* * *
They arrived at the meal hall less than twenty minutes later. As usual, Zercy walked Alec there by his leash after they’d both gotten dressed in their new digs. Alec’s attire today? Just like that of every day; a short tunic wrap in some deep jewel tone, this one being the coolest dark, rich ruby. But just as they’d been since the first one Alec donned, each was designed somewhat differently than the last. The stitching, the neckline, the gemstones and their placement. The same went for Zercy’s garb. Nope, never once had they worn the same thing twice. Compliments, as always, of the talented Lotis.
Whom, incidentally, Alec had still yet to meet.
Leading the way, Setch and Kellim pushed through the hall’s double doors as two more royal guards pulled up the rear.
Zercy peered down at Alec as they approached the team’s table. “Are you glad to nearly be rid of me?”
Alec briefly met his gaze. A strange light gleamed in the king’s eyes. Alec looked away. “Absolutely.”
Zercy chuffed low in his throat. “You are lying again.”
Alec tamped a small chuckle. “And you’re delusional.”
“Tah. So they say.”
Alec looked at him. “Really?”
Zercy kept his eyes forward, his expression hard to read. “Some whisper that I am mad. An unsound king.”
Alec supposed that shouldn’t surprise him, since Miros had said as much, but for some reason it still did. It also unsettled him. After all, he was forced to be around Zercy continuously. Was the guy a loose cannon waiting to blow? Alec wasn’t especially keen on being collateral damage.
Thing was, despite what others thought or said, Zercy didn’t seem crazy to him. Sure, he’d initially had his reservations, but aside from that incident on the rooftop last week, Zercy always acted pretty collected. Super stressed, no question, but not off the rails. And since, unlike others, Alec spent time with him in private, he’d like to think he’d seen the real deal. Yeah, Zercy was a spoiled, haughty, confident ruler. But he was also very honest and straightforward.
What’s more—and Alec couldn’t believe he was even thinking this—apart from the fact that Zercy was holding them prisoners, he seemed otherwise of pretty good character. He didn’t abuse Alec or talk down to him and, unlike Gesh’s pack, despite his utterly extreme sexual nature, he’d never acted deviously to get in Alec’s pants. So far, the king had been patient, earnestly trying to understand Alec’s ways. And again, excluding that time on the roof, he never made Alec feel threatened.
Alec blinked from his musings. Seriously? What the hell.
No more frickin’ defending the hostage holder.
They reached his team’s table a few strides later.
Alec tipped his chin. “What’s up, guys.”
Zaden returned the gesture. “Hey, man.”
Chet grunted and half-heartedly saluted him with his cup.
Jamis swallowed what he’d been chewing. “Morning, Cap.”
Noah and Bailey still had mouthfuls though, so those two just gave a couple of nods.
Then all five men’s stares turned to the king.
Zercy offered a polite smile and unclipped Alec’s leash. “Greetings. I trust my pets are faring well?”
“Don’t you mean your prisoners?” Chet countered tersely. “And I won’t speak for them,” he jerked his chin toward the others, “but no, I’m not fucking faring well. All this Magic Kingdom captivity shit sucks.”
Bailey’s eyes flared, undoubtedly thinking the same as Alec—their hired gun loved treading on thin ice.
Noah and Jamis swapped looks.
Zaden sighed and scrubbed his face.
Mannix, however, shoved the back of Chet’s head. “Mind your mouth, or I will stuff it into silence.”
Chet shot him a glower, having nearly face-planted in a bowl of God-could-only-guess-what, and flipped the Kríe off with both bound hands.
Zercy smirked and looked at the others, dismissing Chet entirely. “You have stayed here many days now and have yet to cause me trouble. I should like to reward your good behavior.”
Bailey sat up straight, his head of dark curls subtly bouncing. “Reward?”
Jamis perked, too.
Noah looked a bit more cautious. If anyone knew not to trust Kríe, it was him.
“What kind of reward?” Alec asked, settling onto a stool.
“One I believe you will like.” Zercy turned to their chaperones. “Today, after second meal, take them into town. Let them pick out something nice from the market.”
The guards inclined their heads.
Alec’s brows rose. Seriously? The last time they’d been to a market in Kríeville was the day Gesh had taken them to the castle. Talk about a crazy-colorful walk. Every kind of species, in every imaginable shade, peddling damn near all things under the sun—er, suns. Definitely an eye opener to Nira’s spectrum of indigenous life. It’d also been a sinus opener, too. Some of the more pungent aromas wafting around had made him want to snort a vat of bleach.
But then another aspect of their stroll speared his memory. The way so many of those market goers had ogled his team. Like they wanted to skin them. Or eat them. Or fuck them. Or hell, maybe do all three at once.
He glanced at his teammates. They looked wary as well. After all, should things go south while they were out there this time, how could a couple of guards protect them from a crowd?
Zercy’s pleasant smile faded as he watched their faces. “What is wrong? Why do you frown?” He looked at Alec, confused.
“Uh…” Alec winced and scratched his cheek with bound hands. Fuck, how to explain. Why was everything so awkward?
Chet rubbed his buzz cut and shook his head.
Bailey’s knee bounced like crazy on his stool.
Zaden exhaled a curse.
Jamis fidgeted with his goblet.
And at the end of the table, Noah warily chewed his lip.
Zercy’s brows knit tighter as he waited for an answer.
Alec shifted on his stool. Balled his hands under the table. “It’s just that the last time we were out in your town, your town folk acted really freaking weird.”
Zercy crossed his arms and frowned, his bicep cuffs gleaming. “Weird in what way?”
“Like they wanted to mount us.”
Bailey nodded beside him. “Vigorously.”
“Then roast us over a fire pit,” Chet grated. “For dinner.”
Zercy stiffened, glancing quickly from one team member to the next, before cutting his golden gaze back to Alec. Intently, he regarded him, his face, his attire, as if taking him in through a different set of eyes. His expression quickly darkened, his demeanor turning possessive. Then a subtle little tick formed in his jaw.
Inclining his head, he forced a tight smile. “I see. That is unfortunate and will not happen again.” He looked at Setch and Kellim. “You will accompany them as well. See to it that each is outfitted with a cloak—one with a hood to hide their faces. If any should try to touch them without your consent, cut off their hand as a warning.”
The two Kríe nodded.
Alec’s brows hiked. Damn.
Shoulders easing, Zercy turned back. “There. It is done. No one shall mount you, vigorously or otherwise. Nor shall they eat you for dinner.”
The team exhaled as one, and despite his efforts, Alec couldn’t tamp the smile that started to form. As much as he hated to admit it, Zercy’s sense of humor amused him. Especially considering how on most occasions, Alec wasn’t sure he was even trying to be funny.
“Awesome,” Chet muttered.
Alec nodded a little. “Thanks.”
Again, the king inclined his head, but then his aide walked through the door. Zercy eyed him briefly and turned back to Alec’s team. “Duty beckons, but I look forward to seeing all of you tonight.”
Alec paused at his words. His men looked confused, too. “All of us?”
It’d always been just the two of them after dinner. Just Alec and Zercy. Alone. In Zercy’s room.
The king’s lips curved. “I did not tell you?”
Alec tensed. “Tell us what?”
“I am hosting a summit meeting. Many dignitaries are coming. As is tradition, we must celebrate their arrival.”
Bailey’s face lit up. “A party? You’re throwing a party?”
“I am. And as expected, that requires many things. Capital accommodations. The finest foods.” His gaze flashed. “Live entertainment.”
Noah eyed him suspiciously. “What kind of entertainment?”
“My very favorite. Rigorous competition.”
“Like sports.” Jamis grinned.
Chet actually smiled, too. “Hell fucking yes. What type of sports?”
“Full contact, naturally. I like my bouts lively.”
Chet grinned with a nod. “As do I.”
“Bellah. Kellim vows that you are all most agile. I have every confidence you will give us quite a show.”
Alec stiffened. “Whoa, what? But we’re just spectating… right?”
The king smirked a little. Shook his head. “Not tonight. Tonight my little pets will entertain.”
Jamis’ face fell. “Oh, shit.”
Bailey paled.
Noah swore.
But right as Alec opened his mouth to object, Chet barked out a laugh. “In your dreams.”
Zercy chuckled. “Quite hardly. I will be very much awake. As will all my captivated guests.”
Alec shook his head emphatically. “No way. We won’t do it.”
Zercy cast him a look, one that said, why be difficult? “To deny me would not be worth it. I assure you.”
Alec clenched his jaw.
“Besides,” the king continued, “you love sports, do you not? This is nothing but a glorified competition between athletes. Surely, you have as much on your Earth.”
Chet’s hard gray eyes glinted. Like he was calling to mind a memory. Of his days playing college football maybe? Back then, he must’ve competed in front of thousands. To him, tonight’s match would be nothing.
Alec frowned and looked at his co-pilot. Zaden definitely wasn’t thrilled. In fact, out of everyone, he looked the most apprehensive. Like he suspected there was more to this than just a simple match. And he was probably right. These Kríe were all dubious motherfuckers.
Alec turned back to Zercy.
The king smiled. “It will be fun.”
“Define fun,” Alec deadpanned.
Zercy all but rolled his eyes. “Enjoy your outing to the market, pets. If something pleases you, it is yours. No price is too high.” He turned on his heel, but briefly glanced back. “Tonight I expect a superlative performance. Do not disappoint me in front of my guests.”
* * *
“It is time. You have bathed long enough. Get out.”
Alec peered up at Mannix as the guard gestured impatiently. “What’s the rush? We were told the festivities didn’t start ‘til dark.”
The big Kríe crossed his arms. Gave a nod. “That is true, but first you must be properly prepared.”
Zaden frowned, wading next to Alec. “Prepared?”
“Tah. And with so many of you, that will take much time.”
A few feet away, the trio traded looks.
“Prepared how?” Noah asked, tucking a wet lock behind his ear, his blond hair a shade darker now that it was wet.
Setch smirked, chiming in, “You are going to Lotis, so to know is impossible. His creations are different every time.”
The other guards nodded, a spark of anticipation in their eyes, like they couldn’t wait to see the male’s next wonder.
“Outstanding,” Chet muttered. “Guess that means a simple jersey’s out of the question.”
The Kríe chuffed at that, grins lighting their dark features.
“Nothing Lotis does is ever simple,” Setch explained. “I do not think he understands the concept.”
Bailey shrugged, his dark curls dripping against his face. “He makes our clothes, right? And they’re not so bad. Tonight’s getups will probably just be fancier.”
“Fancier,” Chet intoned, his voice beyond flat. “I don’t love the sound of that.”
“Esh. It is what the king will like that matters,” Mannix rumbled. “Your opinion makes no difference. Now get out.”
Alec exhaled and headed for the large bath’s steps. “Come on, people. No point in speculating. Let’s just get this shit over with.”
Zaden plodded along beside him. “Remind me again why we agreed to this? There’s no way this thing’s just a sporting event.”
Alec met his friend’s dark gaze, but then looked away and sighed. “Because according to Kellim, Zercy said he’d separate us. Keep us isolated from each other indefinitely.”
Zaden didn’t reply to that, nor argue Alec’s decision. Not that Alec was surprised. Aside from his total respect for authority, Zaden understood that they needed to stay together. That at the end of the day, that was the most important thing.
Truth be told, if it ever came down to it, each of his men would unquestionably choose physical punishment over being disbanded as a team. But physical punishment hadn’t been a choice they’d been given—because Zercy was shrewd and knew Alec’s weakness. His deep-seated sense of responsibility to watch over his team, to keep his men close at all times.
Granted, Zaden and Chet would undoubtedly be fine, but the trio? They were younger, and smaller, and less street smart. And Alec had pledged to keep them safe. In a way, he kind of felt like their big brother.
Besides, strength in numbers and all that shit. As long as they stuck together, they’d be fine.
Exiting the water, Alec briskly dried off, then headed over with the others to grab his clothes. But Mannix blocked their path and shook his head.
“Mah. You do not need your garments. Leave them here.”
Great. Déjà vu. The last time Alec departed from the bath house in just a towel, he’d been taken to Sirus for that exam. Unease washed over him at the mere fucking memory.
Still clutching his swath of terry cloth, he tried to tie it around his hips, but discovered that was impossible without free hands. Looked like all he’d be wearing were cuffs and a collar. Frowning, he glanced at his men. They weren’t happy either. Which made sense since they were in the same boat.
“Whatever.” He brushed it off in an attempt to ease their anxiety. “We’ll be putting on different stuff in a minute anyway.”
Chet scowled and finished drying, but didn’t say a word. Probably figured, what was the use at this point. The others followed suit and, just like that, both man and Kríe were filing out the door.
Deep, pulsing, otherworldly music met Alec’s ears, coming from the front of the castle. The festivities must’ve begun while they’d been in the bath house. Guess all the guests had arrived.
Zaden fell in step beside him, swiping black bangs from his eyes. “If memory serves, this guy’s bottega is just up ahead. One of the places we didn’t get to see during the tour.”
Alec nodded, his gaze straying toward the windows on their left. The suns were setting, the sky’s hues turning harsher. Burnt orange and deep mulberry, not the lemon tangerine that had kept things bright for their journey into town.
And man, what an excursion that turned out to be. Talk about sensory overload. It hadn’t taken long for them to reach the place on foot, and the trek itself had definitely been colorful—odd structures, strange faces, exceptionally small Nirans that he ultimately concluded were little tykes. But once they arrived at the bustling market? All five senses, instantly bombarded.
Lord almighty. He’d forgotten how crazy that place was. As stressed as he’d been when they’d first come with Gesh, his brain must’ve blocked the worst out. Fuck, the smells, the sounds, the sights. All the things the natives were selling. And doing.
Yeah. Bizarre behavior. Some were downright disturbing. One dude they came upon was openly giving his pal head by literally sucking on his head. And not the little head presumably between his legs. The big bald one propped atop his shoulders. Which, yeah, meant the giver had one really big mouth. And one seriously double-jointed jaw. No joke, his lips were stretched down over the dude’s eyes. Baldie’s mouth was still visible though, and hanging wide open as he grunted and groaned in shameless bliss.
Fortunately, Zercy’s guards were experts at maneuvering and got the team to suitable tents in decent time—suitable, meaning tents selling less-outlandish wares. At that point, their chaperones had given them some space, allowing them to roam freely between stands. After all, their wrists were still securely bound. Their cloak sleeves merely hid them from view.
The hoods of their cloaks hid their faces nicely, too. And thank fucking shit balls for that. Because while most of the natives looked relatively non-threatening—some, he had to admit, were even attractive—there were definitely others who were hideously intimidating. So, to stay off their grid had been priceless.
Ultimately, every team member tracked down something he liked. The trio grabbed a bunch of potted plants to study, along with more leather-bound journals for their notes. No surprise, really. The ones Ryze had given them were maxed out, and they’d only freaking been there a week.
Chet’s final selection had been more of a negotiation. After Mannix had repeatedly thwarted his efforts to buy weapons, Chet irritably settled for some bronze bicep cuffs. Not a bad alternative, in Alec’s opinion. The things were badass.
Zaden scored a Niran-style compass and a map of the region, which Setch initially looked hesitant about. Two seconds later though, his Kríe arrogance must have kicked in, because he promptly lifted his chin and gave a nod.
Ultimately, Alec chose a map of sorts, too. A star map, from Nira’s perspective. The moment he’d laid eyes on it, it instantly captivated him. Such a different expanse than from Earth’s viewpoint. Of course, in all his travels, he’d seen countless regions of stars, but to behold one so artistically depicted on alien parchment? It was beautiful in a way that had called to his soul. He hadn’t been able to resist.
Alec pulled himself from his musings. The two Kríe leading them through the castle had come to a stop. They’d arrived at Lotis’ studio. He glanced forward and regarded the ornate double doors. Meticulously engraved into the image of an exotic landscape, they were unique from all the others around the palace. Alec wondered if Lotis had carved them himself.
Setch gave the things a rap with his big dark knuckles. A moment later, they swung open wide. Alec eyed the Kríe in the threshold. Looked kind of normal for an artist.
“We have brought Lotis his subjects,” Setch informed the male. “Is he ready?”
Ah, okay. So this guy wasn’t him.
The Kríe regarded Alec’s team, then gestured with his chin. “Tah. Ready and waiting. Bring them in.”
Setch and Kellim led the way into the unfamiliar space. Alec glanced around. The room was spacious, but also kind of dark. Made sense, though. Every wall of the enclosure was internal. Meaning, the light their windows provided was basically second-hand sun filtering in from the corridors. Which explained the abundance of candles in every direction; flickering in wall sconces, burning in candelabras.
And there were definitely a ton, since the room was as big as the bath house. As big, but divided into sections. One clearly for painting, another for sculpting. Unsurprisingly, he spotted a sewing corner, too. The place where, no doubt, the king’s digs were fashioned—the king’s, as well as all of Alec’s team’s.
They reached the back of the workshop and slowed to a halt, where Alec finally got his first look at their host. Standing with some others beside a row of six small platforms, Lotis gestured as he rattled off instructions.
But Alec knew it was him despite his litany of directives. The giveaway was the Kríe’s eccentric air. Alec took the guy in, his presence so different from the others. Not in the sense that he wasn’t a ripped, seven-foot giant, because just like every Kríe, he absolutely was. Everything else though, oozed artisan chic. His appearance a work of art in its own right.
Alec took in his ponytail, captivated by the colors, his velvet dreads painted an array of rich jewel tones. Deep ruby, purple onyx, midnight emerald, burnished gold. His horns were striped in gold, too, and his eyes were painted as well. Outlined, like an Egyptian’s, in thick black kohl.
Predictably, his outfit was just as unique. Not the typical tunic or wrap regularly seen around the castle. His looked more like a skimpy little toga. Just a dark, iridescent strip of satin draped over one shoulder, secured by a thick gilded belt. From there, the swath continued to form one hell of a mini man-skirt, showing more leg than even Alec’s getups.
His footwear looked like a hybrid of leg-wrap sandals and knee-high boots. Above them, golden bands wrapped around his thighs. A matching set hugged his biceps and, encircling each wrist, was a big badass gem-studded cuff.
Lotis glanced their way, then stilled. Guess he was seeing them for the first time, too. Approval gleamed in his eyes. “Bellah. You are here.” He approached with a smile and immediately started circling. Like a big curious shark taking them in. “Tah,” he rumbled. “Lovely. The king was right.”
“The king,” Chet muttered, “can kiss my lovely—Hey!”
Alec glanced over in time to catch Lotis squeezing Chet’s ass.
“Smooth and firm.” Lotis nodded. “The perfect canvas.”
Chet whirled around and glared. “Keep your purple paws off me.”
Lotis cocked a brow, studying him, then glanced at the guards.
Setch chuckled. “We think perhaps he is defective.”
Chet shot him a glower. “I’ll show you defective.”
Mannix shoved his head. “Esh. Be quiet.”
Chet bristled and got in his grill.
“Leave it alone, Chet,” Alec bit out. “I’m not in the mood.” Standing naked in that strange room wasn’t helping.
Chet grumbled but stepped back.
Lotis resumed his perusal—prodding pecs, inspecting torsos, fingering Bailey’s head of curls. A smile curved his lips. He turned to the guards. “Remove their collars and secure them. It is time to begin.”
Alec tensed. Secure them? But their hands were already bound.
Setch unlatched his collar and took his arm. “Nenya.” He led him to one of the platforms, then ushered him up its three steps to the top.
Alec glanced at his men. They were mounting their stands, too. Setch lifted his tied wrists above his head. Alec peered up and spotted an iron hook.
Shit. He instinctively tried to pull away. “Wait. Aren’t we just getting dressed? What are you doing?”
“Kerra, moyo.” Relax. “This is just to keep your arms out of the way.” He attached Alec’s cuffs, then dropped down off the stand. “And this is to ensure full access to your legs.” Gripping Alec’s ankles, he spread his feet wide. Alec stiffened as he latched them to the platform.
“This isn’t really necessary. I can stand like this on my own.”
Setch grinned and looked up at him. “Lotis likes his art contained.”
“Great,” Alec muttered. Now they were art. He didn’t want to know what that entailed.
Lotis joined them a moment later, with five helpers by his side. “Since there are six of you and only one of me, I have recruited some of my pupils to assist.” He stepped to a table just a few feet away and picked up what looked like a plasma gun.
Alec froze at the sight of it. All rounded and fat, it had a distinct pistol shape. That and an obvious trigger. What the fuck was it? And more importantly, what was its function? Made of metal, but with an odd organic presence about it too, its steampunk vibe reminded him of Sirus. Alec wondered if he’d made it for Lotis.
Lotis gathered a few more from the table’s mess of tools and handed one to each of his aides. Cocking his own, he turned and strode to Alec, the top of his head only reaching Alec’s shoulders.
His golden gaze met Alec’s. “You are Zercy’s chosen, yes?”
Shit, how’d he know? And honestly, why was that even relevant?
Jaw clenched, Alec nodded.
Lotis grinned. “Bellah kai. Zercy asked me to attend to you personally.”
“Ah. Lucky me,” Alec mumbled under his breath.
Lotis lifted his device. “Now remain very still.”
Riiight.
Alec nervously eyed his weird gun.
But when Lotis aimed it at his thigh and readied to squeeze the trigger, Alec panicked, twisting away. “Wait! What are you doing?”
Lotis chuffed in amusement. “Reesha tay.” I will not harm you. He gestured to his tool. “This is just paint.”
“Oh.” Alec sighed in relief. But then he stilled. “Paint? Whoa, wait. You’re gonna paint us?”
“Christ,” Chet muttered a couple platforms down. “This shit just gets better and better.”
Lotis’ big eyes glittered. “We are indeed. The king is going to love you. Now be still.”
Alec quieted with a sigh. No point in delaying the inevitable. It wasn’t like body paint posed much of a threat.
Before too long, he found himself utterly engrossed, his gradual transformation straight-up fascinating. For all intents and purposes, the Kríe were airbrushing their bodies, covering them with a thin sheen of black. Every single inch, minus their faces, chests, and stomachs. Thankfully, their junk got skipped over, too.
Finished with step one, Lotis switched out his colors, resuming with a warm shade of gray. On the light side, though, like river stones, not too dark. Coating the front of Alec’s torso, then his palms and the soles of his feet.
He switched to a deeper shade of gray not long after and began the painstaking task of body contouring. Darkening Alec’s nipples. Defining each pectoral. Skillfully accentuating each muscle of his abs. By the time Lotis was done, Alec had to admit, his six pack had never looked so ripped.
Lotis stepped back and regarded him. “You are coming along nicely.” He glanced at Alec’s team. “As are your men.”
Alec shifted against his binds. “Guess that means you’re not done.” His skin felt tight, but not as much as he’d expected. Like he was wearing a snug body suit more so than paint.
Lotis set down his airbrush gun. “Eetay.” Soon. He glanced around. “But first you must put on your garments.”
Alec’s insides lit instantly. He glanced down at his cock, still bare and hanging limp against the black. He’d been hoping its untouched state meant he’d get to wear clothes, why paint it after all, if it’d be covered. But until this moment, he hadn’t been sure. He exhaled. Thank God. Because while facing a crowd nude would suck, facing them with only his goods unpainted seemed far worse.
Although, now that he thought about it… Alec peered down over his shoulder. If unpainted parts meant they’d ultimately be covered, then why had Lotis bothered with his ass? And not just with a cursory drive-by spritz. That Kríe had spread his cheeks and airbrushed his fucking crack.
Lotis opened a small chest on the table. “I finished these yesterday, fashioned them carefully from enyids.” He reached in and smiled, as if touching them brought him pleasure. “Pliant and thick, yet soft like a flower petal. A second skin you will relish.” He pulled one out.
Alec eyed the black scrap. It was tiny. He frowned. Surely that wasn’t their attire.
Lotis held it up proudly for the whole team to see.
“Aw, fuck,” Alec groaned. It looked like a toddler-size jockstrap.
Chet reared back, balking incredulously. “That’s our garment?”
Jamis squinted and leaned forward. “Can barely see it.”
Zaden cursed and closed his eyes.
Bailey grimaced. “That ain’t right.”
Noah, however, just coughed a tight laugh. Like maybe he wore that kind of shit already.
“Lotis,” Alec finally groused. “That thing’s way too small. No way it’s gonna cover up our junk.”
Lotis’ grin turned smug. “You think not? Let us see.” He returned to Alec’s platform and unlatched his ankle cuffs. Then he held the thing by Alec’s feet. “Step inside.”