I held my breath along with the court and every slave in the room.
Jucai's body was tense, every muscle bulging and the cords in his neck standing out. No one would be happy after someone dumped hot food on their most sensitive bits. But he took a deep breath, and his shoulders relaxed. Calm, he helped the woman to her feet. My breath whooshed out of me in relief. Then Jucai went beyond what I'd hoped.
“Shh, now.” He stroked her tentacles until they uncurled. “It was an accident. It's all right.”
“Your Majesty is too kind!” she wailed. “I hurt you. That's unforgivable.”
“Nonsense.” He walked her down the dais steps and over to some waiting slaves. “Help her to her room. She needs to rest.”
“Yes, Sire.” The two Kaikeyo women helped their friend through the doorway into the kitchen.
Other slaves rushed forward to clean the mess on the floor.
The King spread his arms and faced the room. “I think this is a sign to undress!”
The courtiers laughed, the room exploding with the sound, and the slaves went back to their duties, everyone clearly relieved.
“Someone bring me some pants!” Jucai shouted as he climbed the steps.
Before sitting down, he kicked off his slippers and removed his pants (the King didn't wear underwear). His tunic covered his manhood, but his shapely legs were on display. Despite the table, with its front panel covering the King's state of undress, his fellow Sea Dragons called out lewd suggestions, urging him to make use of his nudity and his handsome guest.
I am not a man who blushes, but under the focus of an entire court, that is exactly what I did. In my defense, these people were sex-starved, and their suggestions were not only detailed but also creative. Very creative. Many of them involved food.
I put my fork down.
Chuckling, the King slid closer, moving his hand behind my back. “I think you should give in and bend over the table. It's the only way to quiet them.”
I looked at him with wide eyes.
Jucai laughed harder.
“Was that a joke?” I whispered.
“Of course.” He kissed my cheek. “I know touching me earlier was a strain on your sensibilities. I wouldn't push you past what you're comfortable with, Nadar. And if I do, tell me to stop. I do not wish to force you into anything.”
I gaped at him, shocked yet again. “Thank you.”
“Don't thank me.” Jucai leaned back to face me better. “You shouldn't have to thank me for common courtesy.”
“No, I shouldn't. I suppose the environment here has made me feel pressured. I was relieved to hear that you don't expect this sort of behavior from me.”
He stroked back my hair and nuzzled my cheek. “As much as I want to take you here and let my court see that you are mine, I like that you refuse to share our sex with them. It reminds me of the past, when we were not so . . .”
“Randy?” I suggested.
Jucai grinned. “Yes, not so randy.” Then his grin vanished. “Have we made you uncomfortable? We don't have to dine here again.”
“No, this is what I'm here for—to learn about you and your people.”
“Well, in that case, you should fully immerse yourself.” He glanced pointedly at his cock. When I scowled, he laughed again. “I enjoy teasing you.” Once more, he whispered in my ear. “When I get you back to your room, I'm going to push you against the glass wall and fuck you in front of the fish.”
I chuckled. “Are you such an exhibitionist that you must find an audience even if they are uninterested?”
“I am acclimating you to our ways.” He winked.
I stared at him, unsure if that had been a joke too. It certainly seemed as if Jucai had been subtly influencing me. Bantar had only been the start. If that was his plan, he was brilliant, and I had met my match. I didn't like that possibility. Often, I wasn't the most powerful man in the room, but I consoled myself with the knowledge that I was the smartest. Being the smartest sometimes makes you the most powerful.
I couldn't let Jucai take my power.
