Page 3 of The Emperor’s Concubine (The Thibian Chronicles #1)

CHAPTER 3

“ I promise, 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 she wasn’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?

“Do you see something of interest, Radien?” Blaze asked tightly.

“That dark one. Is she an Earthling?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“The Remarkes are similar in appearance, but they don’t have skin hues quite like that. She’s magnificent. How much do you want for her?”

Blaze fought to hold on to his temper. He knew he’d look foolish if he punched his friend out for no apparent reason. It took him a moment to calm down sufficiently enough to answer. “That one is not for sale. She’s new.”

“Yes, but we both know how quickly you get bored with your women. I understand you want to sample the goods first, but when you get bored with her, as I’m sure you will, I’ll offer a fair price.”

Blaze bit the inside of his lip to keep from saying what was really on his mind. His eyes flew back to the dark beauty. The way she arched her back as she danced and the movement of her rounded hips made him want to carry her to his bedroom now. Images of her beneath him with his cock buried deep inside her cunt were driving him insane.

He glanced at the timepiece on the dining room wall. It wouldn’t be proper for him to call a halt to the evening until the harem was finished entertaining. Each one of the women took turns standing in front of him, gyrating and moving sensually so he would choose her for his companion of the night. They could all move as suggestively as they wished; his choice was made.

When it came time for the new concubine to come forward, his heart pounded as though it would burst from his chest. Anxiously he waited for her to approach, but when she merely remained where she stood he found it difficult to hide his disappointment. What was the meaning of this? Why wouldn’t she step forward?

Signaling to Tuk, he pointed to the newest addition to his harem. His servant nodded in understanding and grabbed his concubine by the arm. The exotic beauty lost her balance and stumbled forward. When she fell flat on her face, Blaze made a move to get up and help her but remembered his place. How would it look for him, the King, to go out to a mere harem girl? She was the one who was supposed to come to him.

She wobbled to her feet, adjusting her silver bra top that barely covered her nipples. He could see a delectable sliver of areola peeking out on one side. Blaze longed to run his tongue around it and suck on it until she begged for mercy. Her dark eyes locked with his momentarily before her gaze slid away.

As though she’d become conscious of the music, she began to dance. He wanted her closer, but she remained where she was.

“It seems this one likes to tease,” Radien laughed.

Blaze had never wanted to punch someone in the mouth so much as he did now. With each twist of the wrist and shimmy of her torso, he wanted her. Custom be damned. He wanted her now and refused to wait a minute longer. Standing up, he clapped his hands together, signaling the musicians to stop playing.

Darus scurried over to him. “Is everything all right, Sire?”

“I wish to retire for the night. I want the new concubine ready within a half hour. Don’t keep me waiting.”

“Yes, your Highness.” The slender servant bowed his head and scurried off.

“I haven’t seen you this eager since Malenda,” Radien observed.

Blaze shrugged. He didn’t feel the need to explain his feelings to his friend. There was something about the new woman… Why did she seem reluctant to dance for him? There had never been a woman who wasn’t eager to serve him. It was a high honor to be a member of his harem.

No matter. He would have her.

“If you pull a stunt like that again, human, I will make you regret it,” the woman called Tuk hissed as she arranged Callie’s hair.

She knew she’d made a critical error when she didn’t step up to the King when she was supposed to, but something in the way he looked at her made her legs too heavy to move. She wasn’t sure if she liked the unbridled lust glistening within the depths of his dark green eyes. Callie realized that playing dumb would probably be the best way to handle this situation. “How was I supposed to know what was expected of me? You told me to dance and I did.”

“Don’t be a fool. I told you to take your cue from the other women. You’re fortunate the King chose you for the night despite your defiance. Now you’ll remember what I told you. You will let him do whatever he wants with you, however he wants—or else.”

Callie was under no illusions about what that ‘or else’ meant. Had Rzxie really done her a favor allowing her to bring London along to this Godforsaken planet? She rarely saw her baby, and when she did, it was only for a few brief moments. They kept her child in the servants’ quarters. She had to admit, though, that London seemed well taken care of. People seemed to dote on the small child, but Callie could tell how unhappy her daughter was without Paris.

Paris.

Would she ever see her other precious angel again?

She flinched when Tuk unclipped the sorry excuse for a bra Callie wore and untied the scarves. Her arms immediately covered her breasts. The cool gust of recycled air made her nipples pucker. Having been a dancer, she was used to wearing revealing costumes, but the ‘uniform’ they’d given her was absolutely obscene. She couldn’t move without worrying whether a boob would pop out. Now she was to go to the King who’d watched her like she was some juicy morsel he wanted to devour. There was something very unsettling about him, and she didn’t like it one bit.

Tuk grabbed her arms and forced them to the sides. “Don’t make this harder than it has to be, human. Stick out your chest.”

“I have a name, you know. I wish you’d stop calling me ‘human’.” Callie balled her fists and bit into her lower lip to prevent herself from punching Tuk in the face as the servant rubbed some kind of clear gel over her breasts. The cold gel made the sensitive tips tingle.

“You are the property of King Blaze, and it’s his right to name you as he sees fit. If he wants to call you dirt, then dirt you shall be.”

“My name is Callie,” she argued through gritted teeth.

Tuk glared green daggers at her. “If you have a care for the little one, you’ll keep your thoughts to yourself, human . Now spread your legs.”

The bitch had to be out of her damn mind, but what choice did she have? Reluctantly, Callie let her thighs slide apart. Holding herself rigid, she let her mind wander to happier times as Tuk rubbed the gel over her clit and inside her channel. She thought of being back home with her twins and dancing.

Tonight had been the first time she’d danced in front of an audience in months, but it wasn’t the kind of dancing she wanted to do. Hell, she might as well have been a stripper on a pole, for all the gyrating and booty shaking she had to do for some bored King.

Don’t think about him. Don’t think about him , she chanted to herself, as images of King Blaze entered her mind. When she’d first seen him, she nearly stumbled over movements she’d been taught. He had to be one of the most stunning men she’d ever laid eyes on. She wouldn’t call him handsome, but it was difficult to look away from him.

His eyes were the deepest, clearest shade of green she could remember seeing. And the way he’d stared at her almost seemed like he was looking into the depths of her soul. His features were strong and blunt, from the high cheekbones to the firm mouth that had an appearance of being carved from stone.

Long platinum hair was combed back from his forehead revealing a deep widow’s peak. He had the same almost shimmering skin of his people, but he was different. There’d been an air of command about him that even she couldn’t help noticing.

She could imagine the plans he had for her. Callie’s only hope was that he’d tire of her quickly so she could have more time with her daughter.

The rub of cold metal around her neck sent goose bumps along her arm. She hated this fucking collar. When Tuk connected a chain to it, she automatically pulled away.

Giving her a warning look, the Thibian scolded, “Don’t let King Blaze see you do that. He likes complete obedience in his women.”

King Blaze can kiss my black ass . Once again Callie had to bite her lip to stop herself from saying it.

Pulling her by the chain, Tuk forced Callie to follow. The King’s servant towered over her. Everyone on this kooky planet had to be at least six feet tall, making her 5’ 8” seem insignificant.

As Tuk led her out through the main room, where the rest of the harem members shot her resentful glares, fright overtook her. Why was she so nervous about seeing one man? It wasn’t as though she was some vestal virgin being led to slaughter. She was a grown woman of twenty-five with two children and more life experience than most people would see in a lifetime.

Through a corridor and down another hall, Callie noticed her surroundings becoming grander, which signaled to her that they were getting closer to where the King resided. When they stopped in front of large ornate, silver doors with jewels encrusted over the edges, her belly began to rumble with butterflies. Tuk knocked on the door.

“Come!”

What an arrogant ass , Callie shook her head, only to receive another angry glare from Tuk. “You will behave yourself.”

The two women entered the King’s Chamber. Tuk bowed her head reverently. “As you requested, Sire, your new concubine is here and most pleased to serve you.”

Callie kept her head down, not wanting to be captured by those incredible eyes again. To her surprise, he stepped in front of her, practically sizzling with an invisible energy that made her more nervous than before.

She couldn’t be attracted to him. No way. No how.

He grasped her chin between his fingers, forcing her to meet his intense gaze. “Beautiful,” he muttered, more to himself than to her.

A jolt of awareness shot through her like nothing she’d felt before. Why did he have to look at her so intently? Callie tore her chin from his hold and looked away.

“Funny, but she doesn’t seem very eager, Tuk. What’s the meaning of this?” He spoke softly enough, but Callie could hear his anger just under the surface. She’d made a crucial mistake, and knew she’d pay for it later.

Tuk bowed again. “Sire, I can imagine how this must seem, but this one is shy. I know she’s eager to please you. What woman wouldn’t be?”

“What woman indeed. You may leave us now.”

With worry lines marring her forehead, the servant inclined her head before ducking out of the room. When the door closed, Callie’s fear intensified. Now what? She held steady, waiting for him to do what he wanted to her. It was just too bad that she was finding herself attracted to him. What was wrong with her? Was there some kind of mind controlling ingredient in that gel Tuk had rubbed on her?

“So is it true? Are you shy? Do you really want to please me?”

It took her several seconds to find her voice. Could she appeal to his better nature? Did he have one? Would he release her if she explained her situation? Deciding to take a chance, she said, “You’re an attractive man…”

“I sense a ‘but’ coming.”

Callie lifted her head again. “I… I had a life on Earth, a home, a family, my studio, and it was all gone within the blink of an eye. If I hadn’t tried to go a different way home, the Adieaens would never have brought me to this universe. I’m sure, as Tuk has pointed out, that it’s an honor to serve you for the night, but please try to understand that I need to get back home.”

His face went positively stony, and she knew then what a big mistake she’d made. Abruptly, he turned away from her and began to pace the room in long purposeful strides. She wished she could tell what he was thinking.

Damn, why did she have to open her big mouth? Maybe she should have dealt with whatever he tossed her way and thought of ways to escape later. She had a feeling things wouldn’t go well for her.

When King Blaze turned to her his eyes flashed green fire. “So you want to go home?”

Callie could only nod. What was the point in lying? Her grave was already dug.

“You do realize that this is now your home don’t you? After all, what does your prior life have to do with me? You belong to me,” he said stalking back over to her. Yanking her by the arms, he hauled her against him, crushing her breasts against his chest.

The minute her nipples touched his skin they grew incredibly hot, and Callie knew then what the gel was for. She didn’t want to respond to him, but her traitorous body had other ideas, especially when he brought his mouth down on hers. It was hungry and seeking.

Stubbornly she kept her lips sealed tight when his tongue tried to push past them. Grabbing a fistful of her hair, Blaze yanked her head back, taking advantage of her slightly parted lips when she gasped. She placed her hands against his chest intending to push him away, but he wouldn’t budge.

His tongue forcefully explored the depths of her mouth, seeking, tasting, and tantalizingly, leaving her breathless. Her hands, balling into fists, gripped his shirt tightly as she opened up to his kiss.

Molten lava flowed through her veins, sending bursts of sensation like she’d never felt before. Her pussy was on fire. The few lovers she’d had before had not prepared her for such delirious pleasure. His hands roamed down her back until they cupped her bottom.

“You’re so perfect,” he whispered, lifting his head and then pressing heated kisses over her face. He kneaded and shaped her rear in his palms, sensuously massaging her heated flesh.

Why did his hands have to feel so good, and why couldn’t she pull away from him? Blaze’s gaze locked with hers making her shiver. She looked away. She knew if she let herself, she could easily become lost in his eyes.

“This is how I imagined you to be. What did they call you on Earth?”

“Callie,” she croaked. Her throat was parched.

“Callie,” he said as though testing it on his tongue. “What does that mean?”

“I’m not sure, but it’s short for Calliope. My parents were going through their Greek Literature stage when I was born.”

“Hmm, I like Calliope. It feels more majestic. Yes, that is what I shall call you.”

He kissed her again. This time it was less urgent, but just as intense. A searing heat shot through her, threatening to incinerate them both. She didn’t realize he’d lifted her off the ground until she found herself on the center of his bed, Blaze’s body covering her. His erection pressed against her, and it felt huge.

“I want to be inside of you, now. I’ve wanted it from the moment I first laid eyes on you. After this, I want no more talk of you going home. Thibius is your home, and you belong to me. You’re mine.”

His possessive words were like a bucket of cold water being thrown on her. Though her body still tingled all over, she was now in full control of her mental capabilities. “No! I don’t belong to anyone but myself.”

Blaze chuckled, throwing back his long blond hair. “That’s where you’re wrong, little Calliope. You belong to me just as surely as the stars belong to the midnight sky.”

“No! This isn’t right. You can’t own people, and you most certainly do not own me.”

His mouth tightened. Anger flared within the depth of his eyes. “You’re mine and I’ll prove it to you. Your body knows that I’m your master. It’s only your stubbornness that prevents you from admitting it.”

Pulling back just enough to stand on his knees, he ripped off the metallic panties she wore, leaving her completely naked to his gaze. Then he tore off his top in one erratic movement. Once again, fear seized her. Did he mean to rape her? She knew in his mind it wouldn’t be because he believed he had the right to take her at his leisure, but if he actually went through with this she’d hate him forever.

He shaped her breasts in his palms kissing each tight tip in turn. Callie willed her body to remain completely still. She’d be damned if he knew that she burned on the inside.

With each kiss he pressed against her skin, she fought harder not to succumb. When he moved to kiss her lips, she turned her head. This served only to infuriate him. Grasping her face in his hand, he held it still and kissed her with what seemed like everything he had. She remained absolutely still.

After what seemed like hours, he lifted his head and pulled away abruptly. “Damn you. I don’t find it necessary to rape my women.” Rolling off the bed, he strode over to the wall and pressed a couple buttons. “Tuk!” he roared.

“Sire? How may I serve you?”

“Come get this concubine now and bring me Nihira.”

“Is everything all right? Is the new slave not to your liking?” Tuk’s voice trembled through the communicator.

“Are you questioning me?”

“No, Sire. I’ll bring Nihira right away. My apologies that you’ve been displeased.”

“Just see that it’s fixed.” Blaze turned to Callie then, an unreadable expression on his face. “Do you not wish to be in my harem?”

This question took her by surprise. What was she supposed to say? That she enjoyed what he did to her body, but refused to be owned by him? She could barely make sense of these feelings herself. She tilted her chin defiantly. “I never wanted to be a part of your damned harem. I’d rather be scrubbing the floors than be degraded by you for another second.” Now why the hell did she say that?

Blaze’s eyes narrowed. “So be it.”

Gulping, Callie knew she’d sealed her fate in that moment.