I had never been so right about anything in my entire life.
Ah, fantastic. Seeing her bristle with so much rage, so much fight was even more delicious than the meal I'd just had. She was nothing like my calm, meek Angel who was always eager to please. Always happy with whatever I decide. Seline was a spitfire. I enjoyed stirring the storm in her as much as I enjoyed showing her who was far superior between the both of us.
I tilted my head to the side with a wide smirk. "How about we make a deal then? To see who's stronger."
She blinked, puzzled. The fire in her simmered down. "A deal?"
"Let's play a game, pet. Allow me to do everything in my power to get you to submit. You will go against me in a duel. One hour." I raised a finger. "You only have to resist me as best as you can, while I convince you to submit."
"You're bigger and stronger than I could ever be, Master. You would break me without breaking a sweat," she pointed out with an adorable pout.
"I could break you. But it's a game so I won't hurt you...much. If you don't try hard enough."
"That's so considerate of you." she scoffed sarcastically.
"Life isn't considerate enough towards pretty pets like you, Seline. But I'll give you a silver lining to hang onto; there'll be as much pleasure as there would be a pain. That's the only benefit you'll be reaping, aside from successfully resisting me." I paused and allowed my voice to deepen, intensifying my stare. "Is that okay by you?"
She adjusted herself on the plush dining room chair she was sitting on, her facial expression thoughtful. Her flaming red hair seemed much brighter while she was focused and I realized that the glow highlighted her mode – which was influenced by her body signals. Like, the hair glowed a shimmering color of red whenever she was focused or angry and faded whenever she was nervous.
"There's one thing also, Master," she said at last. "How do we know when either of us wins?"
"That will be your decision to make, sweetheart. Only you can know if you've truly surrendered your all."
Her eyes glazed over with a shock. "You could just make me surrender."
"I could, but I don't want to do that. It's unfair."
She tilted her head in disbelief. I guffawed.
"Would you be okay if I promise to never compel you to do anything against your free will?"
She brightened. "That would be nice. But what if you go back on your words?"
"A king never breaks his promise, much more a vampire king. I assure you, I won't go back on my words. Especially now I have your consent to the duel."
Her chest heaved as she exhaled softly. There was still a hint of doubt in her eyes.
"I'll play fair, pet. It's just a fun little game," I cooed. "I have little entertainment these days. You have the chance to convince me once and for all that you're superior. That you have the will to stop me. Or you could prove that deep down, you've always wanted a man to take control. To own and possess you. One hour. One night. May the best sportsperson win."
A tremor went through her. "What will you give me if I win?"
I shrugged. "Whatever it is that you desire?"
Her brows hiked up. "What if I want to leave? Would you let me go?"
"Why do you want to leave? Don't you like it here? There are many vampires out there who are annoyed with me for purchasing you. The second you leave, they'd snap you up and erase your mind. Everyone saw how much of a prize you are after your stellar performance onstage. They'd love to see you subdued. To prove they can make you cow better than i." Fear creased her delicate features and I smirked in satisfaction. "You're safer with me, Seline. The king of vampires. The strongest in the land. The man they would never be."
She nodded slowly in agreement.
"So, what else would you like? What else do you want?"
"I don't want you to hit me. I've been through a lot already and hitting me makes me sad." She lowered her eyes to the plate before her. I felt a flush of guilt. I hadn't been in better control of my emotions back in the bathroom and had allowed my anger to get the best of me.
"I'm so sorry for that, pet," I said and meant it. "I'll not hit you anymore except you ask of me. Is that okay by you?"
"I don't think I'll ever want you to hit me. Especially not like that." She eyed me. Bold, I'd give her that.
"We'll see."