Ael shifted his gaze to Neoma, who was glaring at him with darkened eyes.
“Neoma, you’re never allowed back at the castle. Meir, you are suspended from your services for three months. I don’t know what the two of you have been up to, but it’s not welcome here.”
Meir gasped and fell onto his knees, begging Ael from the floor and looking up at him sitting upon his throne.
“Guards, escort them off the castle grounds. Don’t let them come back in. Meir, after three months, you may request an audience.” He glanced at both of them before turning his attention to the guards. “Take them out.”
Ael watched as they were both led away from the throne room and waited for the double doors to close behind them, leaving only himself and Luelle behind.
Luelle cleared her throat and said, “About gods-damned-time, Ael.” She raised her eyebrow as she looked at him sitting on the throne.
He sighed. “Yes, about gods-damn-time.” Ael stood from his chair, ran his hand over his face, and stepped down the stairs. “You should be fine now while I’m gone. Please ask Ferona to contact us if anything happens.”
He looked back over his shoulder at Luelle, who smirked before sinking into the throne in his place.
“I’ll keep everything under control, Ael.” She wiggled her eyebrows and idly picked at her painted red nails before crossing her legs as Ael opened the door to leave.
“Ael?” she asked, and he paused halfway through the door. He looked back over his shoulder at her. “Come back, please.”
He turned away from her and left the room.
Chapter 25
The Monster King
The wind picked up, and gusts of sand assaulted the Monster King’s exposed cheeks. He inhaled deeply, catching the metallic scent of blood.
There were fewer inmates now. Somehow, pregnancies had started to rise within Joro, and as a result, there were fewer and fewer citizens to choose from. Even women in the Camp were beginning to expect more frequently.
He watched as a Dragor yanked a man through the sand, leaving a trail of blood behind. What used to bring him so much joy no longer did. He neededmore.
At least there would be more children to offer Somnium.
Fucking Somnium. He was expected to arrive today for his collection. He ground his teeth together in agitation. He looked at the two cages filled with women and their babies, soft cries and moans coming from both.
The Monster King smirked, an idea forming. He would offer less to Somnium today, despite the numbersbeing up.
He yelled at the Dragors to return one of the cages filled with people to their cells.
The sound of footsteps drew his gaze over his shoulder, and he saw Jason.
Another fucking puppet, he thought.
Jason’s torture revealed nothing. He now wore a fresh scar along his right cheek that was swollen with stitches, and as a result, his long beard had been half-shaved.
“The dome has cracked, Sire,” Jason said to him as his attention held on the trail of blood in the sand.
The Monster King’s eyes widened, and he felt his heart start to pick up its pace. “It finally cracked? Have they been able to gain access?”
“No.” Jason shifted his feet in the sand. “The dome cracked, and they attacked it another dozen times before giving up.”
Anger bubbled through him. “Tell them to continue attacking!”
“Yes, Sire.” Jason turned around and walked away.
Finally, he thought,we’re getting close.
Chapter 26
