Chapter Nine #2
“Come now, I've explained why I have such needs.
Even now, my body hungers for food and sex.
It's frustrating. I want to bury myself in you and consume this meal at the same time.” He hunched forward, his hands clenching into fists.
“I'm sorry. I will be fine. Just give me a moment to gain control.”
“I can't believe I'm doing this,” I muttered and slid closer to him.
Jucai straightened as my hand slipped down his pants, trying to move subtly so no one would notice. Oh, who was I kidding? His expression gave it all away, especially when his head rolled back and he let out a soft sigh.
It was an odd comfort when several of the Sea Dragons seated nearby started pawing at each other, as if they'd been waiting for the King to get some before they did.
I guess that was typical court behavior.
You don't eat before the King. Still, seeing them mounting each other out of the corner of my eye made me feel almost prudish when all I did was stroke Jucai's cock.
Several Sea Dragons watched us even as they thrust into their partners.
I was probably something new and exciting for them.
But not as new and exciting as this was for me.
I found it all to be very . . . erotic. Oh, dear Gods, was I already becoming accustomed to this behavior?
I didn't have the excuse of being asleep for centuries.
Considering that, I was the horniest man there.
At least my guards weren't there. When they had failed to come to my room to escort me to dinner, I thought nothing of it.
Now, all their strange looks and ominous words made sense.
They had dined in the hall the previous night and witnessed all of this while sitting amongst the court.
I nearly giggled at the thought of their horrified faces.
But then I remembered I had Jucai's cock in my hand.
Damn, it was a fine cock. Just stroking it made mine hard. So warm, firm, and silken. Its length made for an enjoyable stroking experience.
“Here.” The King picked up a small jug and poured a golden liquid onto himself.
I rubbed it in; the scent telling me it was hress nectar. They put it on the dining tables in jugs! It shouldn't have surprised me. Nor should it have surprised me when the King pulled me closer and stroked my ass, back, and the back of my neck while he shuddered.
“You look very handsome tonight,” he whispered into my ear before he sucked on my earlobe. “I can't wait to sink my cock into your tight channel. You look so good beneath me, your hard cock hitting my belly as I thrust into you.”
I was a master at erotic talk, but the King's whispers were turning me into a student, shuddering in need as I learned new tricks. The feel of him in my hand had my mind spinning, thoughts turning to the feel of him in my mouth. I couldn't focus on anything else.
“If you won't let me fuck you here, at least imagine it with me. You bent over this table with me behind you, thrusting deep as everyone watched. Can you imagine it? My court watching you as they fucked their partners. All of them lusting after you. And you would come for them, for me, just before I filled you.”
Then he came all over my hand.
Flinching, I came out of my daze. What had I just done?
The King grabbed a napkin and cleaned us off, taking his time to wash my hand with water from a carafe.
I watched him as he thoroughly washed me, his spent cock still hanging out of his pants and still tempting.
Then he laced his pants, putting the temptation out of sight.
“Here, I've had the chefs prepare some of my favorite food for you to try.” Jucai filled my plate as he talked about each delicacy.
I watched him, amazed. He had practically begged for release, but now that he'd come, he was the picture of politeness. Mere seconds ago, he'd been whispering nasty things in my ear. Now, it was as if nothing had happened. He was a completely different man.
And my cock was furious.
I don't know why I was upset. He would have pleasured me in return had I asked.
Perhaps that was it. I didn't want to be watched by his entire court as I came.
Yes, I'd found it arousing when I'd stroked him, but that was him being pleasured.
They hadn't seen much. But if we had done what he had whispered in my ear, it would have been humiliating.
Thankfully, my guards weren't present. If they had been present and seen what I had done to Jucai before his entire court, I would have .
. . Actually, I would have been fine because I never would have done it in front of them.
Still, the thought of Jucai fucking me on his dining table made my cock ache.
Because it was a thought, I reminded myself.
Thoughts could arouse you, but that didn't mean you'd enjoy the reality.
Thinking about the King fucking me in front of his court had a certain savage appeal, almost like staking a claim.
It was arousing. But the reality of the act would leave me cringing in shame. Some fantasies should remain fantasies.
Speaking of which, I ignored the moans and cries of delight as I tried Jucai's favorite dishes.
The food didn't disappoint, and I grinned at his questioning look.
My angry arousal softened, and I began to enjoy myself.
Pleased, he poured me some water and then ate.
It was just then that I realized he'd allowed me to eat first. That was a high compliment, and a glance around the dining hall told me it hadn't gone unnoticed.
The courtiers were whispering, many smiling at me.
Even the slaves were looking at me with wide eyes.
I focused on my plate, all of my diplomatic training vanishing.
For a moment, I felt like a teenager again, discovering my power over men for the first time.
Then I remembered who I was and who Jucai was. This couldn't move past infatuation.
As if they knew I needed a distraction, a group of dancers twirled into the space between the royal dais and the court. Leeya men and women spun and jumped, their flowing silk costumes creating patterns in the air. I paused eating to watch them, relieved that their dance wasn't provocative.
Then the King cried out. The room went silent, and the dancers went still.
I looked over to see a terrified Kaikeyo woman standing beside Jucai, a tilted platter in her hands, dripping sauce.
The drips led my gaze to the King's lap and the puddle of steaming food there.
He lurched to his feet, food falling from him as the woman cried silently.
Kaikeyo women had two thick tentacles at their temples.
This woman's tentacles curled up into balls to hide in her hair as she backed away, the platter falling to the floor with a clatter.
Everyone watched with wide eyes as the King cleaned himself off with a napkin.
Then he looked at the woman. She dropped to her knees and put her head to the floor, pleading for mercy.
I didn't move, too shocked to react, but my stomach clenched in fear, both for the woman and myself.
Because if Jucai hurt her, I'd never be able to touch him again.
As awful as it had been, it was an accident. Only a monster would punish her.
I held my breath along with the court and every slave in the room.
Jucai's body was tense, every muscle bulging and the cords in his neck standing out.
No one would be happy after someone dumped hot food on their most sensitive bits.
But he took a deep breath, and his shoulders relaxed.
Calm, he helped the woman to her feet. My breath whooshed out of me in relief. Then Jucai went beyond what I'd hoped.
“Shh, now.” He stroked her tentacles until they uncurled. “It was an accident. It's all right.”
“Your Majesty is too kind!” she wailed. “I hurt you. That's unforgivable.”
“Nonsense.” He walked her down the dais steps and over to some waiting slaves. “Help her to her room. She needs to rest.”
“Yes, Sire.” The two Kaikeyo women helped their friend through the doorway into the kitchen.
Other slaves rushed forward to clean the mess on the floor.
The King spread his arms and faced the room. “I think this is a sign to undress!”
The courtiers laughed, the room exploding with the sound, and the slaves went back to their duties, everyone clearly relieved.
“Someone bring me some pants!” Jucai shouted as he climbed the steps.
Before sitting down, he kicked off his slippers and removed his pants (the King didn't wear underwear).
His tunic covered his manhood, but his shapely legs were on display.
Despite the table, with its front panel covering the King's state of undress, his fellow Sea Dragons called out lewd suggestions, urging him to make use of his nudity and his handsome guest.
I am not a man who blushes, but under the focus of an entire court, that is exactly what I did. In my defense, these people were sex-starved, and their suggestions were not only detailed but also creative. Very creative. Many of them involved food.
I put my fork down.
Chuckling, the King slid closer, moving his hand behind my back. “I think you should give in and bend over the table. It's the only way to quiet them.”
I looked at him with wide eyes.
Jucai laughed harder.
“Was that a joke?” I whispered.
“Of course.” He kissed my cheek. “I know touching me earlier was a strain on your sensibilities. I wouldn't push you past what you're comfortable with, Nadar. And if I do, tell me to stop. I do not wish to force you into anything.”
I gaped at him, shocked yet again. “Thank you.”
“Don't thank me.” Jucai leaned back to face me better. “You shouldn't have to thank me for common courtesy.”
“No, I shouldn't. I suppose the environment here has made me feel pressured. I was relieved to hear that you don't expect this sort of behavior from me.”
He stroked back my hair and nuzzled my cheek. “As much as I want to take you here and let my court see that you are mine, I like that you refuse to share our sex with them. It reminds me of the past, when we were not so . . .”
“Randy?” I suggested.
Jucai grinned. “Yes, not so randy.” Then his grin vanished. “Have we made you uncomfortable? We don't have to dine here again.”
“No, this is what I'm here for—to learn about you and your people.”
“Well, in that case, you should fully immerse yourself.” He glanced pointedly at his cock. When I scowled, he laughed again. “I enjoy teasing you.” Once more, he whispered in my ear. “When I get you back to your room, I'm going to push you against the glass wall and fuck you in front of the fish.”
I chuckled. “Are you such an exhibitionist that you must find an audience even if they are uninterested?”
“I am acclimating you to our ways.” He winked.
I stared at him, unsure if that had been a joke too.
It certainly seemed as if Jucai had been subtly influencing me.
Bantar had only been the start. If that was his plan, he was brilliant, and I had met my match.
I didn't like that possibility. Often, I wasn't the most powerful man in the room, but I consoled myself with the knowledge that I was the smartest. Being the smartest sometimes makes you the most powerful.
I couldn't let Jucai take my power.