Page 7 of The Emperor's Concubine

Rzxie nodded. “Yes, I see your dilemma, but I can only do so much.”

Callie could have pointed out that she wouldn’t be in this predicament had they not captured her in the first place, but thought better of it. It wasn’t long before Theki returned, the two Thibians following closely behind him.

The tall, pale skinned male stepped in front of her, and she instinctively took a step back. He looked over at Theki. “I see what you mean. She does have spirit, but she’s also just what our King desires. He wants someone… different, and there aren’t any women like her on Thibius. Come, slave, and let me put this collar on you,” the man ordered.

Callie took another step back. Would her humiliation never end? To be sold naked on the auction block was one thing, but putting a collar around her neck degraded her on a whole different level.

Rzxie came up behind her and gripped her arms. “Hold still and do as they say, you fool, unless you want Theki to change his mind,” she whispered.

If she wanted London with her, she’d have to play by their rules. She forced herself to remain still while the blond placed the metal collar around her neck. When he pulled out a chain to clip to the hook, she wanted to pull away but managed not to.

“I am Darus, and this is Tuk.” He gestured to the gaunt looking woman. “We’re emissaries for King Blaze, and you are now his property. It is your honor to be a part of his harem.”

She was to be in a harem? Would this nightmare ever end? She shot Rzxie a questioning look, but the alien merely looked ahead.

“We understand there is a child. We’re willing to take her if you can guarantee us your complete obedience.”

Callie nodded her head vigorously. “Yes.”

Darus studied her dispassionately for a moment before nodding, seeming satisfied. “All right, Theki, you may bring the child out and then we must leave for Thibius.”

Callie’s heart raced with anticipation. She wouldn’t lose London after all, but what kind of life would she have living as a member of a harem? The thought was unsettling.

CHAPTER 3

“Ipromise, Sire, that you won’t be disappointed with the latest member of your harem. She’s different, just as you requested.”

King Blaze’s lips tightened as he remembered his last concubine. He hadn’t been impressed. “I hope for your sake that she is, Darus. I would hate to find you spent my money on someone I’ll grow tired of within a matter of days.” He brought the cup of wine to his mouth and took a healthy swig.

As usual, the meal before him had been expertly done, but now he wanted entertainment. This portion of his evening was normally his favorite part, when his harem would dance for him. Lately, however, he felt a sense of boredom he just couldn’t shake.

Since the Great Treaty of Bruan, Thibius had been at peace. With no war to train for, he had more time to visit his subjects and to oversee his land. This should have pleased him, but it didn’t. After all, none of the women in his harem excited him like they used to. Even the newer ones couldn’t hold his attention longer than a span of a month. Perhaps it was time to start looking for his Queen.

“Shall I bring the harem out now?” Darus asked.

“Yes. I’m in the mood to be entertained.”

Darus clapped his hands together, signaling for the musicians to start playing. Tuk, the keeper of his harem, walked into the dining hall first followed by the twelve usual women. Where was the thirteenth that Darus had raved about earlier? He frowned and turned to his servant. “Where is the new concubine you spoke of?”

“She should be with the rest of them, Sire. Ah, there she is.”

Blaze looked toward the entrance to see a woman dragging her feet behind the rest, almost as if she didn’t want to be there. His eyes widened with surprise.

He’d had a human once before and had found the experience enjoyable, but she didn’t look like this one. This female had silky dark skin, eyes that slanted up just a tad, and a mouth so lush he couldn’t help but wonder what it would taste like.

She was one of the most gorgeous creatures he’d ever set eyes on. Her slender body was encased in the traditional gear worn by the rest of his harem, colorful scarves made from shimmering, transparent material, artfully molded to her curves. But it looked like it had been made especially for her. Her hair fell down her back in spirals of dark twists.

Blaze’s mouth watered, his gaze clinging to her face, drinking in her every feature, from the curve of her broad nose to the fullness of her lashes. Her high cheekbones gave her a regal appearance.

His cock stirred with awareness. In that moment, he realized he had to have her.

“What do you think of the new concubine, Sire?”

“She’ll do,” Blaze said, in an attempt to convey a casualness he didn’t feel.

His eyes followed his new concubine as she began to dance with the rest of the harem. She moved with a fluid grace that kept his dinner companions riveted. Something told him shewasn’t quite giving it her all, but she outshined every single dancer on the floor. It was as though she were made for this.

His balls throbbed with the need to be inside of her. He turned to his advisor and good friend, Radien, to see the other man’s gaze gliding up and down the woman’s body with apparent lust. A wave of jealousy hit unrepentantly. How dare Radien ogle what was his without a by your leave?

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