“Yes, open. It means that we may take other bed partners. It's called an open relationship.”
Growling, Jucai pointed at me. “This relationship is closed!”
I pressed my lips together to hold back my laughter. “As you like.” I held up a hand when he opened his mouth. “And as I like. I just want to be clear with you; I am not a man to be toyed with. If you are fucking other people, so will I. And by fucking, I mean any kind of sexual stimulation. It is only fair.”
Jucai sighed and nodded. “I agree to your terms. I will not take another to my bed, not even a slave. Do you agree not to take anyone else as well?”
Holy shit, it worked! I could barely believe he was offering me that kind of commitment after a day. And so easily. I had expected him to argue for an open relationship. Could he be that taken with me? And why not? I was someone new and exciting. It's easy to hold a man's attention for a little while. The true test was keeping it.
But I wasn't trying to do that.
“I agree. It will be only you and me.”
“You said you'd receive me when I had need.” Jucai reached for me.
I stepped back. “Not in public, Jucai!”
The Sea King burst out laughing again. “Very well,lover.” He took my arm and steered me back to the carriage. “I will submit to your need for privacy. You see? That word is not always about domination?”
I rolled my eyes. “Funny how it's not about domination when you are the one submitting, but it is when it's my submission.”
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
Chapter Eight
Jucai and I had lunch in the park, purchased from a vendor similar to those we had on the streets of Erimbar. After lunch, we toured the city a little more, Jucai pointing out the construction happening at the edges of the city where they were expanding. At last, we returned to the palace, crossing an arched bridge over the palace's crops to arrive in a back courtyard.
As soon as we were out of the carriage, Jucai took my hand and sped into the palace, dragging me through corridors and up flights of stairs until we arrived at my guest room. It remained silent until he shut the door. But Jucai wasn't the first to speak.
“Masters.” Bantar stood up from where he'd been sitting, reading a book, and bowed. “Do you need anything?”
Jucai flinched and then straightened. “You may leave. I will see to your master tonight.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Bantar bowed and hurried out of the room.
The Sea King locked the door and turned to me again. “I need you, Nadar. Now!” Although he growled the words, his voice sounded strained, almost as if he were in pain.
I laid a hand on his shoulder. “Are you well?”
Past words, Jucai picked me up and tossed me over his shoulder. I was so startled that I went limp. No one had ever thrown me over their shoulder before. Not after I reached adulthood. Despite our similar size, Jucai carried me with ease, taking me into the bedroom and setting me on my feet beside the bed. Still in a daze, I watched as he undressed me.
“Take off your boots.” He unwrapped his tunic and tossed it aside. “Now, Nadar!”
I kicked off my boots, sat down on the bed, and pulled off my socks. No one wants to be naked in socks. It's just not sexy. I stood up, going into his arms, and he shoved my pants down. I kicked them off as he rubbed himself in hress nectar.
He had undressed in the time it took me to remove my socks. “Bend over the bed.”
I paused.
“Don't deny me now, Nadar,” he growled. “Bend over the bed!”
Eyes wide, I bent over the bed, but it was too low. My ass ended up in the air with my head on the mattress. Still, Jucai grabbed my ass and moved to mount me.
“Whoa!” I stood up. “This isn't the right height. Give me a moment.”
Then I froze.
The Sea King's eyes were glowing.
