When I heard my child knock, it was from a distance, but when she returned home, I felt my son calling to me. His call was a drumbeat in my skull, pulling me to her. My rage had nobles and servants scurrying away when I discovered she was trying to steal my child.
Tonight we would feast at the Thistle Court. To rejoice in the arrival of my son. I touched her stomach, and my breath caught in my throat when his claws scraped her insides.
Scritch. Scritch.
His tiny claws scraped from within, searching before settling over my hand, a king’s greeting. Demon blood ran through his veins as it did mine.
I could feel his lively energy and mischievous thoughts. For hundreds of years, my seed would rot and perish in every womb except for Willow’s. My son enjoyed eliminating his competition. We were ravenous and possessive. My changeling would not share his mother’s womb with anyone.
“Evander,” I whispered. Well-fed. A name fit for an heir who had devoured his twin in the womb.“I will meet you soon.”
He basked in my presence, his satisfaction a purr against my magic. He liked the name I picked for him. I broke the contact, allowing the mother and child to rest.
The Kingdom of Duskend had numerous duties to ensure that law and order were kept intact. I left my chamber, sealing the door behind me and left instructions for my trusted servants. Willow might not enjoy her humiliation tonight, but I would revel in it.
???
The court was bustling, but I tapped on the twisted antler armrests of my throne, impatiently waiting for Willow to be brought in. I finally caught sight of the top of her head. The crowds parted and became silent as she walked through the hall. I almost smiled when I saw the defiant tilt to her chin. Excited murmurs spread across the hall by the time she reached the throne. Her green eyes were full of fury as she looked at me.
“Turn around, let me see your dress,” I said, twirling my finger in the air.
She was completely naked but for the golden chains that hung down her body, barely covering her swollen belly or her buttocks. The curve of her thick hips made me hard, but seeing the gold chains dangle over her buttocks caused me to loosen the ties of my trousers.
I could see my people’s eyes light up in lust, male and female, but Willow was mine. Tonight, I would claim her in front of everyone, and they would watch her bow down to me. Evander nestled into the womb, getting comfortable for the show. I turned her around and touched him, ignoring the chains, but glancing at her pussy.
You are so cruel, Father.
I smiled at his words. He sensed my perverse intentions, but his mischievous nature was delighted, contradicting his words.
She must learn.
Chapter 5
Willow
His cruel smile was crooked, and his obsidian eyes shone as they drank in my shame. The leaf on the gold earring seemed to shimmer against the backdrop of his black hair. He was speaking to the child—the child he claimed that took Luke’s life. My day was spent in a daze as I thought about Luke, my family and the new baby. I tried not to think of the night before, but the ache between my legs was a constant reminder. I was trapped in his world, and I needed to survive.
He could parade me around naked with this ridiculous gold dress made of chains. My thorned collar wasn't enough for him. He needed to see me chained and humiliated. His kingdom was as beautiful as it was ugly. Fields of black thistles grew with vicious barbs, yet they bloomed at the tips with deep, dark purple flowers. The rest of the land looked similar to my world. I wanted to explore the land, but all I could do was look out of his bedroom windows.
His claws traced the black lines on my stomach, and within my belly, I felt the baby reach for its father. My heart began to beat to the tempo of the music. I loved this child, thinking it was part of me and a new beginning. But what if it was entirely like the Fae King?
“Why do you tremble, flower? You were made for this. To feed what grows inside you. Or did you think this womb was still yours?” the King asked, cupping my breast.
I glanced down at the black claws that pressed my nipple, milking it until my warm milk trickled down the back of his hand. He moved his hand to his lips, and the forked tongue lapped the milk up.
“You proved what a dirty little wet nurse you are last night. Tonight you will show my Court.”
I gasped at his words, but a golden tassel caught my eye, and I saw the dark green pillow that sat by his feet.
“Sit, I will feed you,” he said.
My body moved before the thorns could dig into me. I sat by his feet like his lapdog, watching the finely dressed court members—fae nobles, goblins, trolls, and fairies who looked similar to the pictures in my books. Some looked bored, others excited, while the rest gossiped among themselves.
“Enjoy tonight's festivities as we welcome a new Prince after almost 800 years,” the King said as doors flew open and servants poured into the Court with trays laden with food. “Drink and be merry before the show starts.”
I winced at the words since I was part of the show. A small table was set in front of him, and I studied him. He didn't look 800 years old, but Grandma told me the royal bloods had exceptionally long lives. Would the generational cycle stop since I was the last in my family’s line?
“Open,” the King said, and I opened my mouth automatically.
