Luckily, it doesn’t hurt. I try not to think about how it works… I do not want to fall down the mind-probe rabbit hole.
The women are chattering excitedly. Aside from the green one, none of them seem to be the least bit jealous that I’m about to become their king’s latest concubine. I guess they’re used to sharing.
They won’t have to share him with me, though. I’m getting the fuck out of Dodge before he can even come near me. I’m scoping potential exits every step of the long, arduous way to King Aurus’s chambers.
You’d think he’d have his harem closer so he’s not already exhausted by the time he arrives. Or maybe he just has whichever lucky girl(s) he’s chosen make the trek to see him, instead. That seems more like something an arrogant king would do.
The more of the palace I see, the more I feel like I know Aurus before I’ve even met him. He obviously has a gigantic ego, judging by all the mirrors. And he likes to flaunt his wealth, judging by the gaudy, gleaming furnishings. I’ve never seen so much gold. He apparently thinks of himself as something of a stud, because why else would he have twelve mistresses?
It looks like Ulfarri women are meek and subservient—at least to the males of their species. I don’t want to know how this is achieved… Juno mentioned something about being punished if they fail to bring me to the king in time. For all their advanced tech, the Ulfarri still seem to be in the Dark Ages when it comes to women’s lib. In any case, I didn’t ask what that punishment would be, and Juno didn’t volunteer the information.
Some things are better left unknown.
We’re approaching a set of enormous double-doors, easily twenty-five feet high. They’re edged in gold—like everything else in this place; it wouldn’t surprise me if the concubines have gold trim around their pussies—and glide open as if pulled by invisible ropes.
The first thing I notice once we’ve gone through are the weapons mounted on the wall: all kinds of knives, swords, axes—there’s even what looks like a crossbow. I scan them all, wondering which one I could best use. If I ever had any self-defense or martial arts training, I don’t remember it.
But surely swinging a knife at someone can’t bethathard?
The weapons are fairly high up, however, so I need to find some kind of stool or something so I can even reach one to steal it. I’m still glancing around, scanning the furniture, when I spot an enormous, gleaming figure. At the same time, I hear Lenah say,
“Your Majesty, allow me to present your new Omega. Kim.”
Someone’s fingers encircle my wrist, and I’m unceremoniously tugged forward.
The first thing I register is his size. I thought the women were tall… this guy is huge. He’s wearing shiny golden armor so I can’t tell whether he’s fit or fat, but he looks to be over seven freaking feet tall, and seems almost as broad in the shoulders. He’s wearing a poncy helmet, so I can’t see his face, but he radiates strength.
And arrogance.
His voice, when he speaks, is low, deep, and growly. “At last. I’ve waited a long time for you, Omega.”
“My name isKim,” I say, proud that my voice is calm and steady. Figure we may as well start as we mean to go on. I bow to no one.
“Kim.” The way he says it sends a shiver down my spine.
I realize I don’t know how to address him. Calling himyour Majestyseems kind of pretentious when he’s not my king. “There seems to have been a mistake,” I continue. “I’m not an Omega. I’m a human. I would like to return to Earth now.”
There’s a long, long pause. The women all seem to be holding their breath, watching Aurus to see what he’ll do. When he throws his huge, helmeted head back and roars with laughter, they let out little giggles of relief.
“Is something funny?” I ask. I don’t like being the object of their amusement, especially not when shit’s as serious as this. I’ve done a pretty good job of staying calm so far, considering the circumstances, but even my tether has an end. And it’s approaching.
“You have been given a serum to turn you into an Omega,” Aurus says, echoing what Lenah already told me. He turns to her. “Has she gone into estrus yet?”
Lenah shakes her head, her long hair rippling. “No, Majesty.”
She probably calls himyourMajestyin bed. Then I ask, “What’s estrus?”
Aurus addresses his harem. “Thank you for preparing her. Now leave us. All of you,” he adds, glancing around at the other servants standing silently in corners.
No, please don’t leave me alone with him, I plead silently but of course, they do.
Now, Aurus and I are alone in his cavernous, pompous chambers.
“You truly are a beauty,” Aurus says. “Your hair is a little short, but it will grow. And it is golden—which I like. This is the Golden Kingdom.”
“No shit.” I can’t help it. Besides, maybe being rude will make him want to get rid of me. A girl can hope.
There’s a brief pause, where he seems to be deciding how to react. Then he lets out a little chuckle, like an indulgent father. “And you have spirit. Good. We will have many strong children.”
