Vaid Empire: Conquest
Chapter 63
45th of Silla, 13 AVE.
Kingdom of Harin, Gadrin.
The wind howled through the shattered gates below him as Salduin stood upon the wall, gazing out at the remains of Gadrin. Fires continued to burn despite the weather, reminders of yesterday’s siege.
A deep breath passed from his lungs, remaining frozen in place like a weary statue overlooking the destruction. His meditation never failed to coax a deep peace within him, and he said a silent prayer to The Creator for the fallen citizens.
“A shame,” Dominax‘s voice suddenly rang from behind, forcing the large man to whirl around to face The God Emperor. “More should have built their homes from stone. When wood burns away, what remains of their memory?”
“Your holiness…I did not hear your approach,” Salduin said as his muscles eased.
Dominax nodded with satisfaction. In one hand he carried a long object wrapped in white fabric, his cloak flowing in the snapping wind. “Report.”
Clearing his throat, the large man turned back towards the ruined city. “I’ve commanded my men to begin fortifying what remains of the city, while Lord Hesin‘s Truthseekers have eliminated remaining pockets of resistance. Lord Clin continues to tend to survivors, though I must say…he isn’t pleased.”
“Of course, yet he knows better than to overstep with his complaints. The outbreak of fire was unfortunate, though I’ve already assured him that we’ll avoid similar tragedies in the future,” Dominax stated with disinterest.
Salduin frowned, feeling the tiny trickle of morning rain doting his bald head. “The dead now know the truth of their gods. Let them rest in comfort with The Creator.”
“So they shall, yet matters regarding the living require discussion.” Dominax placed his freehand upon the man’s powerful shoulder. “Your duties demand you elsewhere.”
“Apologies, your holiness. I merely needed a moment to clear my hea-”
“No, Salduin. I don’t refer to your current duties, but rather, those left unfulfilled. Vixin requires a mate, my friend.”
Salduin straightened, his heart already beginning to quicken. “Am I not required here? We’ve only just stepped foot into Harin. Surely, my talents could be better spent-”
“Your talents shall be utilized exactly where my plans require them, my friend,” Dominax cut him off in a calm tone. “Vixin must be inseminated with your seed, and you shall delay no longer.”
“I’m…honored, your holiness. Truly. I’d love nothing more than to grant House Vaid another heir, particularly one of my own blood,” Salduin replied. The statement held the truth, and yet… ”I simply require more time.”
Dominax’s expression fell to a stern glare. “The gift of my daughter’s womb isn’t one I’ll allow to be spurned twice. Refuse once more, and I shall find another to sire my grandchild.”
Face faintly reddening, he required a moment before opening his mouth. “When must I depart?”
“A ship shall soon deliver my long-awaited prisoner. You shall board that same ship, and its captain, Lady Dunith’s heir, shall replace your command until your return,” Dominax explained. “With Gadrin under our control, I’ve sent word to allow them to approach the city safely.”
Salduin finally nodded. “Very well.”
“Good.” A grin broke across The God Emperor’s features. “I’m certain she’ll accept your seed eagerly despite your delay. In the meantime, prepare your men for the transition of power, as Lord Clin shall finalize the fortifications.”
“If that’s all, I’d like to be excused,” Salduin requested, seeking time to ponder. Already the memory of his family prodded at his mind. “Please.”
“Very well, you may go. Summon Cendra here before you see to your other duties,” Dominax commanded. He watched his advisor turn to depart, only to stop him once more. “Yet be warned, Salduin. Vixin is very precious to me. A being of my blood deserves the greatest pleasure, and you shall grant her nothing less. Understood?”
Salduin nodded, not daring to turn around to display the conflicting emotion playing across his face. Instead, he continued on after a permitting command from his ruler.
Dominax moved to peer out across the conquered city, firmly gripping the wrapped object. He studied the movements of the legion through the streets, marching in patrols as slaves set about constructing necessary structures. They had taken their first foothold within The Kingdom of Harin, and the small city would grow with each new arrival of supplies and manpower.
He didn’t need to wait long before sensing Cendra’s approach.
Striding proudly atop the wall, she greeted him with a bow of her head before claiming her place at his side. She mirrored his posture, gazing out at the city. “You wished to see me, father?”
“You fought well yesterday, my flower.” He turned to address her, allowing satisfaction to seep into his tone. “These fallen men of Harin are but a hint of what we’ll face, yet once more you’ve proven yourself adequate to participate.”
A slight widening of her silver eyes hinted at the fluttering emotion beneath her careful control, and she nodded in gratitude. “I’ll do what I must to prove the worth of our House.”
“So you will, yet you’ll do so while properly adorned.” He presented the object, its fabric wrapping fluttering lightly in the wind.
The gift’s long shape left her little doubt of what lay beneath, yet she required further prompting from her father before reaching out. Excitement sparked within her as she slowly pulled the fabric away, her stern lips curling into a grin as the white blade was exposed. Before her lay a sword of deadly elegance, its hilt gilded in gold, while the crescent moon of House Vaid had been pressed in the center of the crossguard.
“Go on, my flower. Claim it. Make it yours.”
Slowly, she allowed her hand to wrap around the hilt for the first time, raising it carefully as if it’d shatter. With a gesture from her father, she twirled it as she assessed the weapon, its light weight and thin blade easily carving through the air. Once more she felt excitement tingle within her.
“A proper replacement for the blades you’ve been forced to utilize thus far,” Dominax explained as he watched her test the gift.
“Are you…certain?” she asked, rushing to correct herself a moment later. “That I may keep it, I mean.”
“Of course. A being of our blood deserves a worthy blade that you shall pass to your descendants,” he explained, watching as her gaze quietly obsessed over every detail. “The basic form has been forged for you, yet you’ll be required to complete the rest.”
Pulling her attention from her new sword, she raised her brow as his finger tapped the hilt of his own weapon.
“At nightfall you shall see what I’ve discovered in the depths of the orb and know what it is to wield true power.” An insidious chuckle escaped his lips. “Until then, I shall reveal no more. For now, know that this blade comes with a price, for you’ll be required to assist Clin with his command of the legion. His focus must be shifted elsewhere in time, and I’d have a true Vaid lead the forces of my Empire when the time is right.”
Silver eyes widening once more, she was no longer able to conceal her elation. She stepped forwards, hesitating only a moment before wrapping her arms around him, careful to hold her blade aloft. “I’d desire nothing less.”
Running his fingers through her silky black hair, he took in his offspring’s scent with satisfaction before allowing her to part. “You’ve demanded guidance, and so you shall receive it. You’ll hold a place at my side as you learn to command, while both Clin and Irith shall provide you with ample training.”
“Ah. Irith,” she replied, her joy dampening somewhat. “Then Vixin isn’t her sole focus after all.”
“Careful, my flower.” He gently cupped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “I’ll hear no spiteful words against my mate. After all, she’s eager to begin your mentorship.”
Finally nodding, she was released from his hold, looking down at her new blade. “Nightfall, then.”
Despite her shift in attitude, she did little to stop him as he kissed her, her eyes closing to enjoy the sensation. Parting, he dismissed her with a gesture. “Nightfall, my flower.”
Departing, her posture returned to the prideful imperial princess of her facade. He watched her hips sway as she strode along the top of the wall towards the nearest staircase, appreciating her feminine form.
When she disappeared down the stairs, Dominax’s grin slowly faded. “You shall reveal yourself now, child. Don’t believe you may escape my senses.”
Silence lingered before Nafalya begrudgingly sighed. Having concealed herself by hanging over the edge of the wall, she nimbly swung her legs up as she pulled herself back over the edge. Rising to her feet, she clasped her hands behind her back with the smallest hint of a devious smile.
“What did you hear?” he asked, assessing her.
“Only what you allowed me to,” she replied smoothly.
Amusement tugged at his lips. “Perceptive girl. Still, tell me your thoughts.”
Her long black hair flowed in the wind as she began to pace, each step soundless. “I only ponder what my gift will be.”
“Oh?” he asked with a smirk. “You believe I’d reward this behavior?”
“Cendra receives a sword. Vixin receives another baby. I receive nothing. Very curious,” she replied in mock disappointment.
Dominax chuckled. “So that’s the truth of it. You feel forgotten? The time shall come when you receive your own version of both gifts, and on that day, I expect you to avoid such childish games.”
“I was simply curious. Nothing more.” She slowly encircled him, knowing she was pressing her luck. “Master Hesin says an assassin’s ear must always be open.”
His firm hand falling upon her slender shoulder stopped her in her tracks, guiding her closer. He cupped the side of her young face, meeting her gaze with an amused expression. “Yet you must choose your targets wisely, child, and you’ll find me to be no easy prey. I must move without concern for concealing delicate words, for you’re unready for certain truths.”
“I see and hear far more than one may assume, father.” She granted him a knowing smirk. “You may place as much trust in me as you do in my sisters.”
“In time, my flower. In time.” He kissed her cheek before beginning to whisper. “Your day shall come. As the shadow of our House, you’ll act as my eyes and ears, though only when I deem you ready.”
***
Nightfall fell upon Gadrin just as the last fire faded away. Alone atop what remained of the city’s stronghold, the base of its white walls scorched when its wooden neighbors had succumbed to the outbreak of fire, two figures sat in the center of the flat rooftop. Father and daughter, Dominax and Cendra faced each other with their legs crossed, seated inside a ring of candles. The purple light flickered over their bare bodies as they meditated, preparing to forge a truly worthy weapon.
Cendra felt a chill run across her skin, feeling exposed despite their solitude. In their natural state of nudity for the ritual, they had ordered all guards to keep anyone from so much as entering the structure, allowing them to worry about little else but the task before them.
With her new sword laying across her lap, she breathed deeply, knowing The Sword of Order’s position mirrored her own in her father’s lap. She dared not open her eyes, yet she sensed the orb glowing within the crossguard of The God Emperor’s blade. It hummed lightly in her mind, its strange language subtly tickling her subconscious.
Dominax’s mind touched her own, prodding it, mentally mingling. She felt as though the orb’s consciousness had wrapped around them both, pressing their minds far closer together than they had ever attempted. She sensed the shape of his soul in exquisite detail, consuming, blindingly powerful as it threatened to overtake her awareness. Terror seeped into her very core, faced with the presence of his purely spiritual form. She pushed past her fear, diving deeper to sense their familial connection as he had instructed her.
Sensing their bond of kin, progenitor and offspring, a deep sensation of familiarity began to ease her terror. She was his, just as much a part of him as his own body. Their souls and blood were linked as father and daughter, an undeniable bond that sent a calming sense of peace through her careful concentration.
The orb reacted to their bond, responding by a shift in its inner humming. She felt pulses of its consciousness licking her mind as if testing her.
Wordlessly, Dominax’s mental presence guided her, instructing her to fluctuate her power to his exact specifications. Together, their souls interacted with the orb, bending it to their wills. Gradually it resisted, requiring their concentration to deepen.
To the ordinary world, they appeared to sit still, quietly breathing across from each other. Little hinted to the mental battle gathering within, two beings working in mirrored unison against an unknowable third. The orb glowed wildly, pulsing with each mental effort of the pair.
The sensation of their minds touching caused a warmth to spread throughout Cendra’s body, feeling hints of arousal tingling within. She felt their familial ties, kin meeting kin, and couldn’t help but feel a dampness slowly forming between her thighs.
The orb began to shift, its resistance softening the more they explored their bond. To her surprise, she felt a hint of pleasure tickle her mind. Holding no place in the physical world, the sensation was one more natural than she had ever experienced, as if her very soul was flushing with lust at being so close to her creator, her father. It spread throughout the entirety of her mind like a web, growing in strength with each passing moment. She heard her physical form moan in reaction, requiring greater willpower to maintain her concentration.
She sensed the orb shifting within The Sword of Order, twisting as father and daughter molded it without moving. It felt as though it were pushing against the fabric of reality, its shimmering insides swirling.
A further moan escaped her, mind tingling intensely. She was The God Emperor’s daughter, a fact she acknowledged over and over as her willpower slowly ripped the orb in two. Pleasure sparkled within her, growing, and growing until…
Her mind seized in orgasmic bliss, closer to her father than ever before. Their bond remained undeniable, a fact that sustained her climax, drawing it out until it stabilized. A second passed, then another, each showing no sign of stopping her ecstasy as her mind tore away a chunk of the orb’s will.
Sensing it pierce the fabric of reality, she felt half of the orb begin to pour into her sword’s intricate internal tunnels, copied from the design of her father’s sword. It moved without moving, traveled without traveling, appearing to the naked eye as if nothing were occurring at all. It filled the tiny tunnels throughout the white blade, solidifying.
Now torn into two identical copies, the new orb within Cendra’s blade remained concealed behind the crescent moon of her crossguard, while the original appeared untouched within The Sword of Order. Cendra sensed a new presence within her sword, a consciousness as unknowable as the original, yet now obeying her mental commands.
Body convulsing in place, her orgasm persisted, allowing her to sense her father’s pleasure as it mirrored her own. Finally, it broke, allowing her mind to crash back to reality as she fell backwards. Spasming, she felt her juices dripping from her womanhood.
Mind tumbling as she recovered, she remained limp until she was certain she had regained herself. Slowly she rose, propping herself up on shaking elbows to peer at The God Emperor.
Chuckling, he remained in his original position. Though he had endured everything she had felt, he remained in firm stillness while she had collapsed.
Her eyes fell between his legs, his throbbing erection the only hint of his experience. The familial connection lingered between them, her arousal continuing to build along with his.
“Go on. Let us see the result of our efforts.” He gestured to her sword.
Laying across her nude lap, the blade nearly seemed to hum with new life. She cautiously grabbed the hilt, lifting it from her delicate skin.
“Allow your power to flow through the blade, my flower. It shall feel as natural as breathing,” he explained.
Raising it high into the air as she sat up, she watched in awe as flame ignited around the white blade, consuming it in swirling fire. The orb within her crossguard reacted with her power, carrying it throughout the length of the sword.
She began to grin, then burst into laughter, feeling far more powerful than before. Little had changed within her, yet the weapon allowed her to express her abilities with greater ease. An upward thrust sent a burst of flame rocketing into the night sky, her silver eyes glowing as ambition claimed her.
Dominax smirked with satisfaction. “Every member of House Vaid shall one day carry such worthy weapons, yet it’s only right that you receive the first. My eldest, my flower, you shall show them what it means to be a daughter of House Vaid.”
The sword continued to blaze as she twirled it, carving through the dark void of the night sky. Only her lust lured her mind away, the remnants of her orgasm tingling between her legs. “Of course, father. None shall stand against The Empire. None shall stand against…us.”
He moved aside his own sword, placing it outside the wide circle of candles. His erection remained, drawing her eye as she tested her blade.
Biting her lip, the call between her thighs had nearly become unbearable, the fact of their familial bond luring her desires. She mirrored his action, allowing the blade to extinguish before placing it down lovingly. She moved closer, lust coursing through her as she pressed her lips to his.
He reached out to touch her waist, pulling her closer as he continued to sense her mind caressing his. Soul against her soul, blood of his blood, he took in her sweet scent.
Driven by her lust, she dueled his tongue, her hands exploring his scarred chest. She moved to her knees as she pressed closer, enjoying his searching hands.
His fingertips ran over her gorgeous form, igniting countless nerves upon her utterly soft skin. His daughter, his offspring, he explored her as if seized by an obsession.
Unable to stand her desires for an instant longer, she moved to claim her place in his lap, straddling him as he remained seated upon the cool stone of the rooftop. Her lips never parted from his, reaching down to caress his hardened manhood with a desperate moan.
Her body felt warm upon his lap, an alluring female presence craving his cock. Her hand positioned his tip against her soft, pink labia, allowing him to pull her closer as he held onto her hips.
Together they moaned, loins meeting in an act of utter taboo as he slid inside. A burst of deeply natural pleasure overcame them both as he hilted her, his cock reaching her deepest limits.
“F…fuck…” Cendra moaned, briefly leaving his lips as her eyes fluttered. She peered into his, silver into silver, father and daughter, and couldn’t help but cry out as she began to move her hips atop him.
“My flower…” he chuckled, caressing a strand of her black hair, the exact shade of his own before it had turned silver. The fact of their familial bond remained firmly against his awareness, his grip upon her hips tightening as he guided her to move back and forth.
She practically grinded against his lap, hips moving just enough to pleasure them both. She moaned before kissing him once more, hesitating before allowing her arms to wrap around his neck.
Remaining upright as the purple light flickered over his form, he explored her feminine curves, appreciating every inch of her body. Her emotions were hardly able to remain concealed, allowing him to sense her subtle longing beneath the surface. Knowing what she sought, a secret she could never hide from him, he moved to embrace her. Arms wrapping tightly around her, he pulled her firmly against his chest.
The facade of control and pride immediately fell away, revealing the truth of what lay beneath as she melted into his arms. She released a begrudging moan, burying her face against his neck as she enjoyed his presence.
Grinding in his lap, his cock pushing against her cervix with each movement, she bit her lip as her thoughts unraveled. The proud imperial princess closed her eyes, feeling them growing damp as she allowed herself to enjoy his protective hold.
What would the warriors of the legion think to see her in such a vulnerable state? How would the population react, knowing their elegant princess clung to her father? She felt shame blush her cheeks, her emotions dueling.
His cock felt as though it were stretching her, the largest of the two she had experienced. Every tingle of pleasure was amplified by their mutual sense of shared Vaid blood, kin meeting kin. No other feeling was as natural a sensation, and she pitied the ordinary beings that could never experience anything remotely similar.
Safe in his arms, she rocked her hips harder, holding back emotions that threatened to burst from her as moisture trickled from her eyes. The conflicting state of her mind did little to dampen her enjoyment, and she cried out as she climaxed in his lap.
“Cum, my flower…” He began to caress her slender back, his voice deep in her ear. “Hold nothing back from me.”
Her body seized, hips bucking as she clenched down around him. Pleasure flowed in and out of her body like a pulsing wave, her breath caught in her throat before finally gasping.
Though his cock remained in a state of utter bliss, her vaginal walls stimulating every nerve, he knew the danger of continuing. Soon, he’d lack the control to pull free.
She offered no resistance as he leaned over, guiding her to lie back upon the stone surface. A deep loneliness claimed her as she left his embrace, yet a princess of House Vaid couldn’t be permitted to show such weakness. She wiped her eyes quickly, watching with curiosity and burning lust as he slowly slid free of her loins.
Dominax placed himself between her legs, spreading them wider as he rubbed his shaft over her soaking lower lips. He could sense his daughter’s overwhelming desire, fueling his own, and he deemed the moment adequate to expand her experience.
Cendra’s eyes widened as Dominax moved his tip to press against her anus, pushing just enough to test her puckered tightness. She instinctively reached down to protect herself. “Father I…”
He quieted her with a kiss, leaning over her. “Calm yourself, my flower. You should know better than to mistrust my judgment.”
Hesitating, she peered down nervously, only to finally nod. She removed her hand, feeling his tip return to push against her resistance. “I’ve never…”
Pushing slowly, he slid his tip inside before pulling back, gradually allowing her to adjust to the new intrusion. “Relax yourself, Cendra, and I’ll grant you a new sensation.”
She winced as he pushed deeper, his size testing her resolve. Sinking a quarter of his cock inside, she cried out before he pulled back, his silver eyes assessing her. She gritted her teeth, nodding as she grabbed his forearms for support. “I can take it…”
Grinning insidiously, he pushed deeper, careful to never overwhelm her limit. In and out, exploring her untouched depths, he finally slid inside as deeply as his massive cock could reach. She cried out in both pain and pleasure as he claimed her anal virginity, squeezing down around him. He had sired her, granted her life, and as such, it was his right to claim it.
“Aaahhh….” he groaned as he felt her clenching insides, holding himself above her. She was utterly tight, forcing him to grit his teeth when he began to move.
Though he allowed her enough time to adjust, she groaned in pained pleasure with each slow thrust. Her fingers dug into his skin, holding onto his arms as if she’d suddenly slip away. Yet with each movement, her pain slowly subsided, gradually replaced with a new pleasure she had yet to experience. Groans turned to moans, her enjoyment allowing him to increase his speed.
Pumping in and out of her tight ass, his cock lubricated by her vaginal juices from their lovemaking, he felt as though his loins would burst with building pleasure. Much like her loins, the inner walls of her puckered hole felt FAR more stimulating than that of an ordinary human‘s, driving him wild.
His right arm pulled from her tight grip before moving down between her spread thighs. Her vagina waited for his touch, wet from her previous climaxes. Unwilling to neglect her pretty flower, he began to tease her throbbing clit.
“F…father…” she moaned, her mind enduring the new sensation. She wanted to feel him in every hole, to pleasure the cock that had created her. She felt it deep inside her ass, her body tingling as he flicked her sensitive little bud.
His fingers explored her vagina, feeling each divinely soft fold of her lower lips. Her perfection satisfied him immensely, assessing every inch of her labia. It had recovered from the birth of his grandson, appearing as tight and fresh as the day he had claimed her virginity. She squirmed beneath him, his expert touch knowing exactly how to please her.
“You’re magnificent…my flower,” he nearly growled, leaning over to nibble her neck. She moaned, clenching harder around his cock as his words sent her over the edge.
Her orgasm flowed through her, different than before. The sensation of pleasure deep inside her rump was entirely new, mixing with the stimulation of his teasing fingers. She shook, gasping when it had passed.
He pulled free, forcing a cry of protest from her lips before maneuvering her to roll onto her stomach. She moaned at his aggressive handling as he moved her to raise her rump, presenting her flawless ass.
Holding onto her hips as he knelt behind her, he pushed back inside. She nearly squeaked as he entered, hilting her fully as he began to pound into her.
Cendra clenched her hands into fists as she endured, feeling his cock slam in and out of her ass. She attempted to focus upon her pleasure as shame threatened to fill her, bent over in such a submissive and humiliating position. A great imperial princess, reduced to her father’s toy.
Caressing her ass, the feeling and sight of her flawless body coaxed a prideful lust within his loins, building with each passing moment. A swift spank reddened her goddess-like skin, causing her to yelp in surprise.
“I…oohhh…fuck me…” she muttered in a haze, silver eyes rolling back with each slap of his skin against her rump. “I love…aahhh…you…”
His cock slid through her tightness, pushing through her resistance as he groaned. The sound of their passion echoed in the night sky, and he thought of the citizens and legion going about their lives below. They were oblivious to the act of utter taboo occurring above, their God Emperor savoring the sensation of his own daughter. Already The Sages had begun to ease them into accepting such acts, yet they were premature.
“C…cum inside me…” Cendra begged, her cheeks blushing with embarrassment. Her pleasure outweighed her shame, for no one else could ever make her submit in such a way. She belonged to him, her body carrying his blood, her existence his legacy. “Fill me…father…”
Dominax spanked her once more, holding every intention of granting her request. He watched the purple light flickering over her skin as she lightly glistened from perspiration. His thrusts slammed into her in a steady rhythm, her rump long since adapting to his intrusion as if her body was forged to please him.
She reached between her legs, running two fingers over her soaking labia before sliding inside. Her breath came heavily, pleasuring herself as he used her ass until she once more shook as she finished.
He chuckled with satisfaction, sensing her pleasure. His daughter deserved the highest ecstasy he could grant her, his hips moving expertly until she visibly quivered with bliss.
Cendra thought of Clin, knowing her mate would soon have the privilege of experiencing her in such a way. Dominax had broadened her limits, and she couldn’t wait to break her beloved Clin with pleasure, yet with herself in control. The thought forced her to bite her lip, eyes fluttering upwards as her father grabbed her hips tightly.
Holding her for leverage as he pumped in and out, Dominax felt his finish approaching. He closed his eyes, sensing her soul as he focused. The fact of her paternity drove his thrusts into a frenzy, knowing she was his.
A final deep thrust drove his cock as far into her ass as possible, his size forcing her to cry out. His shaft erupted with tingling pleasure as his seed spewed forth, claiming her.
She opened her mouth to moan, her breath catching in her throat as she orgasmed at the sensation. Warmth poured inside her, flooding her deepest depths as she seized.
Fingers digging into her skin, he held her rump against him, savoring the feeling of her flawless ass before slowly sliding free. His cock continued to spit, coating her asscheeks as his sperm poured from her puckered hole.
Each little contraction of her anus sent his divine seed leaking heavily from her well used hole, cascading down to coat her lower lips. The sight filled Dominax with utter satisfaction, caressing her rear as she quivered.
A deep groan escaped her, running her finger over her drenched lower lips with great care. To push a single drop inside risked betraying her agreement with Clin, despite every instinct begging her to push as much of his cum inside as she could catch. Instead, she lightly massaged her clit, coating it with the very seed that had sired her.
Her freehand reached to grip the hilt of her new sword, sensing the orb inside. It hummed in reaction to her presence, forcing ambition to mix with her bliss. She squeezed the hilt, enjoying the tingling remnants of her climaxes.
48th of Silla, 13 AVE.
Domani, Capital of The Vaid Empire.
The lock clicked as Lalian turned the key. Torchlight flickered through the cell bars as he pulled open the door, stepping inside. Slipping his hand into the pocket of his tunic, he switched the key for another.
“Ah, the pet returns,” Anthara sneered as she struggled to rise from the dirty floor. She coughed, her unwashed hair flowing over her left breast. “Come to offer another pointless bargain? Or will you finally regrow your balls and finish what you started the night you brought that dagger?”
Glaring, Lalian lowered himself to sit before her kneeling form. He opened his hand, presenting the second key. “The former. A simple question for a simple reward.”
Her restricting chains rattled as she adjusted her posture, seeking a more comfortable position as she eyed the key. “Then you expect me to betray my people for the promise of freedom? You know I won’t. Unlike yours, my loyalty isn’t so easily discarded.”
“Freedom? I offer n…no more than a taste.” He cleared his throat. “You deserve the circumstances in which you’ve found yourself, but I’ve promised to lessen your suffering for information. Therefore, if you tell me where you originate from, I shall unlock your leg restraints.”
Though her green eyes widened with interest, suspicion remained. “Why ask for what you already know? Are the duties your new owners grant you so boring that you need to toy with a prisoner?”
Lalian gritted his teeth. “The Lanthian Empire is quite large. I desire to know the precise city you resided in.”
“What game is this?” she questioned with hesitation.
“Nothing more than the gathering of information.” He moved to dangle the key before her face. “It’s a logical trade for a fair price. Besides, what harm could be done in informing me?”
She attempted to flex her kneeling legs, thighs and ankles bound tightly together. Her gaze met his after a long moment of consideration, her damaged wing twitching in pain. “You want to know my birthplace? Fine. I’ll tell you, though you must tell me something in return.”
“I…that’s not part of-”
“I’m altering the bargain,” she stated forcefully. “You’ll unlock me and speak your name.”
“My…name? Of what possible use could you have for it?”
“Merely the gathering of information. What harm could be done in informing me?” she spat his own words back at him, making him wince. “I’ll have the name of my captor before I’ll make another bargain.”
Glaring, Lalian pulled back the key in his subtly trembling hand. “You risk losing the ear of the only being working to spare you from execution. It’d be illogical to overstep with me.”
“Ah, but you have my name, don’t you?” she replied with a sarcastic smile. “If you seek my cooperation, I must know the man I speak with. You see? I shall even call you a ‘man’, as generous as that is.”
Anger flared within him as he blushed, squeezing the key. His mind worked despite his hatred, calculating the possible risk. Very little advantage could be offered by the knowledge of his name, for even if she managed to escape her strict confines, his identity was known across the entirety of The Empire as The God Emperor’s loyal adviser. Nothing would be gained. “I won’t alter future deals any further, b…but if this is your price, I’ll allow it once.”
“Good boy.” Anthara nodded with slight satisfaction. “You held to your word last time, so I expect you to do the same now. Praith. The city of my birth.”
“Ah.” He knew the name well, having memorized every Lanthian city before his third year of life. Still, he disliked how easily she managed to claim control over the conversation, causing him to straighten up. “And where were you trained?”
Grinning viciously, she tilted her head. “That information isn’t part of our bargain.”
“It’s unnecessary in any case. You were a member of a scouting party in foreign territory. Such excursions may only be approved by the Priarch of a kingdom within The Lanthian Empire. You were born in Praith, y…yes? Praith falls within the borders of The Kingdom of Lian, thus you must serve the Priarch and Miarch of Lian. Am I incorrect?”
Her grin fell away, granting an answer without speaking.
He nodded with a slight smile. If true, it meant that these Lanthian excursions may not have been ordered from the Grand Miarch herself, empress of The Lanthian Empire, but a vassal. Still, the prospect of a ruler from his former homeland showing interest in Vaidrin unnerved him. “Very well. You upheld your end, so I shall as well, A…Anthara.”
“Keep my name from your treacherous tongue and just unlock me.” she nearly hissed. “But first, you owe me a name.”
Hesitating, he gave in. “Lalian.”
“Ah…Lalian,” she chuckled. “Then your human masters haven’t seen fit to rename their pet. Go on, Lalian. Unlock me.
Though rage flared within him, he obeyed, leaning over to slide the key into the first lock. He flinched as he heard her chains jingle, nearly falling back. A deep blush claimed his cheeks as she laughed, ignoring her as he unlocked her ankles.
The metal bindings clattered to the floor as he hurried to step back. She groaned as she struggled to rise for the first time since her imprisonment, the chain connecting her arm bindings to the rear wall preventing her from standing straight.
Lalian watched as she began to stretch her legs, parting them wide to test her new freedom. His green eyes focused with unconscious curiosity, for it had been over two decades since he had seen a female member of his own species. Lacking any clothing, his gaze traced the smooth green skin of her thighs, settling between her legs before realizing his actions.
“Are you finished gawking?” She glared viciously.
Embarrassment surged through him as he abruptly looked away, cheeks flushing a deep green. “I…I apologize. I just…”
She laughed without humor. “No, go on. Take in the sight of your prisoner. Does it feel good to hold a member of your own species captive? To betray your people? Why not force yourself upon me and reveal the scum you truly are?”
“I’d never do such a thing!” he shouted, his anger returning.
“Of course not. At least, not with that damaged little thing between your legs. Instead, you’re content to simply allow me to languish here in the dark. How benevolent of you,” she sneered.
Lalian opened his mouth to shout once more, only to let the words falter. He gritted his teeth as he considered her statement. A moment later he sighed, hating his decision as he spoke quietly. “I’ll…leave the torch when I depart. Only this night, and only until it burns out.”
Surprise overcame her, and she nodded without comment.
He turned to leave, only to stop as he heard her voice from behind.
“Hold a moment longer, Lalian,” she commanded. As their green eyes met once more, she suddenly appeared reluctant to speak, hesitating for what seemed an eternity. “You mentioned it was night. How…long have I been here?”
“More than three moons have passed.”
Her eyes widened before nodding with acceptance. “Funny, feels longer.”
As he watched defeat claim her capable posture, he nearly felt an urge to reassure her, only for his anger to push aside such a notion. He’d find no such mercy from her.
He didn’t risk another word. Instead, he sealed the cell door behind him as he departed, taking only a single look back to see her slump to the floor once more. True to his word, the torch remained to hold back the darkness.
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