Chapter 16: Testing Boundaries
Kai knew by now how desperate his companions were for his attention. It was hard to ignore the way they watched him, the barely-contained intensity in their eyes whenever he spoke or so much as brushed by. There was a certain thrill in holding that kind of power—though he wasn't one to normally use it. But today, his curiosity got the best of him.
Seated in his study, he looked up to find Edward, Noah, and Charles gathered nearby as they always were, lingering in silence like loyal shadows. Today, though, he intended to see just how far their loyalty, their devotion, really went.
"Edward," he began, his tone as casual as if he were commenting on the weather, "my shoes need polishing. Do you think you could handle that?"
Edward's eyes lit up immediately, the smallest of smiles gracing his normally stoic face. "Of course, my lord," he replied, almost too eagerly. Kai watched as Edward knelt down, handling his shoes with reverent care, every motion precise and graceful. It was as if polishing his shoes were the most important task Edward had ever been given.
Kai let a faint smirk slip through, enjoying the sight of the usually fearsome assassin looking so... obedient. "You do take your work seriously, don't you?" he murmured, watching as Edward's shoulders stiffened under the praise. The effect of a few words was fascinating.
Kai's gaze then shifted to Noah. "Noah, I'm feeling a bit warm," he said offhandedly. "Perhaps you could use your tentacles to fan me?"
Noah's face lit up, tentacles appearing instantly, floating around him in a flurry of eager movement. Without hesitation, he used two to create a gentle breeze, watching Kai's expression for any sign of approval, his every motion poised as if Kai's comfort was his sole purpose in life.
Kai let the breeze wash over him, his eyes closing as he murmured a soft, "Good." The effect on Noah was immediate, a blush spreading across his cheeks, his tentacles fluttering with excitement.
And then there was Charles, standing to the side, his tails drooping slightly as he waited, clearly yearning for a task of his own. Kai's lips curved into a faint smile as he looked at him. "Charles, I believe my tea has gone a bit cold. Could you warm it for me?"
Charles eagerly took the teacup, holding it between his hands, and after a few quiet moments, returned it to Kai. "There, Kai," he said softly, his eyes shimmering with anticipation, watching carefully for Kai's reaction.
Kai took a sip, humming thoughtfully. "Perfect," he said with the faintest smirk. Charles nearly melted, his nine tails swaying with delight at Kai's approval.
For the rest of the day, Kai continued with these subtle requests, watching with intrigue as his three companions leaped to fulfill even the smallest of commands. He noticed how they each sought to outdo the others, their need to prove their devotion to him palpable. Each time he praised them, it felt as if he was feeding their desperation, as if his approval was a drug they craved, and he was more than willing to let them chase it.
By evening, Kai felt thoroughly entertained—and intrigued by just how deeply their obsession ran. It was thrilling, in a way, this quiet power he held over them. They would do anything for him, sacrifice anything, just for a sliver of his attention. And while he didn't need them to, something within him found a strange satisfaction in it.
The night wore on, and as he dismissed them, he could see their reluctance to leave, lingering in the doorway, hoping for a final word, a last glance. Kai offered only a dismissive wave, as if their presence was simply… convenient. He watched them leave, a hint of amusement in his gaze as he wondered just how much further he could push them.
Perhaps tomorrow, he would test them a little more.