Vaxarion's throat worked roughly. He stared at me, his expression like stone. Finally, he said, “The fucking Gashi are lucky they're already dead.”
Hope sparked in my chest. “Why?” I whispered and stepped forward. “Would you have killed them for me, Your Majesty?”
“Of course,” he growled. Then his stare softened, and he reached out to cup my cheek. He sighed and said, “My Zixin.”
“Vax,” I whispered.
The Sea King suddenly jerked away. “No! I knew this wasn't a life for me! I knew focusing on one man was idiocy.” He looked me over scornfully. “And still, I tried. I would have given you everything.” He leaned forward to snarl, “And you threw it in my face!”
“I'm sorry.”
“Not good enough.” He glanced around. “Thanks for the cleaning service. I can start fresh now. I think I'll find someone to fuck in the bed you made. Someone who will give me the proper respect and adoration that I deserve.”
“Vax, please! Let me make it up to you. Let me prove to you that I'm here to stay. My loyalty was with my family, butI'll give it to you now. Even if it means staying under the sea forever.”
Vaxarion blinked. Swallowed. Started to reach for me. Then he dropped his hand. “No. No, I can't do this. I'm not meant for this. I loved my life before I met you. I loved the freedom in it. I fucked whoever I wanted whenever I wanted. No ties. None of this emotional shit.” He shook his head. “Leave, Zixin. And don't come back this time.”
I walked away, but not to leave. Instead, I went to the basket of sex stuff and lifted the thing perched on top. Trembling, I went back to him and sank to my knees.
“What are you doing?” his voice was a mere breath of air.
I held up the slave collar with both hands—an offering. “I give myself into your keeping, King Vaxarion of Morilren. Without a term set. I am your willing slave for as long as you want me.”
I kept my head lowered and my hands up. Waiting. Hoping he'd accept me. The Sea King didn't make a sound. I resisted the temptation to glance up at him. I'd wait forever on my knees if I had to. He was worth it. I knew that now.
Finally, I heard the rough exhale of his breath. Vaxarion snatched the collar from my hands and growled, “Now, youwantto be my slave? Very well, Zixin. I accept your service. Lift your hair.”
I lifted my hair out of the way but kept my stare down. Slaves don't meet their master's eyes. When Vax fastened the golden collar around my neck, my will shook. My whole body shook. I fought back images of the Gashi collaring me. Chaining me. This wasn't them. This was Vax. He wouldn't abuse me. Hewould care for me. I was safe with him. I kept repeating those things in my mind until the trembling stopped and the screams sank back into my chest.
“Look at me,” Vax said gently.
I lifted my stare to his face.
The Sea King cupped my cheek. “I will never hurt you, Zixin. My very acceptance of your offer is a vow of that. You are mine now. I will protect you.”
“Thank you,” I said. Then, shoving the word free of the pain that still lingered inside me, I added, “Master.”
Vaxarion's expression shivered. “You want to prove yourself to me, Zixin? Go on then. Do it.”
I got to my feet and went to the basket. Vax watched me avidly as I emptied the selection of sexual devices and aids onto the floor at the foot of the bed. A large bottle of hress nectar was the last to emerge. Then I put the basket aside and knelt on the bed.
“What is Your Majesty's desire?” I asked, lowering my stare again.
A shiver ran through me as Vax strode up to inspect the items. With enormous shock, I realized that the horror of slavery had vanished under the excitement of being with him again. My cock swelled and pushed at the loincloth.
“I see you haven't brought me a cock cage,” Vax noted.
Shocked again, I forgot my place and looked up at him. “A what?”
Vaxarion chuckled. “You'll find out soon enough. For now, remove your loincloth, but leave the shirt on. I like it.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” I untied my loincloth eagerly, my dick bursting free, just as eager. Yeah, I was back to calling him Your Majesty. Master was a hard word to say, and I was hoping he wouldn't make me use it often.
Vax grunted in approval. “Get on your hands and knees.”
Breath coming faster, I got on the mattress and went into position.
“Spread your ass for me.”
