“It works well, and that way unwelcome partners know to leave them be.”
“Then they can refuse?”
“Of course they can refuse! We are not rapists. Those who offer themselves as tribute usually want to serve us in every way, so they rarely refuse. But we won’t punish them simply because they aren’t sexually attracted to us.”
“I can’t decide if I should be impressed or repulsed.”
“As a diplomat, shouldn't you be open to trying things before dismissing them? I specifically sent you a slave who wore black pants with back lacing.”
“Oh, yes, because it's all right for me to fuck another man as long as I don't let him fuck me, right?”
“Yes, I'm sorry if that disappoints you, but I will not share my lover in that way.”
“We've shared one night together. We are not lovers. We are strangers getting to know each other.”
“I know well how pleasure can be unemotional, just a shared experience that means nothing. But this is not nothing, and I think you know that, Nadar. Regardless of the short time we've known each other, we are not strangers. I've chosen you to be my lover. It is an honor that you will respect by being faithful to me while you are here.”
“But I can fuck another man? How is that being faithful?”
“No other man shall have you as I do. That is the fidelity I demand.”
“You cannot demand anything from me. As I told you this morning, I am exempt from your commands.”
“As a diplomat, but not as my lover.”
“I have not agreed to be your lover.” But even as I said the words, I knew he was right. Somehow, our night together had pushed us past being strangers.
We did not know each other well, but we knew each other well enough to form a temporary attachment. All of that, however, wouldn't have mattered if not for one thing—I wanted him. I had wanted Jucai from my first sight of him, and my craving had only intensified. Besides, it wasn't as if I wanted anyone else in his court. I would have been faithful in every way without him asking. Damn my insatiable lust for this man!
“Either I have this from you or nothing, Nadar.” Jucai had been watching me, doubtless coming to the wrong conclusion.
I raised my chin.
He held my gaze.
Another moment passed. I let it drag out to assuage my pride. There was no way that I'd tell him how much I wanted him. “Very well.”
“Then you are mine.”
“Hold on. I'm not your subject or property.”
“No, you are my lover.
“For now.”
“Yes, for now.”
“All right, I agree to that on one condition.”
Jucai raised an eyebrow. “Which is?”
“You don't fuck anyone else either.”
“I will agree to the same restrictions I impose on you.”
“But in reverse?”
“Yes, I agree not to penetrate another person. But I will not give up the other pleasures my bed slaves provide.”
