Page 318 of Kingdoms of Night

In moments, I'm engulfed in warmth, the water heating up unnaturally fast. "How did you do that?"

He shrugs indifferently, as though miracles are a daily occurrence for this strange man.

This new world is made of different rules, and I'm completely clueless, and powerless.

The only advantage I possess is the fact that the man I'm sharing this tub with wants me enough to ensure I don't freeze, or accidentally sell myself to a stranger with two innocent words.

It's only now, as my body finally relaxes in the warm bath, that I realize I may never be able to leave Dryan's side, frightening as he is. The rest of this world is much worse.

CHAPTEREIGHT

I'm too tired and in too much pain to think much on the danger I find myself in. It's not until my sore muscles have completely relaxed that I become aware of the fact that I'm sharing a bathtub with a completely naked man who makes no secret of his intentions toward me.

I feel heat suffuse my entire face, and my eyes glide away from his, but they drift to the body submerged underneath the surface.

"Why, my pet, are you attempting to seduce me?"

My eyes widen in horror. What could possess him to think that? "Of course not."

"In that case, do attempt not to stare at my cock, hm? It will never fail to rise to the attention."

If one could die of embarrassment, I would expire on the spot. I wasn't looking atthat, of course, but now that he's pointed it out, I can’t fail to discern the shape of his protruding member under the clouded surface. I’m suddenly aware of his body touching mine. His legs are flush against my torso, while mine are tucked underneath him. I can feel his hard frame on top of me, resting without crushing me.

This situation is so inappropriate. If I'd been caught like this with a man in my father's court, the insolent offender would have hanged, and I would have been shamed, probably beaten within an inch of my life, and made to wed whoever would have me.

According to all the tales she’s fed me, Margaux has done this and worse before, but she and I are night and day. Her indulgent father never knew what to do with her. I was raised with an iron fist.

"You do look so sad, my pretty pet,” the creature observes, though he offers no consolation.

I am, but not for the reasons he might have guessed. I was taken from everything I understood mere days ago, but I find that I don’t yearn to be back under the comfort of my father’s roof. Though his care was all I knew, I never felt safe or comfortable there. I was constantly afraid of taking one step out of line, or simply finding myself in the wrong place at the wrong time, and earning punishments that would leave me bruised and battered.

I’m not foolish enough to think I’m safe here, with this strange man, but I’ve experienced his version of penance, and I’ll take it again any day over a beating.

“My friend,” I say. “What will become of her?”

One of his brows and his mouth curls up. “No clue who you’re talking about. Is she another gentle girl, or does she know some craft?”

I blink, confused by the question for a moment. In all of my years, I’ve heard peasants and working folks spoken of as our inferiors by birthright, but to hear him, we’re the useless ones. He’s not wrong. I don’t have many useful skills. I can read and write, play a simple tune on the piano and dance a quadrille. None of that can be considered a craft.

I suppose I’m not terrible at weaving, sewing, embroidering. If one demanded to know what skill I might offer, I’d say I can mend or even sew clothing from scratch, given enough time. The thought comforts me.

I think about Margaux, frowning in concentration. “She sings well enough,” I say after a time.

I expect him to dismiss it, but he nods. “Well, if her voice is noteworthy, she might be claimed by a member of the court. They’d have to appeal to the old man first, of course, but he doesn’t get attached to females; he’ll give her away.”

My heart constricts in my chest. This is what we’ve been reduced to: property, to be claimed or discarded.

“And if she’s not claimed?”

My master shrugs indifferently. “She’ll belong to the high court and serve at its leisure. Either way, pet, her purpose will be to take cocks and rub cunts for the rest of her days.” His grin is wicked. “Just like yours.”

I shiver despite the warmth I’m enveloped in, my throat dry and clogged up.

“What is it, my pet? You don’t like the dose of reality?”

“We’re not animals,” I mumble.

In response, he laughs like I’ve told him the best of jests, his shoulders shaking. “Aren’t you? Well, too bad, Lena. We are. We eat and drink, protect our lands, and fuck our women just like any other predators.”

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