Soft moans echoed down the expansive luxurious hallways that practically dripped with refined tastes. Steady, yet irregular footsteps joined the soft groans and gasps. The great King Maldrek buried his bearded face into the crook of my neck, leaving a trail of sensual kisses and nibbles as he continued to walk unevenly down the hallway, his decently muscled arms carrying me as my legs anchored myself to his waist, his throbbing member pressing against me. As I dug my fingers imploringly into his long greasy curled locks, he slammed my back into a door, his hand scrabbling for the gilded handle.

“Do you want me, my dear…?” He groaned, playfully tugging on my lower lip.

Augh… Grazing my lips against his, I murmured huskily, “If you are willing to give it to me, my King…”

With an approving growl, he sensually bit my throat, causing me to arch my back and push imploringly against his girth just as he managed to open the door. He kicked it shut as we both entered, eager to finish what he started.

--

“So,” Maldrek breathed, re-buckling his pants as he readjusted his clothing, “The rumors were true.” He grinned, revealing two rows of half-decayed teeth.

Seeing them was enough to make one retch but, luckily, I had enough willpower to continue my façade. “I don’t know what you mean, my king.” I replied breathlessly, blinking lazily up at him.

Maldrek chuckled deeply, his eyes hungrily roaming my exposed body as he finished his final adjustments, my skin crawling under his intense stare.

“Of course not.” He wiped the droplets of milk that clung to his scraggly beard, still ogling me. “You certainly know how to please a man, my dear.”

“It pleases me to hear you say that, my king.”

Licking the droplets from his hand, he growled, “How I wish I could stay and play more…” Placing a too wet kiss on my plump lips, he huskily ordered, “Come to the throne room later. I shall send for you.”

“Of course, my king.” I whispered against his cracked lips. “Anything to please you.”

Smirking, he nipped playfully at my bottom lip before departing, the door closing softly behind him. Sitting up in bed, I listened attentively to his retreating footsteps. After making sure he was indeed walking away from the room, I redressed myself before exiting the room.

Just as the door closed, a grumpy voice spoke from just around the corner, “I don’t like it.”

Recognizing the voice, I released a soft sigh. Yeah, me neither… Taking the few steps necessary to round the corner, I crossed my arms as the young man came into sight. He leaned against the side of the hallway that lead to the room Maldrek had taken me. Did he hear everything…? His body was tense as his narrowed gaze shifted to mine, his expression a window to the raging storm inside.

“You’re not supposed to like it.” I responded coldly.

His eyes visibly constricted, his diamond shaped pupil thinning into a near slit, the edges barely visible. “You don’t deserve to be treated like a common whore. You deserve much better than that.”

Damn… He really doesn’t like it.

I gave him a tired, withering stare. “As honorable as that is, it’s not gonna get us anywhere here. Besides, it’s what I was made for. And you already agreed to it, remember?”

“Yeah, but-”

“‘But’ nothing!” I interjected, massaging my temples. “Look. In order for this to work, I need to become their favorite plaything. That way they let their guard down and spill any information they've got before we get the heck out of here.” He snorted and looked away. “What?”

He rolled his eyes as he returned his heated gaze to mine. “Of course you’ll be able to pull it off.” He motioned towards me. “You’re far more beautiful and desirable than any of the other women in this castle. They’d be idiots not to jump at the opportunity.” His eyes softened ever so slightly. “You’re like a goddess walking among us… Everyone either wants you, or would like to be in your position.”

…

There were no words that could describe the surge of emotion those words caused. Shoving the distracting conflict of emotions away from my thoughts of the situation at hand, I managed to recompose myself.

“Thank you for the compliment, though it sounds a bit unrealistic.”

He huffed and looked away. “No it doesn’t… You being alive right now is unrealistic…”

Though he'd murmured it, I still managed to catch it. Rolling my eyes, I continued while motioning towards him. “You were supposed to become the favorite apprentice knight.” The young man said nothing. “How’s that going?”

“Horrible.” He huffed, heaving a heavy sigh after a few moments before returning his glare upon me. “Sir Galven has me balanced on the edge of a knife, and nothing I’ve done has impressed him. I’m learning, but everything I do is wrong.” He shifted his gaze to the polished marble floor. “How am I supposed to really improve if nothing I do is right?”

Despite myself, a dry rueful laugh escaped me. “Cht, yeah. Tell me about it.” His expression immediately shifted to a more curious one as he looked at me. I continued despite the silent question. “Sounds like you could use some help.”

He slowly raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really?” His tone dripped with sarcasm. “And, uh… Which one of these crazy murderers is going to educate me?”

“I am.” I responded coolly despite my immense urge to smirk. “You need to get very good very quickly, or else you’ll get slaughtered.” A flash of confusion crossed his face, but I cut him off before he could say anything else. “Wake up extra early and go for a run tomorrow. Meet me in the gardens before dawn. And, don’t worry if you get lost. I’ll find you.”

A door opened further down the hall. Shit. Time to play pretend again…

Fluttering my long lashes, I placed my hands behind my back and smiled brightly up at the young man. “Thank you for coming to visit me, big brother! Good luck with your training today! I know you’ll make father proud!”

A servant stepped out from one of the rooms, noticed us, and began her approach. She did not bother to hide her clear fascination or wandering eyes as she focused solely on the young man. For some reason, it ignited something within me, and I suddenly hugged him tightly.

“I’m depending on you.” My words came out more true than I’d thought they would, catching me by surprise.

The young man seemed just as surprised that I'd hugged him. With a sigh, he embraced me tightly. “You are my strength, dear sister… Please, stay out of trouble.” He slowly released me, gazing into my eyes before smiling warmly and placing a large hand atop my head.

“Miss?”

My eyes shifted to the servant, who continued to occasionally glance at my ‘brother’.

“Yes?”

The servant gave a small bow before continuing. “The Great King Maldrek has summoned you. He awaits for you in the throne room.”

Augh, great… ‘Play time’ again…

She bowed again, and I couldn’t help but notice she had shifted her body enough that anyone actually paying her much mind could see her medium breasts almost ripping from their confinements. The servant stood with a coy smile, her eyes focusing hungrily on the young man.

Gods, how thirsty is this chick…?

The young man’s hand slid from my head, and my eyes were once more drawn to his. “Stay safe, sister.” He gave a small and sad smile as he moved a lock of my long golden hair behind an ear. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” With that said, he turned and began walking away, never once laying eyes on the servant. Placing his hands in his pockets, he casually strolled to the far end of the corridor before disappearing around the bend.

“Miss, if I may be so bold?”

I turned to face this middle-aged woman, trying not to show my increasing disdain. “Hm? What is it?”

“Your brother, the young Lord… He is quite the looker, Miss.”

I nodded with a smile. “Oh, yes! He’s incredibly handsome!” I glanced back the way he’d gone. “He took on more from father, and I from mother.” There’s no way I’m gonna let this chick sink her claws into him… “It’s a shame, though…”

“Oh? Why is that, Miss?”

I refocused on her, giving her a small and sad smile. “Well, mother had been trying to marry him off before the incident happened. But, no matter who she brought before him, he wasn’t interested.” I gave a light shrug. “There have been a few women he’s found interest in, but it turned out they were nothing but lying back-stabbers out for self-gain, so he doesn’t really take interest anymore.” There were a few solemn moments before I smiled vibrantly. “Well, I must be off. Thank you so much for informing me about the summons. Fare well~!!”

The woman nodded stiffly as I bustled away, a wicked satisfaction filling me as I approached the throne room, successful in my plans of thwarting any of her attempts to approach the young man.

I don’t want him to get distracted. I paused just outside the double doors. Wait, no… That sounds weird… Let’s try it again. We can’t afford to get distracted in here. Yeah, that sounds much better. With a nod, I entered the throne room, the double doors swinging shut behind me.