The man’s lips thinned. “Once you are recovered, you may accompany Nevis on his errands outside of the manor unless you prove yourself to be untrustworthy. I doubt I need to remind you but any attempts at escape will be futile and only result in the restriction of your activities as well as just punishment. Prince Lezzker is fair. Treat him with due respect and he will return it. I do not know of the circumstances around an Aithyean becoming a slave however I would suggest you accept it and follow the boundaries set. Prove yourself trustworthy to His Highness and you will be allowed a great deal of freedom. Now, I suggest you get dressed.”   Kari chewed his lip in thought. He didn’t want this but he was relieved that they would not be watching over his shoulder every waking moment. He could play the game for now. Learn about the culture, learn how everything worked here, and bid his time. He might not have much time but he

  Kari stayed flopped on the bed while Nevis walked around the room and threw open the thick curtains.   “You should come here and check this out. You haven't seen the view yet.”   The omega looked up and saw the other slave standing in front of large windows. He beckoned him forward and Kari hauled himself off the bed before dragging his feet across the carpet towards Nevis. He realized with a start they weren’t actually windows, but doors inlaid with large glass panels that led out onto a balcony.   The beta carefully opened the door and Kari stepped out into soft afternoon sunlight. He gasped at the sight in front of him and ran to the railing to stare in wonder. He could see the yard below with people training and the stone wall surrounding the manor.   But it was the city sprawling beyond that took his breath away. The afternoon light cast the city in a warm

  That voice caused an embarrassing reaction in him when he said his name like that- like he was somehow caressing him with his words alone. He took a deep fortifying breath before jerking his gaze up to meet amused golden eyes. Curse the man, he knew exactly what he was doing to the little omega. The alpha patted his lap and Kari blanched.   He expected him to what? Sit like some pretty little doll at his lap while his so-called master worked? He caught Trois glaring at him and nudging his head from beside the desk and swallowed his pride. He wanted to argue, scream that he would not bow down but that would just make him seem more like a child in the scowling beta’s eyes. He had decided to play the game for now, right?   Gritting his teeth, Kari walked forward, feet thumping petulantly against the soft carpet.   He slowly sat on Ryedir's lap and fought down the urge to tur

  When he came around, Kari found himself lying flat on his back against something cool and hard. He opened his eyes as he forced himself to sit up and groaned at the headache thumping behind his eyes.   A bleary look around showed him what appeared to be jewelers shop and he was sitting on the polished stone floor near the back of the shop. Prue sat next to him and held out a large green, round object. The top was cut away and he could make out something fleshy and white lining the inside. Inside that appeared to be water.   “What is this?”   “It’s a coconut. This is a young one, good for drinking as it has lots of water inside. You passed out from the heat so you need to drink to make sure you recover.”   “A young coconut?” He stared down at the object in his hands in confusion.   “Coconuts are fruit. The young coconuts are green and have lots of wat

  Ryedir stared down at the dead assassin bleeding out over his plush carpet and tsked.   It had been a while since anyone had bothered to even attempt to take his life. The man was nondescript looking and the alpha knew he would have nothing on him that would point to the mastermind behind the plot. This man had been good, he had to give him credit, scaling up the side of the manor in the dim light of the early evening and even able to get a hit in on Ryedir while he was unarmed.   Although it would have been a different story had the little omega not been there, but he had not been willing to take a chance of Kari being used against him.   No, that one was a treasure of great worth- when he wasn’t being stubborn, that is.   An anguished scream tore him from his musing and Ryedir spun around with sword raised, intent on killing whoever attacked Kari. &nb