Page 54 of Claimed By her Alien Prince

"You might represent the finest stock of Nayphyllym Adama has to offer at this time, but you can and will be replaced; there are others to take your place. And should that fail, one of you will have to bear two sons. I don't care, neither would be the first time we had to resort to these measures." He paused dramatically and a sardonic smile spread over his lips. "I will father another son myself if I have to. Do I make myself clear?"

He must have seen the fear written on our faces, because he nodded self-indulgently to himself, before magnanimously nodding at Judith.

"I hope you will get your enjoyment from your little harem, Azazel, but be warned. Should you fail, I will divide your maidens among your remaining brothers."

He nodded at me with a grin, and I averted my gaze, lest I let him see how much I loathed him. He cackled meanly, making it clear that he already knew exactly how I felt about him. "Now, to Abaddon, the coward. As much as I hate doing this, my dear Ishtar has convinced me to show leniency toward my son Abaddon by giving him the chance to redeem himself."

Another mumble broke out through the ranks of nobles, and this time I picked up some low murmurs from behind me. Unable to turn, I guessed that they came from either the guards or servants. Maybe both.

"Since the last spectacle proved to be so entertaining, I decided to repeat it. Abaddon will fight one of his brothers for his life and honor. That way we can eliminate one more player without losing out on the fun."

My face turned deathly pale, and I squeezed Seth's hand. I didn't think I could watch him fight again. Last time was hard enough, and last time he hadn't meant anything to me yet.

I was so consumed with my own worries, that I didn't really notice Azubah and Andrea blanch as well.

"I see the noble Nayphyllym girls don't seem to enjoy this proposal very much." Behlial laughed his sardonic laughter again, followed by his nobles, who cackled with him, making the fine hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Abaddon, however, stood a little straighter, and pushed his immense chest out in pride, with a cunning look on his face. He definitely appeared to be the strongest and biggest one of the brothers, a regular Hulk.

"Lilith, my dear." Behlial's voice singsonged, sending floods of ice through my veins. "Why don't you come stand by me, so that we can watch Seth fight again? This time against a worthier opponent."

The urge to run and hide nearly overwhelmed me. I would have preferred anything over being forced to walk up those stairs and stand by the King of Darkness's side again and he knew it. His eyes sparkled in amusement, daring me to defy him.

Seth pulled me around and kissed me on the top of my head. "Don't worry, all will be well." he promised, while tears prickled my eyes.

"Be proud." This he whispered in my ear, only meant for me.

I fought the urge to cling to Seth with all my might and refused to cry and wail against Behlial's ruthlessness and cruelty. Instead, using all my willpower, I turned to the throne. My chin jutted out, and I squared my shoulders, as I proudly walked up the steps toward Behlial's throne, ignoring the gargoyles with their dripping jaws and exposed teeth.

Deep down I understood the need for me to show strength and an unwavering trust in Seth. This was all a big charade, a deadly charade, but a charade nonetheless. Like in a poker game, I had to show that I didn't doubt Seth would win this fight, even though inside I was scared to death that he wouldn't.

"Thank you for joining me, my dear Lilith." Behlial smiled and took my hand to kiss it. A flood of revulsion moved through my body as his lips touched my skin. Only my pride gave me the strength not to show how much his touch revolted me. Stoically I remained by his side, imperceptibly nodding at Seth, who visibly stiffened at Behlial's lips touching my hand.

Again, nothing seemed to get past Behlial. He started to laugh so loud, it echoed off the walls. "What is this? Jealousy doesn't become you, Seth."

He laughed again. "But I do understand, your bride is indeed a tempting morsel. Who knows, maybe I will do the honors of siring a son on her, should you perish in this fight." Again, his devious laughter rang out.

Seth stiffened more obviously now, his face a mask of disdain and hatred for the creature who claimed to be his father. "Don't get your hopes up, old man. It will take more than Abaddon to beat me."

An arrogant snarl played around Seth's lips, one I hadn't seen before. It reminded me so much of Behlial that another tremble moved through my body. Even though I knew his words were meant more for my benefit, that he was trying to reassure me he would be fine and not to worry, I allowed myself to throw a worried glance toward Behlial, whose amusement didn't seem to waver at his son's words.

"We'll see, won't we? I have seen better fighters die, son, never forget that."

"As you wish, Sire," Seth agreed, bowing ever so slightly to Behlial. I could almost physically feel how much it irked him having to do so, not being able to control this situation, and to see me up there by his father's side.

And then I knew what I had to do. I needed to show Seth that I wasn't a trembling mess he needed to save. His focus should be on this fight, not me and my silly discomfort about being near the King of Darkness.

It took all my willpower not to shrink back as I placed my hand on Behlial's shoulder, who looked at me in surprise.

"I'm sure Seth will be the strongest fighter you have ever seen, my king," I addedmykingto humble myself, to show both Behlial and Seth that I was strong enough to do this.

Behlial, who still seemed surprised over my willingness to touch him, petted my hand with his before I could remove mine and give away how much touching him repulsed me.

"I'm sure he will. But you, my dear, surprise me. You better stop tempting me to send more of my sons against Seth just so I can keep you for myself," he cackled.

I tried to smile at him despite my blanching face, and he cackled even more demonically. Before I had a chance to reply, I felt a hand brush against my lower arm.

Astonished, I looked up into the queen's face. She gave me an encouraging smile before she squeezed my arm in support. Suddenly tears filled my eyes, and I blinked them back; her support surprised and touched me.

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