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Henrikk's Prisoner

DarcyFayton

Copyright©2024byDarcyFayton Allrightsreserved

Noportionofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformwithoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisherorauthor,exceptaspermittedbyUS copyrightlaw

Content Warnings

Dearpet,

ThisisBook2ofHenrikk's Short Story Series. Butyouknewthatalready,didn'tyou?

Thisonecontainsmoreofthethingsyoulike It'sdark,depraved,andspicy,delvingdeeperintoAsherandHenrikk'sunusual relationshipinWintermawKeep.

Please note, however, that these chapters contain SA. There will be more emotional and heartfelt moments later in this series, withjusta dashofredemption, and Ihope youwill find a little humour alongthe way. BUT for the time being, the charactersareinadarkplace.

Foramoreextensivelistofcontentwarnings,pleaserefertothestartofBook1

Asalways,yourmentalhealthmatters.Ifyoufindthiscontenttriggering,it'sokaytoputthebookdownandreadsomething else Truly Sendinglovetoallmyloyalpets, Darcy.

OptionalHousekeeping: AddittoyourGoodreadsshelf Followmeoninstagram@darcyfaytonauthor Authorwebsite:linktr.ee/darcyfayton

GAMES

Asher

THEHUBBUBOFTHEcrowded faded as the guards hauled Asher awaythroughthe darkened halls. The toes ofhis boots scuffedthepolishedwoodastheguardsdraggedhimroundacorner

OutofsightoftheKingandcourt,theguardsuntiedhimandallowedhimtopulluphistrousersbeforemarchinghimthrough thedesertedfoyer.

Up ahead, a ghostlywhite marble staircase awaited, new and outofplace amongstthe timber. The rustic castle exuded a quietstrength,withstonewallsthatwereframedwiththickbeamsthathadstoodthetestoftime.

WintermawKeephadbeenthehomeoftheroyalwolffamilybeforeHenrikktookover TheVampireKingwasdetermined to transform his new home, imposing a vision of grandeur and luxury, which extended the castle up into the sky. His commissionedrenovationswerestillunderway,buthehadalreadyaddedseveralfloorsandtowerstotheancientstructure

Thecircularmarblestaircaseledthemup.

Henrikk’s suite was somewhere at the verytop of the exhausting, endless flight of stairs. It was probablywhythe guard allowedhimtowalkonhisowntwofeet.Theystillkeptafirmgriponhisarms,buttherewasnoneed.

Asherhadnointentionofrunning.HisfatehadbeentiedtoHenrikk’ssincethemomentthey’dmet.EvenifHenrikkdidnot realiseit

They climbed higher through the Keep, passing hundreds of mirrors and pieces of modern artwork with gaudy, splashy colours,whichinsomeplacesoverlaidthewolffamilytreetapestriesthatHenrikkhadn’tbotheredtoburn

The juxtapositionofold and new was disorientating, and Asher couldn’tdecide ifthe new constructions and decor were ingeniousordisturbing.

WhenitcametoHenrikk,itwasusuallyboth

The highestfloor had several guards stationed ateachdoor he recognised eachface ofthe menwho’d served under his command,andheknew themwell enoughtospotthepitytheytriedtohide Thefloorsandwallsgleamedwithglossywhite marble streaked withgrey, and crystal chandeliers hungslightlyaskew as if the ceilingwas off-kilter. Henrikk’s door was paintedpurewhitelikeadovebutwastrimmedwithstarkred Thecolourssuitedhim,Asherthoughtgrimly Hewaslookingforwardtosittingdown.HisasswassorewhereHenrikkhadtakenhimforcefully,andeverystephetook hurt.Hischestfelthollow,hismindaconfusedmessofemotions.He’dexpectedHenrikktopunishhim,buttheactualmodeof punishmenthadshockedhim,reachinganewlevelofdepravityevenforHenrikk It broke his heart. He’d long since buried the idea of a relationship between himself and Henrikk, whether a rekindled friendshiporsomethingmore

But it was only over the past few months that Asher had noticed drastic changes to Henrikk’s personality. Before, he’d simplybeencharismatic and driven, his carelessness sometimes borderingoncallousness, as was sometimes the case with ambitious people.Asher hadslowlywatchedhis frienddeviatefromtheleader hecouldhavebeentotheterrifyingautocrat he’d become. It pained him to see Henrikk squander this opportunity to do good, and Asher’s heart was heavy with the knowledge thathe’dhelpedsucha mancome topower Butdespite all the crueltyhe’dwitnessedandthe harshorders he’d

carriedout,hecouldn’tmakehimselfleave. AndHenrikkwasthereasonwhy.

Asher nurtured a tinyember of hope that things would be different, giventime Now that Henrikk was kingand had the kingdomsunderhiscontrol,surelyhecouldtemperhismethodsintheinterestofpromotingprosperityandpeace. Hehopedhewasn’tlyingtohimself

Theguardsopenedthered-trimmeddoorandpushedAsherinsideasittingroom.

Asherscannedtheroomquicklyandgavealowscoff Henrikk’ssuitewasnew,andAsherhadn’tbeeninsidebefore,butit was utterlypredictable. The furnishings were sparse butregal. Everythingfeltsterile, and the air smelled offreshpaintand bleach.Thewallhadanornatecarvingofafireplacethatwaspuredecoration,andtheroomwascoldenoughtochillhimto thebone,eventhroughhisfur-linedwinteruniform Thewindowswerebarred,eventhoughtheywerehighuponthewall Does Henrikk frequently keep prisoners?

TherewasnoevidenceofitthatAshercouldsee,buthewouldn’tputitpastHenrikk Oneoftheguardsmadetoshutthedoor,butAshercalledout,“Wait.”

Theguardhesitated,hiseyesdartingtoAsher’sfacebeforedroppingbackdown,apinktingeappearingonhischeeks He’s embarrassed for me.

Asher’schesttightened.Liftinghis chin,hesaidinanimpassivevoice,“I’ll requiremywritingboxtofinishanimportant letterforthetreasurer”

Itwas bullshit, ofcourse, buthis portable desk, withits slopingsurface and drawers, contained more thanjustparchment andquills Therewasagold-nibbedpeninahiddencompartmentthathe’dreceivedfromHenrikkhimself

Itwasapotentialweapon aratherfittingoneifhecouldgethishandsonit. Theguardlookedconflicted.“I’mnotsureIcandothat,sir.”

“Do not forgettheinkpot,”Ashersaidsternly,half-turningaway,asthoughhehadeveryconfidencetheguardwouldcomply withhisrequest.HowfardidtheweightofhisauthoritygonowthatHenrikkhadknockedhimdownseveralpegs?

“I’ll ask,”theguardsaidreluctantly “Youaretostayhereintheking’ssuite,noexceptions”Heshutthedoorwithasnap Asherbowedhisheadandsighed.

It was worth a try

Pullinghisfurcollarcloseraroundhisneck,heexploredtheroom,tryingtoignorethedampnessinhistrousers,bothinthe crotchandoozingfromhisrear.

He still couldn’tbelieve whatHenrikkhaddone tohim.Itwas horrific andsurreal,like a terrible nightmare thatcouldn’t possiblybetrue.

There hadbeena time,years ago,whenhe’dyearnedfor Henrikk’s touch Tothinkofhimina waythatwas romantic To desirehim.

Buthe’dnever imaginedanythinglike the spectacle inthe Throne Room His secretsexual fantasies withHenrikkhadnot involvedsomethingsointense.

Inrecentyears,Asherhadn’tthoughtofHenrikkasanythingbuthissuperiorcommanderand evenmorerecently king. Theassaulthadbroughtthepastsurgingbacktohismind Apasthedidn’twanttothinkabout Couldn’t thinkabout.

Ashercrossedtheroomtotheonlyotherdoor thisonegreyandgiltwithgold Nosoonerhadhetouchedthehandlethanitburnthim.Hegaspedinpainandsnatchedhishandback,staringatthereddened skinofhispalm Hetestedthedoorsurface,butitwasascoolastherestoftheroom Hetriedthedoorknobagaininvariousways:withthebackofhishand;whilstholdingacloth;heevenlaydownandtried twistingitwithhisfeetoutofsheerdesperation.Eachtime,itwashispalmsthatburned.

Aftersustainingseveralredburnmarks,hegaveupandcontinuedtoexploretheroom Itwaslargerthanitneededtobefor theamountoffurnituretherewas,andtherewasalimitedsupplyofpotentialweapons.Thearmchairshadsturdylegs,butthey weretooheavytowieldeffectively,andofcourse,thefalsefireplacehadnopokerorshovel

Hespenthalfanhourtryingtoloosenoneofthelegsofaturnedchair,withoutanyluck.Breakingthechaircouldloosena leg,butasAsherhoistedituphigh,hehesitated

Whatwashegoingtodowithamakeshiftclub?

KillHenrikk?

Thatwasthepoint,ofcourse

But he didn’t have it in him to do that in cold blood. In self-defence, maybe, but what then? He’d be a dead man for murderingtheking

Feelingdeflated,Asher setthechair downandcircledtheroomonemoretime.Findingnothingofinterestthatcouldhelp himescape,hesankintoanarmchairandwinced.Theupholsterywasplush,andhemighthavebeenquitecomfortablehadhe worncleanclothes...andhadthekingnotdestroyedhisass.

Suddenly, the white door swung open, revealing Henrikk. He eyed Asher guardedly before his face contorted into a

condescendingexpression,histhinlipstwitchinginasmirk,hispalegreyeyesglimmering.

His eyes used to be blue, like mine, Asherthoughttohimself.

Henrikkspoke “Makingyourselfathome,Isee”

Asher did not stand. He saw no advantage in it. Henrikk would retaliate against anything he perceived as a challenge. Makingadashforthedoorwouldneverwork thereweretoomanyvampireguardsinWintermaw,andhewasunarmed Besides,thesightofHenrikkdidnotfrightenhimlikeitshouldhave.Asher’sstomachtwisted,andeveryhaironhisbody raisedaschillsrandownhisspine,buthedidnotfeelcompelledtorun WhateverHenrikkwanted,Asherwouldfacehimhead-on.Justlikehealwayshad.

Henrikksteppedintotheroom,pluckingatthefingertipsofhispurplevelvetglovesashepainstakinglyremovedthem.His matchingcape brushed the tiles behind him He’d evidentlychanged somewhere else inthe castle because the trousers he’d wornintheThroneRoomweregone;intheirplace,blackandsilverrobespooledathisfeet.

Thedoorshutbehindhimwitharesoundingclick

“We’re all alone,” Henrikkchuckled, clutchinghis gloves inone hand. He leantagainstthe wall where the mantel should havebeen: therewasjustathinledgejuttingoutofthewall,barelywideenoughfor theglasstealightholder thatAsher had alreadyitemisedasapotentialweapon.“Whatevershallwedowithourtime?”

Henrikk’slazydrawldidnotfoolhim.Thevampireneverleantorslouched,orsomuchasletahintofinformalityintohis posture He always remained rigid, every moment and movement calculated and deliberate But he was makinga show of lookingrelaxednow,whichmeanthewasnervous.

Useful information

“You’vechangedyourclothes,”Ashernotedinhisdeepvoice,“Butevidentlynothereinyoursuite.”

Aflashofannoyance flickered to life onHenrikk’s face before he smoothed itaway. “I’ve relocated to another suite that bettersuitsmyneeds.”

“Andgiveuptheroyalsuite?”Asherasked,speakingwithacandidnesshehadn’tusedwithHenrikkinyears.

Henrikk’s eye twitchedbefore he gesturedfluidlyatthe sparse room “Itis nosmall sacrifice,tobe sure ButIwishedto freeupthisspacefor you,mydearprisoner.Thehighestroominthetallesttower.” Itwas obviouslya lie;there hadbeennotime toclear outthe room,andAsher was positive thatHenrikkwouldnothave givenuphisnewroyalsuiteunlesshe’dbeenforcedto.

AshercockedhisheadatHenrikk.“Doesithavesomethingtodowiththeburningdoorhandles?Isthatwhyyoumoved?” “Perhaps,” Henrikksniffed, tossinghis gloves behind him. Theylanded neatlyona black-and-white checked coffee table thatAsherhadalreadydiscoveredwasmysteriouslyimmovableasifstucktothefloor.“Agame?” Asherfrowned “Agame?”

“Chess,”Henrikksaid,takingholdofachair’stoprail andturningitelegantlytofacethetablebeforeseatinghimself.He producedapouchandemptieddozensofclinkingchesspiecesontothetable “SeeifIcan’ttakeyoudowninotherways” TheimplicationhitAsherlikeajab,remindinghimoftheirearlierencounter.ThewayHenrikkhadmovedagainsthim,hips slammingforwardrepeatedly.

Hisheavybreathing

Thegroanhegaveasheorgasmed,thesoundminglingwithAsher’sownstrangledcries. Hismouthwasdry,andAsherrosefromhischairpurelytomaskhisspeechlessness Buthedidn’tmovecloser Henrikkmusthavereadsomethingonhisfacebecausehislipscurledeversoslightly.“Comenow,Iwon’tbite.”

Asher’sfeetfeltlikeleadashecrossedtheroom “Nah-ah-ah!” Henrikkchided whenAsher reached for a chair. He pointed atthe floor before the coffee table. “Kneel for me.”

ItwasAsher’sturntosmile

Such a cheap tactic even for you, Henrikk.

Asherignoredtheking’sinstructionanddraggedachairover,lettingitscrapenoisilyagainstthetilesbeforeseatinghimself Henrikk’sfeatureswerecarefullycomposed,buthiseyeswerelivid.Hetookholdoftwopawns oneblack,onewhite andplacedhishandsbehindhisback Asecondlater,heextendedhisclosedfiststoAsher “Left,orright?”

“I’msuretheybothcontaintheblackpawn,knowingyou.”

Thestingworked;Henrikkwasmanythings,buthewasnotacheater,andtheinsultmadehisjawflexbeforehemanageda smile “Tellyouwhat ”Heopenedbothhandsandlettheblackandwhitepawnsclatterontotheglassytable “Youmaygo first.”Henrikkbeganflickingthewhitepiecesacrossthetableathim.

Asherwatchedthemrollbutmadenomovetosetuphissideoftheboard “Youdon’tmindbeingblack?” “Idon’tneedanadvantagetobeatyou.”Henrikkquicklysethispawnsinarow,lefttoright,beforemeticulouslypositioning themorevaluablepiecesintherowclosesttohim.Hetookhistimepositioningthequeenonherowncolourjustso,andAsher wonderedwhyhedidnotfusssimilarlywiththeking.Henrikkshothimadisapprovinglook.“Whatareyouwaitingfor?Setup yourpieces.”

“Idonotwishtoplay.”

Henrikkfroze.“Excuseme?”

Not used to disobedience, Henrikk?

Ashercrossedhishandsonthetableandleantacrossit.“Iamnotinterestedinyourgames,Henrikk.”

Theking’seyessharpened,andAshersworehesawfirecontainedwithinthem “Youdonothavetheoptionto opt out,”he spat.

Asherchangedthesubject “WhydoesthedoorburnmewhenItrytoopenit?” “Setupyourpieces,General.”

Thought I wasn’t a general anymore “Doesitburnyoutoo?”Asherasked “Isthatwhyyouhadtomoveout?” “Iwillnotwarnyouagain.”

Asherrepressedasmile Henrikkwasnoteasilygoaded,andthosewhodaredgenerallyceasedbreathingshortlyafter ThecosttomakeHenrikksweatwashigh,butAsherhadnothingtolose.Hefeltrecklessandbold,eventhoughHenrikkhad givenhimeveryreasontofearhim Hadhurthim,humiliatedhim,demotedhim. PerhapsitwassimplyblindcuriositytoseewhetherHenrikkwouldgosofarastokillhim.

Asherdidn’tbelievehewould,butacoupleofhoursago,hewouldnothavefathomedHenrikkcapableoftakinghimfrom behindpubliclytoproveapoint.

And here we are Facing off over a chessboard

ItwouldhavebeencomicalhadhenotsensedthesimmeringrageHenrikkwashiding.HadAshernotknownhimsowell,he wouldhavemissedthesubtlesigns.HenrikkwasperfectlycomposedashereachedacrossthetableandsetupAsher’spieces. Hewasovercompensating,positioningeachonegentlyasthoughhewereapatientman.

Asherwatchedinsilence.

Henrikkleantback,self-assuranceradiatingfromhim “Yourmove Begin”

Asher’shandhoveredoverthepieces.HecouldpracticallyseetheveinsonHenrikk’sforeheadthrobbingashewaited. Ashertouchedapawnwiththetipofhisfinger,makingashowofconsideringmovingitbeforemovingtotouchaknight “No,we’replayingwithtouch-move rules,”Henrikktsked.“Youmustmovethepieceyoutouched.” “Ididnotrealisewewereplayingbythatrule,”Ashersaidinnocently,touchingseveralotherpieces. “Ofcourse we’replayingwiththatrule.Whenhavewenot?” So, you remember.

Atensepause

ThesilencestretchedasAsherpretendedtodeliberate.

Henrikk stretched his neck impatiently, but his voice was perfectly cordial as he said, “You must move that pawn One square,ortwo.”

“Hmm.”

AsherwaitedaslongashedaredforacracktoforminHenrikk’sfacade,tippingtheknighttoteeteratanangle “Isthereareasonyou’rehavingsomuchdifficultywithasimpletask,General?” There it is

Ashergaveanexaggeratedsigh.“ButIwantedtomovethehorse.” “Knight,”correctedHenrikkindignantly “Myapologies.”Asherreachedforapawn.

“Wrongone.YoutouchedtheoneonD2before.”Henrikkwasfullycomposednow,asifherealisedwhatAsherwasdoing. Asherslidthefirstpawnhe’dtouchedforwardtwosquaresandsatback Henrikkinstantlyseizedablackpawnandmovedittoattack.

Typical AshercapturedHenrikk’spawnandsetitaside. Afewmoveslater,Henrikkhadpositionaladvantage,hispiecesposingagreaterthreat HegrinnedtriumphantlyatAsher.“You’veexposedyourself.” True, Asherthought, but I don’t intend to finish this game. It was very different to play when one had no intention of winning It allowed a player to take risky moves like antagonisingtheVampireKingwhenhewasamereprisoner.

“Iwonderwhatyourmotherwouldsayifshesawusnow,”Ashercommented Henrikkdroppedtheknighthe’dpickedup.“What?” “Shedisapprovedofyour games,asIrecall.”

Henrikkroseslowly,theepitomeofperfectcomposure.Then,inaflashofmovement,heswipedhisarmacrossthetableand sentthechesspiecesscattering.“Do not mentionmymother,”hehissed.

Asherstaredupathim,resistingtheurgetoplaceacomfortinghandonhisarm.“Iwasfondofhertoo.”

“Do not speak about her!” heshouted.

Thedooropened,andaconcernedguardpoppedhisheadin “YourMajesty,iseverything ” “Get out!” Henrikkbarked,drawingashakybreath.

Theguardquicklyshutthedoor

Withinseconds,theking’sangerabated.Itwasfascinatingtowatchthewayhecompartmentalisedhisemotions,bottlingup the anger and storingit away Shoulders relaxed, thenstiffened, thenrolled; fists clenched and unclenched; slender fingers tensedbeforeinterlacingonthetablesurface;blazingeyescooleduntilheregardedAsherasifhewerenothing;thinlipscame downtohidebaredfangs,thecornerstwitchingslightlytoprovehewasunfazed. Itwaslikewatchingabirdofpreytrytoappearbenign

Orlikewatchingacomplicatedmanreassemblehimselfintosomething…equallypuzzling.

Asifhisoutbursthadneverhappened “Ithoughtyoudidn’twanttoplaygames,General,”Henrikksaidinasingsongvoice. “Thishasneverbeenagameforme,”Ashersaidgravely “Iamnotatoythatyoucandiscard” “Indeed?”Henrikkliftedhischin,expertlyhidinghisconflictedemotions.“Well,weshallseeaboutthat.” Hepivotedandstrodefromtheroom.

“Henrikk,”Ashercalledafterhim

Thekingdidn’tbreakhisstride,hiscapeandrobesbillowingbehindhimashereachedthedoorandswungitopen.

“Henrikk,”Ashercalledagain

Thistime,Henrikkstoppedandlookedback,hiseyescoldandunimpressedashewaited. Asherthrewcautiontothewind.“Besidestoyingwithme,doyouknowwhyyoucametoseeme?”

SurprisedflittedacrossHenrikk’sface,followedbyconfusion. He doesn’t know.

Forthefirsttimeinalongtime,Henrikklookedalittle Frightened Theystaredateachotherforwhatfeltlikehours,Henrikksilhouettedagainstthemagelightsilluminatingthehallway,whilst Asherwasstillseated,theblackkinghe’dsavedfromfallingearlierclutchedtightinhishand Hisownking thewhiteone layonthefloorwiththeothers.Therehadnotbeentimetosaveboth.

Asherbrokethesilence.“Noteveryonewantstoplaythesegames,Henrikk.” “Regardless,Ishallmakeeveryoneplaythemallthesame.”

The response was sinister inits simplicity. Itmade Asher shudder, butitdidn’tfool his mind. He squared his shoulders. “I’ve realised something about you, Henrikk If life is truly a game, then you’re neither black nor white You’re the grey pieces.”

Henrikklookedalarmedfor all oftwoseconds,andfor ashiningmoment,Asher saw aglimpseofthemanheusedtobe Thenhiseyesnarrowed,andhewasthekingagain.“Don’tgettoocomfortable, old friend.I’llbebackforyou.” And this time, you will make me kneel, Asherthoughtsadlyasthedoorshut.

Heburiedhisfaceinhishands,countingtheminutesuntilHenrikkreturnedforrevenge

USED Henrikk

HOWDARE HE BRING up my mother?

How dare he?

How dare he.

Henrikk reined in his anger long enough to escape the royal suite. He’d already been forced to abandon it after that insufferablewitchhadtamperedwithitbeforeescaping.He’dputAsherinthereaspunishment,butmaybethatwasamistake. Perhaps,imprisoningAsherinthefirstplacehadbeenamistake.

Do not question yourself There is not a mistake you can make that you cannot twist to serve you Bitterresentmentseepedthroughhisveinslikepoison.Itoverrodehislogic,andbythetimehereachedthegrandguestroom henowoccupied,hewasboilingover

“HaveGeneralAsherfed,showered,andpreparedforme,”heinstructedhisvalet,Robin,whosofarhadnotdisappointed himinanysignificantway.

“Verywell,YourMajesty.Ishallseetohisneedsatonce.”

It is my needs you are seeing to, Henrikkthought silently, tearingoffhis cape as he crossed the large roominsixbrisk strides

Hebarelytookinawordutteredbytheservantsattendinghimashefacedhisvastwalk-inwardrobe.Heneededsomething special,somethingmagnificenttomarkthisauspiciousmoment

Hepursedhislipsasheconsideredarobeoflongflowingvelvet,blackasthedarkestsky.

“Thatmightdo,”hemused.

What does one wear to mark the night he fucks the smug smile off his treacherous general’s face?

“The c-collar is studdedwithrubies,” a servantinhis earlytwenties stammered,turningthe fabric.“Would Your Majesty caretotryiton?”

“Bringmematchingshoes,”Henrikkdemanded,extendinghisarmssotheservantcouldundresshim.“Theredoneswiththe pointedtoes”

“Theywillcomplementyourensembleperfectly,YourMajesty,”theservantassuredhimwitharespectfulbow.

“Ihopeso,”Henrikksaidsoftly,staringathisreflectionasthemidnight-blackrobefellintoplace.

Athiscomment,theservantsexchangedalookbehindhim,buthedidn’treprimandthem Hedidn’tquitefeellikehimself.

Hewasalittle Outofsorts.

Hedinedaloneonhiseastward-facingbalcony Hedidn’tlikefacingthesunasitset tooharshontheeyes andthisangle gavehimaviewoftheCapitalasthegoldenlightwasheditofthefilththatresidedthere.Vampireshadbeguntomoveintothe vacated apartments and houses, butthe commonareas were still crawlingwithwolves. There was nothingto be done about that,notwhilstthevampirepopulationwasstilldwindling

Hesatstiff-backedonthewrought-ironchair.

AsthedyinglightslinkedawayandshadowsreclaimedtheCapital,heallowedhimselfthequietluxuryofleaningbackin hischairashesippedhiswine

Comenightfall,hemadethejourneytoAsher’sprison becausethesuitebelongedtoAshernow,andHenrikkwouldensure helivedouttherestofhisdaysthere

Asthefamiliarwhitedoorcameintoview,astrangenervousnessflutteredinhisstomach,andhecouldn’thelpbutwonderif Asherwouldlikehisredshoes

TEACHING A LESSON

Asher

GUARDSARRIVEDINTHElateafternoonandtookAshertoabathingroomonthefloorbelow.Therewasnoopportunityto

relaxinthe hot water as theyhurried himto wash, but he felt better once he was dressed ina cleanset ofdarkclothes: a maroonshirt,darkwoollenjumperinasoftknit,charcoalgreytrousers,apairofsilksocks,andpolishedslip-ongentlemen’s shoes.

Theguardsthentookhimtothecastle’shealer,whoresethisnose.Thecrunchingsoundwasalmostasbadasthepainwas and left himreeling. Asher hardlynoticed the stingof antiseptic onthe cut onhis arm. Anointment was applied, one that smelled ofseaweed and had magical properties Itwas expensive, accordingto the healer, who gave Asher a pointed look beforeapplyingit.AtleastHenrikkwasnotsparinganyexpenseforhiswellbeing.

Backinthe royal suite, a trayofhotfood and a jugofwater awaited himonthe coffee table The chess pieces had been clearedaway,andthebagwasnowheretobefound.

Guess that rules out playing chess against myself

Ashersuspecteditwasintentional:hewastoplayonHenrikk’sterms,ornotatall.

Hepouredhimselfaglassofwater,nowwishingthathehadn’tdrunkthebathwater,buthe’dbeenparchedafterhoursofno foodorwater

Hesatdowntoeat.Notknowingifthiswouldbehislastmeal,heateeverythingonhisplate:steak,mashedpotatoes,baked vegetables, all presented elegantly There was even a dark sauce something finer than gravy with a sharp tang and the utensils’handleswereencrustedwithgemstones.

Itwasafinemeal,andthatrousedhissuspicionsevenmore.

WouldHenrikkpoisonhim?

Asheratecautiously atinybiteofeachfood,asipofwater,andthenwaited. Nothinghappenedexceptthathisstomachgurgledhungrily,demandingmore

He repeated this step, allowinganother halfhour he could onlyestimate time bythe sinkingsun. Once twilightfaded to dusk,helosthisonlyreference

Bythatstage,hewasstarving,andhesatdownandatefasterthanheoughttohave,wolfingdownhisfood. NosoonerhadhefinishedthanthedooropenedwithoutwarningandHenrikkstrodein.Newrobes,newshoes…sameairof superiority ThehungrygleaminhiseyesmadeAsherregreteatingsoquicklyashismindracedtoguessHenrikk’splans “General…Iseeyoutrustedthefoodnottobepoisoned.”

“Iwasn’tentirelysure,”Asheradmitted,watchingwarilyastwoguardsfollowedHenrikkintotheroom “Puthimoverthere,bythefireplace,”Henrikkinstructed.“Onhisknees.”

Asher’sstomachlurchedastheguardsseizedhimbythearmsandhauledhimtohisfeet Itwasthesameguardsasearlier, buttheywereroughernowastheyforcedhimtokneel.

Hisshinshitthetilespainfully,andhestruggledoutofhabit,managingtowringhisarmfreefromoneguard’sholdbefore theothersmackedhiminthejaw

Hewentstill,buthescowledatHenrikkasheorderedtheguardstotiehishandsbehindhisback. Henrikkproducedatealightcandleandlititbeforeplacingitintheglassholderonthemantel.

Anarmchairwasdraggedclose,andHenrikksankintoit,crossinghislegselegantlyasAsherwasmadetofacehim “Thatwilldo,”Henrikksaid,shooingtheguardsaway.Theyleft,shuttingthedoorandplungingtheroomintonear-darkness. TheglowofthecandlemadeshadowsdanceacrossHenrikk’sface,addingseveritytothesharplinesofhisjaw,pointedchin andnose,andprominentcheekbones.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Asherasked,hisvoicestrainedwithapprehension

“Teachingyoualessonafteryourdisappointingdisplayofchessplayingearlier.”Henrikkcockedhishead,histonedripping withdisdain.“Seeifwecan’tfindabetteruseforyourmouththanbackchat.Andifyoudon’tknow whattodo,Iwillteach youthat, too”

Asher’sthroatwentdryasHenrikkuntiedthesashofhisblackvelvetrobes.

“Youwantmeto Youexpectmeto ”

The king tittered. “Don’t play the shy maiden, Asher. I know you’ve fantasised about this for years. Well, here’s your chance ”Henrikk’s robes parted,revealingasliver ofghostlypaleskin Asher’s gazetraileddownhis long,leanleg his thigh, his knee, his taut muscled calves lingering on Henrikk’s blood-red shoes. They were sleek and narrow, with tight bucklesandsharp,cruel points.Hecouldn’timaginethembeingcomfortabletowalkinandwonderedhow manyservantsit hadtakentoforceHenrikk’sfeetintothem

Asher feltdizzy, nausea creepingup his throat. He satbackonhis heels, jerkinghis wrists apartviolentlyinthe hope of snappingtherope,buttheywereboundtight

“Youhavetensecondstoexpressyour gratitudefor thisopportunityandbegin,”Henrikkinformed,restinghisarmsonthe armchair.“One…”

This isn’t real. This can’t be happening… “Two…”

Henrikk’s counting echoed in Asher’s mind as he stared at the vampire’s long, sinuous fingers They reminded himof a crawlingspiderastheycurledovertheedgeofthearmrest.

“ Nine,”Henrikkwarned “Itdoesn’thavetobelikethis,”Ashersaid,panicsettingin.

Henrikk’snostrilsflareddangerously,andhepausedamomentbeforesaying,“Ten.”

Asherpressedhislipstogether,browfurrowingasherepeated,“Itdoesn’thavetobelikethiswithus.”

“Thereisno‘us’,”Henrikksaidcoolly,rummaginginsidehisrobes.“Thereisonlyyourverylimitedcapacitytobeusefulto me ”

“Thereusedtobean‘us’,”Ashersaidquietly.

Henrikkignored himas he produced a lip retractor the kind thatcovered the teethand prevented the wearer frombiting down.“Iseewemustdothisthehardway.Althoughtruthbetold,Iwouldn’thavetrustedyounottobiteme.” “Iwouldn’tdothat.”

Henrikkignoredthat,too,andopenedhisrobes Hewascompletelynakedunderneath Asher’s eyes widened as he absorbed Henrikk’s magnificence. Every inch of himscreamed raw power, fromchiselled abdominalmusclestodefinedcollarbone Hischestwasbroad,hislongtorsotaperingtonarrowhips Hewastoothin,inAsher’sopinion,hisphysicalconditionoutmatchingthatofthemostdisciplinedsoldier.

Andhismanhood

Ashercouldn’thelpbutstare.He’dneverseenit,notlikethis:large,thick,andfullyerectwithdefinedveinsandabulging headshinywithprecum.

He’donlyeverseenitonce ThathadbeenalongtimeagowhenheandHenrikkhadstrippedoutoftheirmilitaryuniform afterweeksofmarchingtobatheinalake.Thattimedidn’tcount thoughhe’dwonderedifHenrikkhadcaughthimlooking. WonderedifthatwaswhyHenrikkhadspentsomuchtimeonthelake’sfloatingdock To tempt me.

Or taunt

Asherhadn’tmindedthechancetostealglimpsesatanakedHenrikk,butthefutilehopeithadignitedhadtormentedhimin theweeksthathadfollowed.Toseesomeonehewantedsodesperately,alwayswithinreachbutimpossibletoattain,hadbeen maddening

ThepastvanishedasHenrikkleantforwardinhischairandgrippedAsher’shair. Hecriedoutinpain,andHenrikkseizedtheopportunitytopushtheretractorintohisopenmouth Asher wrenched his head away, butthe damage was alreadydone: his mouthwas pried openbythe device. He couldn’t closetogether,speak,orevenbreatheproperly;hislipsstretchedapartashistonguewaggeduselessly.Hisattempttobeseech Henrikkresultedinagarbledmixofincoherentwords.

“Therenow,that’s better,”Henrikksmirked,keepingatightholdofAsher’s hair as herosetohis feet.HejerkedAsher’s

headbackmore,sohisneckarched,andhewasforcedtomeethisgaze.“Let’sseeifyoucantakethislikeaman.”

TearsstungAsher’seyes,adropletofdroolalreadytrailingdownhischinashepantedforairpastthegag.

“Mygoodness,General,wehaven’tevenstartedyet,”Henrikkadmonished “Docomposeyourself”

AsherhadnotimetodothatasHenrikkpositionedhimselftostanddirectlyinfrontofhim.Cruelfingerstwistedhishairas Henrikkfistedhislargecock,pumpingittwicebeforeaimingitinhisface

“Here is mygenerous offer: one lastchance toredeemyourself,” Henrikkmused.His voice turnedsharp.“Ontomycock. Now”

Asherstaredhelplessly,eyesblurringwithtearsasHenrikk’sgripthreatenedtotearthehairfromhisscalp.

If Henrikkhadn’t gagged him, this would be so different. Evenif everythingelse had played out exactlythe same, if he wasn’twearingthisvilecontraptioninhismouth,andifhishandswereunbound,heprobablywouldhaveleantforwardofhis ownfreewillandtakenHenrikkinhismouth.

I could do that

He would startbykissingthe tip. Lickgthe lengthslowly, reverently. He would suckuntil his jaw ached, and stroke and squeezeHenrikk’sballsthewayhe’ddreamtofcountlesstimes

Anditwouldfeelgoodforthemboth.

HewouldpictureayoungerHenrikk,onewhoseclevernesshadnotcomeattheexpenseofothers.Andhewouldremember thetorturouslonginghe’dfelteachnightashequietlystrokedhimself,tryingtostemthefirecoursingthroughhisveinsashe dreamtofpleasuringHenrikkineveryway.Imaginedkneelingbeforehimunderdifferentcircumstances.

HadevendaredtoimagineHenrikkdoingthesametohim

This is not the man I fell in love with.

Realitycrashedintohiminagonisingwaves,andheblinkedupatHenrikk,swathedinshadows,thesharpcontours ofhis faceflickeringwithcandlelight.

Are you still in there, Henrikk?

Hesearchedtheking’seyes,hopingtofindsometraceofhim Henrikk’seyesflashedwithalarm,andhesnarled.“Eyes.Down.”

Asherdidnotbreakhisstare,andafteraprolongedmoment,Henrikksnappedhishipsforwardandtookhismouth AshergaggedasHenrikk’scockslammedintohisthroat,hismusclesconvulsingashetriedtopullaway.

Henrikkheldhiminplacebyhishair,muscledmidriffpressedagainstAsher’sforeheadasheconvulsedoverhiscock.

Asher’svisionflashedwhiteandswamwithstarsasherepeatedlygagged,thebileclimbinghigherandhigheruphisthroat. Hetriedtoleanaway,tobackaway,butitwasnouse.Hadhisarmsbeenfree,hecouldhavepushedHenrikkaway. Theking’slooserobeshungaroundhimlikeacurtain,entrappinghiminadarkcocoon I can’t breathe.

Barelyawispofairwasabletocomethroughhisnose,hismouthandthroatfullofHenrikk’smassivecock I can’t breathe.

Suddenly,Henrikkreleasedhishairandpulledout,wrenchinghisrobesfreeandtakingastepback.

Asher gaveastrangledgaspandfell forward,hisfaceandchestslammingagainstthefloor,hishandsstill tiedbehindhis back.

Henrikkwasspeaking,butAshercouldn’thearhimoverhisownwheezing

Thekingseizedhisshoulderanddraggedhimbackintoakneelingposition.“Again.”

Asher wasstill collectinghisbreathwhenHenrikktookholdofhishair blond,justlikeHenrikk’s anddrovebackinto himwithpiston-likeforce.

He flinchedatthe impactagainsthis throat,unable touse his lips or tongue toslow or blockHenrikk’s assaultas he kept thrusting HismouthwasleveredopenandvulnerabletoeveryinchofHenrikk’slength,andagurglingsoundcamefromAsher asheretched.

Thekingreleasedhimagain,thistimeshovinghimtothefloorhimself “Pathetic,”Henrikksnapped,standingoverhim.

Itwas all Asher coulddonottovomit Hewastremblingas queasiness threatenedtooverwhelmhim His muscles tensed involuntarily,histhroatconstricted,andhisabdominalmusclescontractedasifhewerebeingsqueezedfromtheinsideout.A feelingoflight-headednesshadcomeoverhim,andheshuthiseyes,fearingthemomentwhenHenrikkwoulddraghimupand impalehisthroatagain

Butthekinglefthimontheground,half-lyingonhisside,hisleftcheekwetfromhisowndrool.

Arhythmic,repetitive noise metAsher’s ears,accompaniedbythe roughrustle offabric Henrikkwas panting,andas the minutesworeon,hisbreathinggrewheavieramidstafappingsound.

Knowing what he would see, Asher resigned himself to opening his eyes. He didn’t even have to lift his gaze. There, reflectedintheglossyredshoes,wastheimageofHenrikkglaringdownathimwithcontemptashemasturbated. Asherwishedhecouldspeak.

Ofalltheemotionscoursingthroughhim,thestrongestofallwasgrief.HewouldhavetoldHenrikkthatitwasallright,and toldhimagainandagainthatitdidn’thavetobethisway.Thatitcouldbesomuchbetter.

I'll prove it Let me show you That’swhathewouldsaytotheking Henrikk’s armshot out to support himself onthe mantel, a low moanenteringhis harshbreathingand resonatingthrough Asher’score

HeswivelledhisheadsohecouldpeerupatHenrikkdirectly,baskinginthesightofhimashenearedhisorgasm.

ThekingstartledwhenhecaughtAsherstaring,fearandangermixinginhisexpression “Eyes Back Down!” Asherkepthiseyesfixedonhim.

I forgive you

Thatwaswhathemostwantedtosay Thewordswerebothunlikelyandmeaningfulinawayhecouldnotunderstand He onlyknewthathemeantthem.

AndthathewantedtohelpHenrikkoutofthelonely,soullessnightmarehe’dcarvedforhimself Henrikkspedup,hishandpumpinghiscockfasterasheaimeditatAsher’sface.“Lookaway,”hepanted.

No

Suddenly, Henrikk’s bodytwitched forward violently, and he gave a harshgroanas he came, jets ofcreamcumshooting throughtheairandsplatteringonAsher’sface.

His eyes flew shut as wet droplets sprayed his skin Whenhe opened thema few seconds later, stickyfilmclungto his eyelashes,andHenrikkwassteppingclose.

He’d barelyregistered what was happeningbefore Henrikkwas tiltinghis head backand shovinghis cockinhis mouth Thickcumsprayedhistongue,hispalate,hischeeks,andthebackofhisthroat.

“How doItaste,General?”Henrikkmocked,threadinghis hands almostlovinglyinhis hair androckingbackandforthin gentlethrusts.“Isiteverythingyoudreameditwouldbe?”

With you on your knees? It’s a start. Henrikkgavehisheadasharpshake “Swallow”

Animpossible taskwithHenrikk’s cockstill downhis throat, but Asher tried, Henrikk’s cumpoolingat the backof his throat Hetriedagaintoswallowbutwithoutmuchsuccess Henrikk, however, seemed satisfied. He made a triumphantnoise and snatched the gagfromhis mouth. He patted Asher’s cheekasheswallowedtheloadofcumandgulpedforair.“Thatwilldofornow,General.”HereleasedAsher’shairbutdid notstand.Instead,astrangeexpressioncrossedhisface,andhishandtrailedalongAsher’swaisttohiscrotch. Suddenly,Henrikkgrabbedhimthroughhistrousers,makingashockofpleasurejoltthroughhim.

He hadn’t evenrealised he’d hardened, but he was at full mast, his erectionstrainingagainst his trousers Whenhad he becomearoused?

“Didyouenjoythat, old friend?”Henrikkhissed “I…No,Ididn’t ”hisvoicecutoffinastrainedcryasHenrikkshiftedhisgriptocuphisballsandsqueezethem. “Doyoulikebeingkepthereasaplaythingforyourking?”

ConfusingwavesofdesireandpainwerecoursingthroughhimasHenrikksqueezedhisballsoverandover Ashergritted histeethandforcedhismindtofocus.“Ithinkyourequiremorethanamereplaythingtofillthevoidinyourlife.This…”He faltered,lickinghislips “We couldbesomuchmore” Henrikk’shanddropped.“NeedIremindyouthatthereisno we?” “Icoulddosomuchmoreforyou” Henrikk’s eyes narrowed.“Thereis nothingelseIneedofyouexcepttodoas youaretoldandtakemycockwhenIhave needofyou.”Heroseandbegantyingthesashofhisrobes.

Asherstruggledbackintoakneelingposition “So,youadmitthatyouhave‘need’ofme?” Itwasthewrongthingtosay.Henrikk’sexpressionhardened,andhesteppedbackintoAsher’sspace. “Ohyes IadmitthatIneed a bodyto use, one thatwill notbreaktoo easilyand lastseveral uses After tonight’s woeful effort,I’mnotconvincedyou’reworththetrouble,butwe’llseehowlongyoulastnexttime.”

Despitehishandsbeingtiedbehindhisback,AshermanagedtorisetohisfeetslowlyandfaceHenrikk Hewasn’tastallas theking,buthewasbroaderandmoremuscled.He’dalwaysadmiredHenrikk’slong,slenderfingers;perfectforplayingthe piano.

HewonderedifHenrikkstillplayed didherememberhow?

Thememoryofafarawaymelodytuggedathisheartstrings,fillinghimwithdeterminationashestaredatHenrikk.“Iwill last”

Henrikkgaveascepticalscoff.“Weshallsee,won’twe?Tomorrow…andthedayafter…andthedayafterthat.”Heturned toleave.

Ashercalledafterhim,ignoringtheurgetoasktobeuntied.“I’mnotgivinguponyou,Henrikk.Iknowyou’restillinthere.” Henrikkstumbledslightlybutdidnotbreakstrideuntilhereachedthedoor.

Andthenhe was gone,leavingAsher alone incomplete darkness the single candle hadgone out,andnoteventhe moon shoneanylightonhim.

FORTITUDE

Asher

ASHER SHOUTED THROUGH THE door, beseeching the guards to have the decency to untie him, but his request was ignored

Givingup,heshuffledthroughthepitch-blackroomuntilhiskneesknockedthecoffeetablewherethejugofwaterwas.He wassothirsty,andHenrikk’scumclungtohismouthlikemucous.NomatterhowmanytimesAsherswallowed,hecouldnot getridofthetaste.

Hetriedbutfailedtodrinkfromthejug,almostspillingthepreciouswaterintheprocessbeforeadmittingdefeat.

Cursingunderhisbreath,Ashertriedtosleep Thefloorwastoocold,sohesettledforsittinginanarmchairwithhisfeet proppeduponanother.Itwasfarfromcomfortable,buthemanagedtodozeuntildawnwhentheguardsarrivedwithbreakfast. Withoutaword,theyuntiedhim,anditwasbecomingincreasinglyapparentthattheyhadstrictinstructionsfromHenrikkon everyaspectofhisimprisonment.

Afterbreakfast,theguardstookhimtothebathingchamberagain.Asherwasprovidedwithacleansetofclothes,thistimea setofrobesnotunlikewhatHenrikkhadworn,butred.

Henrikk’s favourite colour.

And mine

Thecolouroffireandpassion.

Oflove

OfallthedestructionHenrikkhadwreaked.

RedwasthecolouroftheheatedtensionAsherfeltbetweenhimselfandHenrikk. Backinhisroom,Asherpacedbackandforth,tryingtooccupyhismindwitholdmarchingdrills HeexpectedHenrikkto returnthatevening,toinflictwhatonhimhewasnotreadytothinkabout.

Andso,ittookhimcompletelybysurprisewhenHenrikkarrivedatmidday,followedbyseveralguardshaulinginasimple woodentable.Athisorders,theguardsgaggedAsherwithclothandbenthimoverthedesk,securinghishandswithcordsto thefartablelegs

What the fuck?

Ashertriednottobepredictable thatwouldplayintoHenrikk’samusement buthecouldn’tstophimselffromyellingin protest,hiswordsgarbledfromthegag

“Dobequiet,”Henrikksaidastheguardsleft.“Thiswillbearegularoccurrence,soyoumayaswellgetusedtoit.”

Asher’sheartthunderedinhischestasHenrikkhikedhisrobesuphigh,roughlyspreadhisasscheeks,andwithoutusingso muchasspitforlubrication,enteredhisass.Raw,anddry.

Asherscrewedhiseyesshutandtriedtotakeitinsilence,buthewhimperedandgruntedeachtimeHenrikkdroveintohim, painexplodinginhisassandtheedgeofthetablediggingintothetopsofhisthighs.

“Ibetyouimagined this too,” Henrikkgloated, grippinghis hips and ploughinginto himindeep, steadythrusts. “Inever thoughtyou’dbesuchaneasyfuck”

Ashersnapped,roaringinangeragainstthegagashetriedtobuckHenrikkoff.Itwasimpossiblewiththerestraintsaround hiswrists,keepinghimstretchedoverthetablewitharmssplayed.

Henrikkcackledandpulledthegagfree “Fine Let’shearit What exactlydidyoujustsay?” “Isaidyouneededthehelpofyourguardstorestrainme,”Asherspat.“There’snothing‘easy’aboutthat.”

“Andthatisthewordthatsetyouoff,isit?”Henrikkmused,continuingtopulseinsidehimasiftheywerehavingapleasant conversationovercards.“ThatIwouldthinkofyouas‘easy’?”Heclickedhistongue.“Youmustn’twearyourheartonyour sleeve,GeneralAsher You’llgethurt”

“I’drathergethurtbyyouthanfeelnothingforyouatall.”Histonetrembledwithaccusation,andhewonderedifHenrikk readhisdeepestfear:

That you feel nothing at all for me

That I was wrong about you.

Ashertriedtoignorethefear,butitwasdifficulttomaintainfaithwhentheverymanhewantedwasbrutallyrapinghimover atableinaroomthatwasascoldasdeath.

Henrikklaughed and sped up, eachhard pound makingAsher wince as he was speared byHenrikk’s cockover and over again.Hedidn’tknowwhatwasworse,thepenetratingsorenesshefelteachtimeHenrikkbottomedoutinhisass,orthedry frictionofhisun-lubedgirthdraggingagainsthissphincter.

“AtleastIhavethecouragetotellyouhowIfeel,”Asheradded Henrikk’s laughter died,andhe froze,still wedgeddeepinside.“Andwhatis ityoufeel for me,beyondyour unwavering loyaltyandreverence,General?”

Asherremainedfacingforward.“You’renotreadytohearit.”

Henrikkgaveanotherlaugh,thisoneshrillandringingoddly.“Well,justincaseyouchangeyourmindandbecometalkative again…”HepushedthegagbackintoAsher’smouthandtighteneditsothefabriccuthischeeks.“Now,seeifyoucanbea goodsoldierandbequietwhileIfinishfuckingyou.”

AsherstayedsilentasHenrikktookhim Hepromisedhimselfhewouldn’tmakeasound.

ButHenrikkfuckedhimhardandfast,eachjerkingthrustrougherthanthelast

The painhad reached a new level, the impacts growingunbearable, but it was the bulgingerectioninAsher’s pants that madehimcry.

WhenHenrikknoticed the tears trackingdownhis face, he wiped themwithhis palms and groaned. “Poor Asher. There, there.”Apause.“Youknow…Nothingmakesmeharderthanmakingagrownmancry.”

Withoutwarning,heslammedintoAsher,repeatingthesavagethrustforseverallongminutesuntilhecame,blowinghisload deepinsidehisass.

“Fuck!” theyexclaimedtogether,Henrikk’scrystretchingforseverallongsecondsasheshudderedandgroaned Henrikkremovedthegagandpulledoutalmostinstantly.

“Didyou…?”Asherbegan.

Heheardfootsteps,andthenthedoorslammed

IttookhimamomenttorealisethatHenrikkhadleft,andfartoolongtorealisethathewasn’tcomingback. Whatfeltliketwoorthreehourslater,guardsenteredtountieAsherfromthetableandtakehimtobatheandchange Asherdidn’tdareenjoythesmallluxuries.HewasstartingtoassociatethosethingswithHenrikk’svisits.

Sureenough,thekingarrivedthatevening AsherhadhalfhopedHenrikkwouldtrytoplaychesswithhimagain,buthewas disappointed.Thekinghadhimtiedtothetableinthesamemanner,gaggedandhelpless,andtookhimagain.Afterwards,he leftwithoutaword,leavingAshertremblingwithsoremuscles,ass,andanachingerection.

Atleasttheguardscameinimmediatelyafterwardstountiehim

Thepatternrepeatedthenextdayatmidday,andagainintheevening. Andthedayafterthat

Eachtime,Henrikkregardedhimaslittlemorethanapieceofmeat.Abodytobeused,nothingmore. Bythefifthday,abedhadbeenbroughtintotheroom Itwasmuchmorecomfortableforsleeping,butAsherquicklylearnt tohateit.ItwaswhereHenrikkhadtakentofuckinghim,butthatwasnotwhyhehatedit. No,itwasthebed’svastnesshecouldn’tstand,andhowutterlylonelyhefelteachtimeHenrikklefthimthere.Therewerea coupleofoccasionswhereHenrikkhadmockedhim,deliveringsnidepartingwordswhenhefinishedbeforeleaving Butasthedaysflittedby,Henrikkchanged.Heseemedguarded,hisexpressionunreadable,andeachtimehefinishedwith Asher,heleftwithoutsayingaword

ItmadeAshermisstheinsultsashelayonthecoldbed,thedampsheetssmellingofhimandHenrikk.Hischestachedwith sorrow,histhroattightwithemotions,andhishardcockthrobbedsomuchithurt.Henrikkhadnottouchedhimthereagain,not sincethefirsttimewhenhe’dgrabbedhimthroughhistrousers. Asherwishedhewould.

Lustandlongingdrovehiminsane,asdidtheunrequitedfeelingshe’dalmostprofessedtoHenrikk.

Ashertriedtojerkoff,buthecouldnevermakehimselfgetthere.HetriedtothinkofHenrikk,however,themanwassuchan enigmathatitwashardtoimaginehimcapableofcaringforanyonebuthimself ButHenrikkdidcare.

Whyelsedidhetormentthembotheachtimeheenteredthesuite?Hehadnoshortageofpotentialbedpartners,sowhydid hecomehere?

Ifhe’dsolelywantedtopunishAsher,he’dlongsinceachievedthat Nothinghurtmorethantobesoclosetothemanhe’d pinedover,andyetbetreatedlikenothing.

Thedaysflittedby.Asherkepttrackofthembyscratchingmarksonthebedpostwithhisfangs,buthewaslosingmotivation. Ithadbeenatleasttwoweeks,andatleasttwiceaday,Henrikkwouldcomeandruthimfrombehindlikeabeast

He never spoke to Asher and had takento sendinginthe guards firstto pre-emptivelygagand tie himbefore entering. It meantthatAsherrarelysawhim,onlyheardtherustleofclothesandthesoundofheavypanting EvenHenrikk’sgroanswere restrained,asifhedidn’twantAshertohear.

HeonlycameinforthetimeittooktohavesexwithAsher,whichwassometimesquickand,atothertimes,alongordeal Nowordswereeverexchanged,althoughAsherwouldhavespokentohimifhecouldhave.

Afterwards,Henrikkalwaysabandonedhimtotheroom’soppressiveness.Heleftittotheguardstoungaghim. Ontheeveningofthethirtiethday,somethingchanged Thedooropened,butnoguardscameintotieAsherdown Instead,Henrikkarrivedwithasmile,dressedinhisfinest.

Asherwasstandingbythewindow Itwasbetterthanwaitingonthebed Thatwasanindignityhecouldnotallowhimself, evenwhenHenrikklefthimsosorehe’dstruggledtostand.Henevercomplained,buthewishedHenrikkwouldaskhimhow hewas.

Sothathecouldlieandsaythathewasfine.

AtleastHenrikkhadstartedtouselubricantagain,apurpose-madegelthatmadetheexperiencealmostpleasurable.Asher didn’tknowthereasonforthechange,buthewasbegrudginglygrateful

AshertiltedhisheadatHenrikkexpectantly,waitingforanordertogotolayonthebed. Wonderingifhe’dcomply

ButHenrikknoddedatthecoffeetableandproducedthebagofchesspiecesfromhisrobes.“Agame?”

Asherswallowedanddidnotmove,notevenasHenrikkseatedhimselfwithanenviablegracefulness. “Agameofwhat?”

Henrikk’s gaze darted to him, his eyes twinkling with approval. “Something new. It’s high time we changed things up. I wouldn’twantyoutogrowboredofme”

Theywerenottalkingaboutchess.

Ashersteeledhimselfandbeganthelongwalkover,tryingnottowincewitheachofthesevenstepsittooktoreachtheother chair.Asmallgroanescapedhimasheloweredhimselftosit.HehopedHenrikkhadn’tnoticed. “Comfortable?”thekingasked.

“Yes” Itwas the onlyword he could bringhimselfto say, eventhoughhe was burstingwitha thousand thoughts thathad plaguedhimlastnight.HeblinkedblearilyatthepiecesasHenrikksetthemup.Black,white;theyalllookedthesametohim. Ormaybehenolongercared “Whatisthisnewgameyoupropose?”

“Ihave a special opportunityfor myfinestgeneral,” Henrikksaid. “Butsince he failed, I will give youa chance to win instead”

Asherdidn’tsomuchasbristleatthedig.Heabsorbedit.Welcomedit,even.“Whatistheprizeforwinning?”

Henrikk smirked as he leant over to straighten one of Asher’s pieces, his hand brushing his accidentally. “I assure you, GeneralAsher,thatthethrillofvictoryismorethansufficientaprize Theonlyquestionis doyouwanttoplay?”

I’m tired of games.

He opened his mouthto tell Henrikkthat, feelingdefeated and hollow, butas he caughtsightofthe glimmer inthe king’s eyes,hewasstruckbytheexpressionthere.

Henrikklooked alive

Mischiefbrightenedhis eyes,andhelookedgenuinelyexcited,leaninginconspiratoriallyasifpreparingtoshareasecret withAsher.

Itmadehimwanttoleaninaswell

Maybe,theirhandswouldbrushagain.

Whichwaswhyhenoddedresolutelybeforeasking,“HowexactlydoIwinthis newgame?”

“It’sratherstraightforward,”Henrikksaidcoyly,hisfingerswalkingacrossthetopsofAsher’spawns.HeflashedAshera cunningsmile.“Allyouneedtodoiskillme.”

Read

HENRIKK'SGAME

Excerpt:

None ofthe guards hadfollowedhim,anditwas a surreal feelingtoarrive onthe topfloor andfindthe landing deserted.

Hisskinprickled,andAsherglancedbehindhimnervously,half-expectingtoseeHenrikksneakingupbehindhim withawickedknife.

Therewasnoonethere.

Heletoutalongbreathandwalkedalongthecorridortotheroyalsuite.Thesolesofhisshoeswerethinnerthan thesoldierbootshe’dspendmostofhislifein,andhecouldfeelthesoftcarpetrunnerbeneathhisfeet.Itwassurreal, thissmalltasteinfreedom

Itevensmeltfreshandnew.

Asherhaltedandglanceddownattheornategreenrug Hefrownedasrealisationsetin It was new.Therehaddefinitely not beenarughereearlier,whichmeansthatsomeone andheknew who had broughtithere.

Thesubtlechangemadehimuneasy,andheenteredhisroom. Itlookedthesame.

Butitdidn’tfeelright Again,itwasthesmellthatalertedAsher,althoughvampires’scentwaslittlebetterthana humans.Still,hedidnotneedtheheightenedsensesofawolfshiftertoknowthatHenrikkhadbeeninhere,too.

Hiscolognehungintheair,darkandspicy,andsmellingofleather Itwasasilentwarning

Asherlaidtheweaponsonthebed,glancingaroundsuspiciously. Somethinghadchangedinheretoo,butittookAsherawhiletofigureoutwhat.

GOODPETS LEAVEREVIEWS…

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