Maldrek sat on the once gilded throne. The smell of sulfur and burnt wood still clung closely to the poorly scorched seat, but he didn’t seem to care. Unfortunately, that smell intermingled with his sweat and nearly overpowering body odor. The ironic thing about his odor was that he bathed multiple times every day. No, the odor that came off him was the metallic scent of dried blood mixed with sweat and what could only be described as watered down sewage.

As I stood to the side, a simple and seemingly oblivious smile on my face, I once again cursed the demon who sent me here. To have to deal with this monster, let alone have to please him… My stomach churned uneasily at the thought. Gods, he’s disgusting… A scantily clad maid entered and bowed.

“Speak.”

“Sir Galven and Sir Drilva have arrived, my King.” She gave another deep bow.

“Send them in.” He responded with a smirk, his gaze passing over me as he spoke. Seeing the maid still there, he snapped, “Begone!”

The maid left hurriedly, stumbling as she clumsily exited.

He treats almost everyone horribly…

“You shall like what I have planned, my dear.” He spoke, gently grasping my right hand and running a thumb over it. “Consider it a treat for how you’ve pleased me.” Maldrek smiled, and although I could tell that he was being completely honest, the way he said it made it seem as if he had other intentions in mind.

I easily returned the smile. “It pleases me to hear you say that, my King. But, I hardly think I deserve it. Surely such simple pleasures does not warrant a reward?”

He chuckled at my response. “My dear, sweet girl… Of course it does! And I will take great pleasure in watching you enjoy your surprise.” Maldrek gave my hand a gentle peck with his cracked lips scraping lightly against my skin. The sensation made my skin crawl, and it took a great deal not to flinch. “Think of it as a thank you and a promise, my dear.”

“A promise, my King?”

“Yes. A promise that I will do everything in my power to please you.”

Something about the way he said that sounds…off… Why just me? I smiled down at him. “Thank you kindly, my King! I am so grateful! My brother and I appreciate it so much!”

Maldrek smirked but said nothing. Instead, he returned his attention to the room as a door opened.

I don’t like this… Not at all…

Two men entered, both dressed in ornate armor. Having heard their descriptions before, coupled with the rumors that went along with them, it was fairly easy to tell them apart. I had already become acquainted with the Blue Knight, and from the way he reacted, he obviously remembered me fondly as he winked. Turning a bright and civil smile on them, I couldn’t resist my wandering eyes despite myself.

Sir Drilva dressed in azure armor with accents of gold, appropriately deemed as the Blue Knight. His charm and evident charisma wooed women by troves, and a smile that could charm the undergarments off of any lady. He had medium-short neatly trimmed dark chocolate wavy locks that framed his handsome face and a strong jawline. Beneath that medium bulky armor was the solid body of a warrior. He boasted of his prowess in bed, to the degree that he is the self-proclaimed Blue Knight of Romance. His most striking and mesmerizing feature were his hazel blue eyes, where a caramel brown surrounded his oval pupil, it bled into a soft but vibrant olive green, then merged into a crystalline ocean blue. 

Sir Galven on the other hand was much more serious as they both approached the throne. Unlike Drilva, he had medium-long length locks that shone like molten gold, currently tied back in a simple low ponytail. His features were sharp, but strong, giving him the overall appearance of a predator constantly on the prowl. Strangely enough, despite his overall powerful demeanor, he still gave off a softer, more feminine vibe. Still, there was no denying how handsome he was. Galven’s hair almost matched his golden armor perfectly, being just a shade lighter. Appropriately titled as the Golden Knight, he held the highest ranking over the others. His forest green eyes honed in on me almost immediately, his features hardening visibly with displeasure before he focused on Maldrek.

“You summoned us, my King?” Drilva inquired, giving a simple bow.

“Yes.” Maldrek made a small motion towards me, to which I gave a small curtsy. “I have summoned you both here to entertain me by pleasing her.”

…What?! Unable to hide my surprise, I blinked, but said nothing. Can’t say I’m surprised. I did kind of see it coming.

Drilva grinned widely as he bowed deeply. “If it would please you to watch, my King.”

Maldrek nodded and shifted his focus to Galven, whose expression had immediately turned sour. “Galven?”

The Golden Knight gave a stiff half-bow. “Forgive me, my King. But, I must decline.”

“And why is that?”

“I prefer challenges, and though I do not question your tastes,” his sharp gaze focused on me, “she does not seem like much of a challenge.”

Though I agreed, and that was the point of this disguise, my anger surged within me. Yeah… He prefers women he can enjoy dominating, not someone who is willing. Bastard… Insulting me to my face.

Maldrek snapped his fingers. “Girl.”

Blinking, realizing that I’d been glaring at the Golden Knight, I now returned my attention to the King. “Yes, my King?”

“How many loads have you taken?” There was a pause. “Be honest, and be quick about it.”

“I’ve lost count, my King.” Not exactly something I’m proud of, but it’s the truth.

He nodded briefly. “And, how many have succeeded in you releasing?”

. . . “None, my King.”

Maldrek motioned to me as he addressed Galven once more. “There is your challenge.” He looked up at me with a devious smile. “Best join them, my dear. I do not like to be kept waiting.”

With an inward sigh, but a happy outward smile, I descended the steps and approached the two knights.

I can only hope things get better from here on out…