Rhydian frowns. “You are far too trusting and innocent, pet.”
I scowl at him.
He sighs. “You don’t know the rhocyn wouldn’t talk. Truth always has a way of coming out.”
He is right, I know he is. But I still hate it. Hate it with every fibre of my being. I glare up at Rhydian even though this isn’t his fault.
Over on the cushions, the young man cries out. I hear a muffled “Please!” and I cannot stop myself from looking. I turn my head just in time to see the silver fey gagging his victim with a dark silk scarf. The boy’s sapphire blue eyes are wide with fear and helplessness. A small crowd has gathered to watch. Nobody is going to help. Now I’m the one looking at a drowning kitten that I cannot save and it is far beyond awful.
Iestyn and his cruel friend manoeuvre the boy around. My mind tries to figure out exactly what they are doing, even though I really don’t want to know.
I gasp in horror at the same time the crowd titters in amusement. We have realised it together. Iestyn and the silver fey are going to both take the rhocyn at the same time.
Rhydian pulls me away by my leash and hurries me over to a shadowy corner. He is probably annoyed that I gasped so loudly. A cry of sharp pain and fear rings out, seemingly unhindered by the gag or the distance Rhydian has put between us and the show. The audience laughs. Someone claps.
Rhydian takes my chin, tilts it up and frowns. My face is wet. I didn’t even realise I was crying. Rhydian’s finger runs gently along my cheek. He catches a tear and holds it up to the light where it sparkles.
“You care so much for a stranger?” he whispers as if in awe.
I have nothing to say to that. The evidence is pretty clear.
A scream of agony ricochets around the room, and I flinch. Everyone turns towards the sound. Everyone apart from Rhydian and me. Quick as lightning, he tips his drink down the front of his robe. I blink in confusion and then stagger back as my face whips to the side. The pain hits me a few seconds later. Rhydian slapped me.
My hand rises to my stinging cheek. My mind is numb. People are watching us now. Not as many as are watching the atrocity on the other side of the room, but a fair few people.
“You clumsy oaf!” snaps Rhydian.
I stare at his wet robes.
“Go back to my rooms. I will deal with you later!”
Still holding my cheek, I turn on my heels and scurry away. It takes a few moments to get out of the ballroom, but now I’m in an empty, blessedly quiet hallway.
I hurry towards my rooms. I know the way, I’m starting to learn this place. I’m beginning to learn how it works.
Rhydian can’t stop the horrors, but he can stop me from having to observe them. It is a coward’s way out, but I’ll take it.
For now.
I’m not going to let this be the end of it. I will not stand idly by while such atrocities take place. I have no idea what I am going to do, but I’m going to do something.
Or die trying.
Chapter twenty-three
My body is dancing with pleasure, my mind is alight with it. It is pouring through my veins and igniting my soul. I don’t think this is a dream.
My eyes open. The bedroom is dark, but I can dimly see the canopy above the bed, illuminated by the dying embers from the fireplace.
I’m on my back and my cock is deep in Rhydian’s mouth. Hot, wet, heat. Suction. A wordless gurgling cry escapes my throat. My cock feels naked. He has removed my silk prison. My flesh is touching his flesh. Nothing between us.
My hands drift down and wrap around his antlers. He rumbles in appreciation and sucks me harder. My hips lift off of the bed. My hands clench. His horns throb, heat, and swell gently beneath my touch. He groans.
He licks and caresses and swallows around me. I scream his name, spill down his throat and he drinks me all.
I lie here panting, wheezing and trembling as he glides up the bed to settle beside me. This isn’t a bad way to wake up. And as apologies go, I could get used to it.
Not that Rhydian needs to apologise. I’m not ignorant enough to think he invented fey culture or stupid enough to believe he has the power to change it. As for the slap, it barely hurt and I know it was the only way he could get me out of there.
