Appeased that his woman was alive and breathing in his arms, Zagan broke the kiss and stared into her glassy eyes, his tone uncharacteristically resigned. "I won't eat you while you're recovering. Even I'm not that much of a monster." Concern and relief flickered in his eyes before they disappeared, making Akila wonder if it had been a trick of the light.
Despite her near brush with death, Akila felt rejuvenated and brimming with unspent energy. It was the only explanation for the emboldened challenge slipping through her lips. "And what if I want you to?"
Utter sensual defiance.
Zagan's gaze narrowed as his beast crawled under his skin but, he refused to let it win. He controlled the beast, not the other way around, and the little lamb was playing with fire. Before he could answer, Akila rose on the balls of her feet and pressed her lips to his. In a momentary lapse, Zagan stiffened with indecision. He was normally the aggressor in their unconventional relationship but for her to instigate a kiss, it threw him off guard. Regaining control, his lips and tongue leisurely claimed hers, while she fought to change the pace, her hands desperately reaching up to grip his hair so that she could imprison his mouth to hers.
She wast so hot. Needy.
Zagan wasn't sure what brought about the little lamb's change but he wasn't complaining. He jerked her back, making sure she was looking right at him. "Are you certain?" he growled.
"Yes!" she nearly cried out in frustration, wanting to feel his skin, his heat, and his weight all around her. "I want you, Zagan. Now." Twin rings of golden stared hungrily at him, almost begging him.
Fuck! The temptation she presented made him instantly hard, and he didn't want to resist. Now that she was safe, he could indulge his starving beast but, he would not drink from her vein. He wanted her healthy and recovered. Even her lusty enthusiasm couldn't veil the dark circles under her eyes, and he didn't like the reminder of his failure to protect her.
Caging her throat with his fingers, Zagan breathed harshly. "Strip. Now."
Akila fumbled to undo her buttons. Soon the dress was nothing but a pile of red and white silk on the floor.
Zagan sucked in his breath at her naked beauty, his gaze lingering on the shadowy lace hiding her feminine treasure.
She chanced a shy glance at him. "I couldn't wear a shift with this dress..."
"You're beautiful." His voice rough with desire. "I enjoy seeing you dressed in anything" — his fingers traced the paleness of her skin, lingering on her wound — "and nothing at all."
Akila couldn't breathe when he leaned down to lick her plump breast, trailing kisses toward her navel. It was erotic how he was fully dressed while she was completely naked. Would he torment her before making her succumb? The anticipation had her panting. As he licked his way back up, he pinched both her nipples. Hard. Harder. Tightening down on the peaks. It was painful – blissfully so.
Her short cry filled the room.
He rasped, almost cruelly. "You like that. I can smell your arousal."
"Oh, yes Zagan!" she moaned, eyes closed as he pulled on them — only to abruptly release them.
His mouth and tongue wrapped around a nipple, softly suckling as if to kiss away the pain. When he released it, Akila twisted to arch her other breast to him. A dark chuckle sounded against her skin, but he obliged her. Once he began tracing his lips down her torso, he left both her nipples aching and damp in his wake.
He reached her navel, circling it with flicks of his tongue, then kissing it as if he were drinking from her. As Zagan's mouth dipped lower, he wrapped his hands around her upper thighs, his fingers brushing against her nether lips from behind. "You should smell yourself, little lamb. Your pussy is dripping, so greedy for my touch."
She mewled incoherently. His talented fingers pulled her lips apart with such a sure touch, her pussy soaked. A finger traced her wet seam, making her shudder. "You're so soft and beautiful here."
Akila's hips thrusted forward, her exposed pussy feeling so empty. "Stop teasing me..."
He ignored her and cupped her bottom. "How can you make me want you with every chance?" With his long fingers splayed across her derriere, he lifted her like a bowl to his mouth, then ran the tip of his tongue from her core to clit.
"Ah! Zagan!" Her fingers flew to his head, clenching his hair to steady herself.
One finger entered her as he licked. Then he wedged a second one inside. But he removed them too soon. "Do you want to know what tastes better than blood, little lamb?" Zagan lifted the taste of her into his mouth, their gazes clashing — hers dazed, his purposeful. "Your taste."
Akila stared down helplessly. Her taste was better than blood?
She shivered and he knew his admission turned her on — immensely. Again, he took his fingers away too soon. Attention fully on her pussy, he nuzzled her, then tugged her clit between his lips, nursing on it so softly. Her entire body was quaking. He'd imprisoned her with his touch – and his mouth – keeping her on the verge of coming with an expert cruelty.
When his suction finally increased, the bud swelled till it throbbed against his tongue. So close...so close...
He released it with a wet sound.
"No, please don't stop!" she cried. Her clit was a bundle of such unbearable sensitivity. Just one push and she would be flying over the edge. For him to stop now...it was mean. "Please, I want to come! Make me come."
"Only obedient lambs get to come." As if her clit was a toy, he blew on it. He played with it. Tormented it between his teeth. "So tiny, so luscious," he said in a gravelly voice. "And it will make you do things for me that you've never dreamed of. Are you a going to be a good, obedient lamb, Akila?"
Akila's toes curled, her fists clenched. "I-I can't promise...you that..." How long was he planning to keep her in misery? She didn't know if minutes had passed — or hours. "It's too much!" How could boundless pleasure be so excruciating?
Zagan drew on her even harder. "I'll let you come if you promise never to put yourself in harm's way again."
Drowning in pleasure, she could barely understand his words, knowing it was unfair of him to turn her body against her mind. Should she tell him that she was about to trip over the edge? But he might deprive her of her orgasm.
"If you come before I give your permission, you'll be punished."
She writhed in frustration. "I-I need to come. Please."
His ragged breaths whispered against her opening. "Give me your word and I'll let you come."
Fierce licks over her clit forced a desperate cry from Akila's lungs. Too late. She couldn't withstand this. The wave was crashing over her —
"You're coming?" With a growl of irritation, he sucked harder to finish her, tonguing her at the same time. His little lamb's body twisted, hips bucking wantonly to his mouth.
Akila was panting harshly. "Ahh! You're...sucking me too hard!"
The most powerful orgasm she'd ever hard was wringed out of her. Next she knew, she was lying in her lover's arms, thoroughly depleted and sated from the intense pleasure. Zagan cocooned her within his shirt as her lids began to droop, lifting her up and making his way to the guest chamber. Settling her into bed, he tucked her in, brushing her hair off her face.
"You cannot imagine the power you have over me, little lamb," he murmured softly, eyes drinking in her lovely features. He brushed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Our conversation is far from over but, I'm willing to wait."
----------------
Back in Cronoa...
"Have you found him?" Balan demanded with mounting ire as he marched into the study.
Kobal shook his head, idly perched on the window sill. "No, there's been no sign of him anywhere and Mara's still out hunting."
"What was he thinking! I turn my back for one minute and he disappears into thin air. If he's not back before daylight, it might encourage our enemy to launch an attack. We're incapable of defending the throne as it is — with our lack of soldiers and arms."
"You're a right model for self-confidence, you are," Kobal pointed out sarcastically. "At least I have enough faith in my ability to take down a few puny humans. And we both know Zagan doesn't allow himself to be taken hostage unless he's willing. This time, wherever he's gone, I have no doubt he went voluntarily."
Balan's lips thinned, not nearly pacified. "Our position is too precarious. In the time I've spent in the East, I've uncovered rumours about a building rebellion, most likely under the influence of the missing Crown Prince and the Duke of Ryre. I didn't have time to investigate, but the Salomite woman sang easily when I threatened to ruin her face and cut off her fingers. She attested the existence of this phantom rebellion." Balan grimaced. "Whether it exists or not, it must be eradicated."
Kobal rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. "What else did she say? Who's her employer?"
"It's unknown if her employer's a man or woman, only that they correspond through anonymous messages. She claims this person to be the Leviathan — a devil worshipper."
"How convenient, another of Satan's underling. Did she mention how did their exchange began? Surely she must have met this Leviathan fellow once?"
"Not necessarily," Balan responded dryly. "She said she was approached by a hooded figure — a young child was responsible for delivering the first message. It was a reward to wealth and riches should the lady achieve her mission."
"Huh. The Salomite assassin is either desperate or incredibly daft because it's apparent she's now a discarded pawn. I wish we could dismiss her claims but, we both know how powerful the occults are. These devil worshippers have an army of people — both young and old — to do their bidding. Just because we're demons doesn't mean we run in the same circles." Kobal snorted ruefully. "But it seems this Leviathan is extremely cautious with his or her identity. It makes me undyingly curious to uncover this person's identity. What else was she willing to give up?"
"The rest is nothing we haven't already figured out. She's a puppet tasked to cause an upheaval — a distraction. Her blade was indeed poisoned but even if Zagan had been stabbed, he would have survived. The enemy doesn't know that we've been consuming poison for years to strengthen our weakness. Even so, I believe the objective wasn't to kill Zagan."
"Really?" Amusement surged in Kobal's voice, his brows quirking. "And I thought I was the only one with the penchant for creative thinking. I'm curious about what you believe the reason is for this staged assassination."
Balan's grimness made the buoyant demon feel sorry for the afflicted Captain of the Royal Guards. He was glad he wasn't saddled with Balan's weighted responsibility, content to be a regular helping hand from time to time, not that he was completely worthless. Kobal had his own contacts who proved more useful and loyal especially with the right incentive.
"I don't know how word got out but, I think the enemy was testing Zagan's feelings for his concubine."
Kobal's eyes widened dramatically as he righted his slouched position. "Well, colour me surprised! That was the least expected reasoning coming from you, though I understand why. We've all witnessed how Akila protected Zagan when he was attacked." He met Balan's brooding gaze. "The question we should be asking is why would the enemy focus on Zagan's relationship with the feisty human? Are you insinuating that there's a connection?"
A curt nod. "That is what bothers me." Balan's scowl deepened. "For now, I'll need you to secure the perimeter and make sure that no one gets in or out. I'll continue my search for Zagan and if anyone sees him, you'll inform me immediately."
----------------
"What plagues you, Demon King?" Castelis cajoled the brooding presence that entered in his orchard. "I can sense your troubled mind from up here. If you don't mind, I am a great listener."
"You know that I know what she is," Zagan stated what he had suspected. Though vague, the Dryad didn't shield his conversation with Akila about knowing 'who she was'. He doubted that an ancient being like Castelis was simply overwhelmed by feelings — him who naturally wielded caution like a second skin, especially towards strangers in his land.
"Yes," Castelis answered without batting a lash. He saw no point in lying. "You're a demon. Your sense of smell and taste supersedes all other beings. I don't believe you haven't tasted the Princess's blood or noticed her sweetened scent."
"And?" Zagan prompted impatiently.
"And what?" Castelis continued tending to his orange tree.
"And you don't have anything to say about it? No suspicions about my intention?"
"If you do harbor ill intentions towards her, rest assured, I will personally tear you apart with my magick, but" — Castelis glanced down at the demon from where he perched upon the ladder, his wrist idle on the wooden rung — "After that traumatizing display of affection you both pulled off in my apothecary, I think it's safe to say that I won't need to worry about your alleged intentions."
Zagan appeared unapologetic to be called out for pleasuring his woman. "You forget that a man doesn't need to care to pleasure a woman or fuck her."
Castelis ignored his deliberate crassness. "But a man who cares takes his time to bring his woman to new heights of pleasure and treasure every cry off her lips," he countered, a knowing gleam of experience in his eyes. "And that is a fact you cannot deny. Nevertheless, I will take your unspoken advise to heart and protect Akila like I did with her mother." His demeanor turned rapidly cold. "Even from you, demon."
"And how did it work out with Queen Lilja?" Zagan taunted, hoping to unruffle the collected Dryad. It was the truth that a man would only show his true colours once enraged. Why Zagan continued pushing the male, he didn't have a clue either. "Obviously, she didn't choose you. She married Orsova and her heart belonged to him. I figured you were in love with the late Queen of Cronoa. Not only that, but you were also both important to each other. Unnaturally so."
Castelis's jaw clenched subtly, betraying his composure. "I did my best and she still chose Orsova. I don't begrudge her happiness, demon. No one can stop or force love." He then sighed. "Believe me, I've tried. And another reason why I never left her was because she made me her anchor."
Dark brows snatched together. "Anchor?"
"Every Sentient or Blood Priestess as demons refer to requires an anchor to help balance out her powers if it ever spirals out of control."
"But there was never any record of Queen Lilja's Sentient powers."
"That was because her powers were never needed to save the world like her ancestors did. It will only awaken for various reasons and through met conditions."
This admittance surprised Zagan. "Are you telling me that you lied to her?"
"I never lied. I only found it unnecessary to tell her the full story because Lilja had more than enough to worry on her plate, and I saw no reason to burden her with her matrilineal legacy. If she had asked, I would have explained everything. You see, Dryads are not only herbalists, but also historians of the highest order. Here in Bocelus, you will find all you need to know about humans, demons and sentients — even the Great War that triggered your birth." There was unmistakable pride in his words.
"Lying by omission is still lying," Zagan remarked bluntly, knowing the Dryad was attempting to change the topic. "You used her affection for you to stay by her side. Why did you not tell her everything?" What was the Dryad afraid of?
Castelis cast a suspicious frown upon him. "Why are you so interested in my love life? Being sentimental doesn't suit you, Demon King. And my reason is my own. I damn well don't owe it to you."
Both males regarded each other silently, before Zagan sighed. "I wish to learn more about the Blood Priestess. I have been researching about them for fifty years. What I want to know is how to awaken Akila's power. Tell me, is it true that a blood sacrifice is required?"
Hardness descended over Castelis's face, his gaze shuttering. "I don't think it's wise for me to divulge that information to you." He descended and stood before Zagan. "Until you prove that you're not a viable threat to Akila, perhaps one day you will be lucky enough to find out the truth. The power always chooses, demon. Not you, not Akila and definitely not I. And then you'll understand that I have never lied to Lilja."
Zagan's dark eyes gave nothing away. "That is fair enough. I shall not pursue this matter for now. After Akila awakens, you must return us to Cronoa. We cannot afford to stay here a moment longer."
"And if I don't?"
Zagan took a threatening step forward, his beast lurking beneath the surface. "Do not be foolish to cross me, Dryad. I won't hesitate to kill you, not even for Akila's sake."
"Save your attempts to frighten me, demon. I'm an ancient who has seen everything. Even if you manage to kill me, I alone hold the key to opening the portal in and out of Bocelus. You won't be able to leave."
Zagan tilted his head, making a show of inhaling deeply. "I have noticed a strange scent coming off you for awhile now — it's bitter and sickly. Is that the reason why you have decided to stop living like a hermit and make amends for your past? Are you ill, Dryad?"
Castelis let out a choked laugh. "You read too much into these things. Is this how you get your way every time? By blackmailing people with their weakness?" He shook his head in disbelief. "If you are right, and I'm...afflicted...it wouldn't matter because I will still live longer than an average human's lifespan."
Meaning, he would be around to watch Akila grow old and have children — if she ever did.
"Let us hope you are right, Dryad. But I never said you aren't welcomed in Cronoa. If you would like to visit Akila, I will not interfere. As long as you are not a threat to me, then I see no harm in allowing you to meet."
"How magnanimous of you." Sarcasm dripped from every syllable. "I'll have to take up your offer then, since I'm not the kind of person who enjoys entering through the back door."
----------------
The next day, when the trio arrived back at the castle via Castelis's magical portal, they found it to be in an alarming state of abandonment, prickling Zagan's wariness. He bellowed for Balan but there was no answer. Even Mara and the annoying Kobal were nowhere in sight. Only several servants and guards roamed the courtyard. Furious that they would leave the castle unattended, he was about to march inside when someone called out to him.
"Your Majesty!" A winded Bennu appeared, balancing an armful of unpolished, rusted weapons. Her weary countenance lifted immediately, the lines smoothening along with her relaxed muscles. "You're back!"
"Bennu." She was a familiar face he was glad to see. He strode up purposefully. "Where is everyone?"
"We were attacked last evening, Your Majesty. The enemy soldiers have conquered the Western region and I heard they are attempting to seize the North-West border. Commander Balan and Kobal have gone to halt the seizure with the royal infantry. They left mistress Mara in charge of the castle's protection. She has been in the watch tower since morning." The maid's fearful gaze shifted over his shoulder to see Akila and a strange man with long pointed ears. "What are we going to do, Your Majesty?"
Irritation flared inside Zagan, the beast shifting restlessly beneath his skin. How could things have gone awry within hours of his disappearance? Was this an orchestrated plan to shred his influence in the regions? But everything seemed too coincidental, and no one could have foreseen Akila's interference during the assassin's attack.
For now, he had to prevent the North-West border from falling into enemy hands. It was his priority. Losing the Western region so easily in the matter of hours spoke of the enemy's competence and he wouldn't be able to reclaim the land just yet. He turned to Castelis, features drawn taut. "I'll leaving Akila in your hands. I'm riding out to the border to assist my warriors." He faced Bennu. "Mara will be in-charged while I'm away."
"Zagan..." Akila touched his sleeve, her quiet tone overwhelmed with concern.
"Fear not, little lamb. I'll be back soon to torment you." The corner of his eyes softened as they met hers and only someone as observant as Castelis would notice that insignificant change. "Don't do anything foolish," Zagan cautioned, gently brushing her cheek, the simple touch leaving her bereft and aching inside.
Her body unconsciously leaned into his like an invisible string as his hand fell, seeking his warmth and how she yearned to call him back — to not leave her alone — as he marched off into battle.
Helplessly, she watched him collect his weapon and saddle his warhorse, appearing lonely yet confidently strong and unafraid as he mounted the impatient animal. With a deft flick of the reins, the Demon King rode off at breakneck speed, disappearing over the drawbridge. The swirling dust was all that was left of his presence, and she stood motionless, uncertainty written all over her pale face.
"I think this is the first time anyone's ever worried about his welfare," Castelis remarked light-heartedly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "He has managed to live this long, Akila. I doubt you have reason to be concerned that he won't be victorious. That being said, he IS a demon who has preternatural healing and strength."
She chewed on her bottom lip before sighing heavily. "I suppose you're right." She lifted a hand over her anxious heart. "It's been awhile since I've felt this way. I hope everyone comes home safe and sound."
Castelis decided not to point out how she referred to this place as 'home', knowing it had less to do with the castle being her birthplace but, the fact that she resided with demons — one in particular. It was enough cause for him to worry if he should ensconce themselves in Bocelus for her own safety.