Page 35 of A Kingdom of Pleasure and Torment

“A tempting offer, but that isn’t what I want,” Luthian says. “What about information? Secrets?”

“I’ll tell you anything!”

My eyes widen. Even caught as I am on the precipice of release, I recognize the danger of Firo’s words.

I’m sure that’s the point, as Luthian goes on, “Would you betray the secrets of your own court?”

“Yes!”

Anger flashes hot through me. That’s not why he’s been tormenting Firo, surely? To force him to give away information against his will?

“Would you murder the leader of your council?” Luthian paces around the bed. “If I put the blade in your hand and promised you this joy, would you sink a dagger into your Hierophant’s heart?”

Firo grinds his teeth, taking a longer moment with this question. But his hips keep pumping between my thighs and he sobs, “Yes. Old gods, help me, I would. I would.”

“And if I demanded a favor of you,” Luthian asks. “You would agree, here and now, to perform that task, regardless of what it may entail?”

“Yes!”

“Then promise me. A binding vow, at this moment.” Luthian’s voice is low and serious, and I see on Firo’s face that he knows it’s no longer a game. “You will give me a favor.”

Firo growls his helpless rage as he fights against himself. Finally, with a sob, he agrees. “Luthian of Mithrax, I grant you a favor! Now, let me come!”

Luthian snaps his fingers.

Firo’s frantic thrusting ceases, but not before I’m tossed over the edge and into a churning sea of my own pleasure. I’m keenly aware of Firo’s shout, a long, tortured cry that sounds like his very spirit has been torn out of him through his throat. I shake with the force of our mingled climax, wail with relief with each hot, strong burst of him. He empties all of his strength into me, it seems, for he slumps senseless over me, his head pinning my hair to the pillows while his cock still twitches and spurts.

“Congratulations, Cenere,” Luthian says. “You’ve learned exactly how much that beautiful little cunt of yours is worth.”

Ignoring him, Firo kisses my cheek. “It’s wonderful, Cenere. You feel incredible.”

“Thank you?” I’m not certain how I should respond to the compliment. I haven’t done anything to cause it. The praise is entirely unearned.

Firo slides from my body with a groan. “If I stayed inside, I would never have left. Luthian, be serious. You’ve had her, haven’t you?”

Luthian shakes his head. “No. You were the first to sample her.”

“Then you’ve been with other humans like this one,” Firo says.

Again, a shake of the head. “Never.”

Firo climbs off the bed and strides to the bathtub, taking a towel to clean himself off. I lie frozen, stunned. Luthian has never been with a human? But he has knowledge of so many different creatures. Why are humans different?

Does he not want to lie with me?

Does he feel I am beneath him?

“Thank you, Luthian,” Firo says, tossing the towel aside. He gestures to himself and is fully clothed at once, in fine satin breeches and a long coat with tails, in hues that match his broad, autumn wings. “Your teaching has been most enlightening.”

“You’ve been a good student,” Luthian tells him, dressing himself, as well. “You’ll more than survive at court. I dare say you’ll thrive there.”

They clasp each other’s forearms. It’s as if I’m not there, as if there is no witness at all to this tender parting scene. They say their farewells, and Firo gives me a glance and a small nod as he strides from the room.

When the door is closed, Luthian finally deigns to look at me.

I push myself up and reach for the goblet of water on the side table.

“My honey flower, you should be very prou—”

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