[! Warning - Mature Content Ahead]
The sun had long since set over Cressenhold, casting the sprawling capital in shadows as the torches flickered to life in the narrow streets and grand courtyards. Inside the royal palace, the halls were dimly lit, an almost eerie silence blanketing the corridors that were usually filled with the hum of courtly gossip and political maneuvering. But tonight, the focus of Ustaria's nobility was elsewhere, leaving Prince David Pennington free to indulge in his darker desires, far from the watchful eyes of the court.
David's chambers, tucked away in one of the more isolated wings of the palace, had become a sanctuary for him—a place where he could do as he pleased without fear of consequence. His status as King Harley's favorite son had shielded him from criticism, allowing him to act with impunity. And David, fully aware of the power that came with his father's favor, had no qualms about exploiting it.
Tonight, as he lounged in the dimly lit space of his chamber, David's mind was far from the political struggles his siblings seemed so consumed by. He had little interest in the intricacies of court politics—those games were for people like Harris and Ruby, who pretended to care about the future of Ustaria. David cared about only one thing: power, and the pleasure it brought him. And tonight, that pleasure would be delivered to him in the form of someone who had caught his eye.
David leaned back in his chair, swirling a glass of rich red wine as his thoughts lingered on the woman he had summoned to his chambers. She was one of the lesser noblewomen, a minor player in the grand game of politics, but beautiful enough to entertain him for the night. He had seen her at court several times, her eyes always lowered in his presence, her demeanor demure and obedient. It was exactly how he liked them—pliant, quiet, and willing to bend to his will.
A soft knock at the door broke the silence, and David's lips curled into a satisfied smile. He knew who it was before she even stepped inside.
"Enter," he called, his voice low and smooth, the command in his tone unmistakable.
The door creaked open slowly, and the young noblewoman stepped inside, her movements hesitant, as if she knew all too well what was expected of her. She kept her gaze lowered as she approached, her hands clasped nervously in front of her as she came to a stop a few feet away from him.
"Your Highness," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
David watched her for a long moment, his eyes tracing the delicate curve of her neck, the way her hands trembled ever so slightly as she stood before him. She was afraid, and that only made her more appealing to him. Fear was something David enjoyed—a reminder of the power he held over those around him.
"You may sit," he said, his tone soft but commanding.
She obeyed immediately, taking the seat across from him with her eyes still cast downward. David took a slow sip of his wine, savoring the moment as he studied her. She was exactly the type of woman he enjoyed—unsure of herself, easy to control, and far too afraid to refuse him.
"Look at me," David said, his voice firm.
The woman hesitated for a brief moment before lifting her gaze to meet his. Her eyes were wide, a mixture of fear and uncertainty swirling within them, but she did as she was told. David's smile widened as he watched her, pleased with how easily she had fallen into line.
"You've caught my attention," David said slowly, leaning forward in his chair as he set his wineglass down on the table beside him. "Do you know why you're here?"
Her breath hitched slightly, and she nodded, though she didn't speak. David could see the way her hands tightened in her lap, her knuckles turning white as she tried to keep her composure. It was clear that she knew what was expected of her, and that knowledge only seemed to heighten her fear.
"Good," David said softly, standing from his chair and crossing the short distance between them. He reached out, cupping her chin in his hand as he tilted her face upward, forcing her to look at him. "You'll do what I ask, won't you?"
She swallowed hard, her lips trembling as she nodded. "Yes, Your Highness," she whispered.
David's smile deepened, a dark gleam in his eyes as he stroked her cheek with his thumb. "That's what I like to hear."
---
The Dark Desires of a Prince
David's hand moved slowly from her chin to her neck, his fingers trailing lightly over her skin as he savored the feel of her beneath his touch. He could feel her pulse quicken under his hand, the fear coursing through her body like a sweet melody. It was intoxicating, this power he held over her. He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "Stand."
She obeyed immediately, rising from the chair with her head bowed, her body trembling ever so slightly. David took a step back, his eyes raking over her form as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Undress," he commanded.
Her hands trembled as she began to undo the ties of her gown, her movements slow and hesitant. David watched her with growing satisfaction, enjoying the way she struggled with her own fear, knowing that she had no choice but to comply. She slipped out of her gown, letting the fabric pool at her feet, leaving her standing before him in nothing but her undergarments.
David's eyes darkened with desire as he stepped closer, his hand reaching out to trail along her bare shoulder. Her skin was soft, smooth, and warm beneath his touch, and he could feel the way she tensed under his hand.
"Do you fear me?" David asked, his voice a soft purr.
She hesitated, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words came. David's smile widened as he gripped her shoulder more tightly, his fingers digging into her skin.
"Answer me," he said, his tone commanding.
"Yes, Your Highness," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
David chuckled softly, his hand moving to the back of her neck as he pulled her closer. "Good. Fear is a powerful thing. It reminds you of who's in control." He leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "And tonight, I am in control."
He didn't wait for her response. His hands moved quickly, roughly, as he undid his own clothing, his breath coming faster with anticipation. The young woman stood frozen before him, her eyes wide and her body trembling as David closed the distance between them. He pulled her close, his hands roaming over her body with a roughness that left no room for doubt about his intentions.
David reveled in the feel of her beneath him, her body yielding to his every command. She was his for the night, and he would use her as he pleased. His touch was firm, possessive, as he pushed her toward the bed, his lips crashing against hers in a heated, aggressive kiss. She didn't resist—she knew better than to resist.
The night stretched on as David took what he wanted, his desires growing darker with every passing moment. There was no gentleness in his touch, no tenderness in his movements. He dominated her, his every action a reminder of the power he held over her. And she, too frightened to refuse, surrendered completely to his will.
---
The Aftermath
Hours later, the room was silent once more, the only sound the soft crackle of the dying fire in the hearth. David lay sprawled across the bed, his body relaxed and sated, his mind already turning to the next night's entertainment. The woman beside him was still, her eyes staring blankly at the ceiling as she tried to process the events of the evening.
David glanced over at her, a satisfied smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. She had been exactly what he had expected—obedient, quiet, and fearful. Just the way he liked them. He reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face as he murmured, "You may leave now."
The woman blinked, her body tensing as if she had forgotten where she was for a moment. She sat up slowly, her movements stiff and awkward as she gathered her clothing from the floor. She dressed in silence, her gaze never meeting his as she pulled her gown back on and smoothed the fabric over her trembling hands.
David watched her with amusement as she fumbled with the ties of her gown. "You did well tonight," he said, his tone casual, as if discussing the weather. "You'll be rewarded for your... compliance."
She nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line as she turned to leave. But just before she reached the door, David called out to her once more.
"And remember," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You belong to me now. I can call for you whenever I please."
The woman froze for a moment, her back still turned to him, before nodding slowly. Without another word, she opened the door and disappeared into the dimly lit hallway, leaving David alone in the quiet of his chambers.
David lay back against the pillows, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. He had no use for love or affection—those were weaknesses, distractions. Power was the only thing that mattered, and power was something David understood better than anyone.