodd
ed and two minutes later, Anan stood before them, naked and wet. She had apparently been showering.
“How dare you!” she screamed.
“You were warned, Mistress Anan. You were told this would be the result if you chose not to attend on your own,” Milossa reminded her.
Shiloh was shocked at the sight of Anan’s body. Her torso was covered by the scars of her flogging. Strangely, he also felt like there weren’t enough of them. He looked away, not wanting to embarrass her further. A Council Attendant stepped into the private chamber of the Artris, and came back with a plain, beige robe. Anan pulled it on hastily.
“Mistress Anan Nyirej, it is the Council’s decision that you pay reparations to Shiloh Zahirris and the tenants of his estate for your unwarranted takeover attempt,” Milossa told her.
“I told you, Lord Ewan said I could do as I wished,” Anan reminded them mulishly.
“But you also knew he didn’t have the right to give you that permission,” Lady Nyirej reminded her in turn. “Your actions show that the two of you conspired to deprive Lord Shiloh of his birthright. Although this matter had been thought settled, the fact that we now know you took another appraiser and at least one buyer to the estate while Lord Shiloh, and by extension his property, were under Sanctuary means we had to reconsider the case. You knowingly broke Sanctuary, Anan, and you will suffer the consequences.”
Anan spluttered indignantly.
“Quite true,” Milossa agreed. “If you had not broken Sanctuary, we would not have grounds to reconsider the decisions previously made. So your punishment is two-fold. You will pay reparations to the tenants for the extremes you pushed them to in order to protect their homes from your actions. You will also pay reparations to the estate and Lord Shiloh Zahirris directly for the amount of work Lord Zahirris will have to undertake to repair the damage to his property. The second part of your punishment is that you will be publicly flogged for breaking Sanctuary. Sanctuary is one of our most sacred traditions and you completely disregarded it. This cannot be allowed to go unpunished. The flogging will take place tomorrow morning at eleven in the town square. There will be no appeal.”
Killian Page 12
