* * *
“That was, by far,” Alec wiped at his tongue, “the most disgusting thing I have ever put in my mouth.”
Zercy stifled a chuckle as they exited the kitchen. “My pet is so uncultured. That was a delicacy.”
“Ah, no,” Alec laughed. “That was cruel and unusual punishment.”
Zercy grinned. “Next time we will find something you like.”
Alec eyed him suspiciously. “I think I’ll pass.”
Although in fairness, most of the foods he’d just sampled were okay, each specifically picked out by Zercy himself. He’d seemed almost excited to introduce Alec to his favorite dishes. Most were seafood, but one had definitely reminded Alec of dark chocolate.
Honestly, it’d been a pretty enlightening session. Alec had to admit, he’d learned quite a bit. After all, at most meals he had no clue what he was eating. Which wasn’t to say he hadn’t ever asked. Because he had, as had pretty much everyone on his team, but the answers they were given clarified nothing. And honestly, why would they? They didn’t know Kríe terminology. Ryze had only taught them the basics where food was concerned. Fortunately, most of the stuff was pretty tolerable.
Not the case just a few minutes ago, but eh, whatever. Aside from the thing he’d just put in his mouth—that looked like an olive but tasted like unholy pickled death—the day with Zercy so far had been good. The king had taken him on an excursion along the mountain range, with his convoy of guards keeping out of sight.
Alec had to admit, it was nice having it feel like just the two of them. Zercy seemed to like it, too, and stayed in good spirits. That they were engaging in his favorite pastime probably helped. Hunting. Not a surprise. Zercy’s skills, however, had been a shocker. Shit, just watching him in action had been incredible.
When Alec could keep up with him, that is. Not an easy fucking feat. Mostly he just hung back in the branches above, watching the agile king take down his prey. And those creatures weren’t little. They hadn’t been out there for rabbits. Alec even got to witness Zercy hunting a koosa. Man, the way he’d moved like a wraith in the trees. That beast in the brush never knew what hit it.
Afterwards, Zercy had ordered his guards to haul his quarry back, specifically directing them to bring the koosa to Lotis. Alec hadn’t asked the whys of that even though he was curious. Was Zercy giving it to the Kríe as some kind of gift? The question had lingered in Alec’s mind ever since; on their hike back to the castle, as they cleaned up in the bath house. Even during their visit to the kitchen.
Alec didn’t know why. He shouldn’t care in the slightest. And yet for some reason, he did. But shit, knowing Zercy was giving that koosa to Lotis? His most relished trophy of the day while hunting with Alec? It just felt wrong. Made Alec’s gut feel all sludgy. Made him want to punch frickin’ Lotis in the face.
Unhurriedly, they made their way down the center corridor, passing countless nobles as they walked. To some, Zercy inclined his head. To others, he didn’t. Alec wondered if those who made the cut were his friends. Maybe they were simply higher born.
What was Lotis to the king? a voice inside his head wondered. Why would Zercy gift him his prized catch instead of Alec?
Irritated that he was irritated, Alec eyed Zercy as they walked. Just ask him and be done with it. “I have a question.”
Zercy slowed and peered down at him. “Tah? Let us hear it.”
“Why did you give Lotis that koosa?”
“Because I—” Zercy paused, then promptly pulled to a stop. Turning to Alec, he canted his head. “Why do you ask?”
Alec shrugged, stopping too. “I dunno. Just thought it was weird.”
Zercy’s eyes flickered. “Weird how?”
Alec looked away. Chewed on his cheek. “Because he wasn’t even there. Had no part in its capture.”
He could feel Zercy’s golden gaze studying his face.
“You feel I should have given it to you.”
Alec’s stomach clenched. He frowned. “No… I just… thought it was weird.”
“Alick,” Zercy rumbled. His timbre had softened.
Alec looked at him.
Zercy smiled a little, then curled a finger under Alec’s chin. “Lotis is my friend, so yes, I like to give him gifts.”
Alec’s chest tightened. “Define friends.”
Zercy thought for a moment. “One whom I care for.”
That clarified nothing. Was he trying to dodge? Ugh. Why did Alec even fucking care? He tried to look away, but Zercy firmly held his chin.
“He is not my lover,” he murmured. “Only you are this to me.”
Alec stilled at his words—God, they felt way too good—but searched Zercy’s eyes for deception.
A small grin tugged on Zercy’s lips. “I did not give that koosa to Lotis. I had it brought to him so he could make use of its hide.”
Oh.
Well, now Alec felt like a moron.
His cheeks warmed. “Ah. Yeah. I guess that makes sense.”
Zercy released his chin and fondled his lobe instead. “I have him making something. For you.”
What? Alec’s heart skipped a beat. “For me?”
“Of course.” He smirked playfully. “You played a part. You were there.”
Brat. Alec fought really hard not to grin. Zercy was mocking him for his show of jealousy. Which Alec couldn’t believe he’d exhibited. What in the flying fuck was wrong with him?
Chuffing, Zercy turned and resumed their stroll. Alec silently fell in beside him. But before long, he noticed they were nearing those double doors. That closed-off, guarded entrance to the courtyard.
He eyed the bronze panels, so painstakingly crafted, explicitly designed to capture one’s attention. Capture it, then demand their full reverence as they entered. As they stepped into the mysterious space beyond.
His pulse spiked. What was in there? More than benches and grass, he was sure. A place of worship? Some sacrificial altar where things were slaughtered? He couldn’t stand the not knowing. He needed to see!
Strides slowing, his brain churned as he debated another attempt. Another stab at trying to get Zercy to spill. A lot had happened since the last time he’d inquired about the place. They’d connected more. Zercy was even showing signs of real trust. Would he confide in Alec this time, if Alec asked?
Only one way to find out. And honestly, what’d he have to lose? The king would either say okay and let him in on the secret, or he wouldn’t, and things would stay the way they were.
They readied to pass the entrance not five seconds later. Alec bit the bullet and pulled up on the brakes.
Zercy paused too, and looked at him.
Alec glanced at the doors.
Zercy stiffened and narrowed his eyes. “Why have you stopped?”
Alec scratched his cheek. Shifted his feet. Tentatively gestured to the entrance. “’Cause I was hoping that maybe you’d show me inside?”
Zercy shook his head. “Mah.”
“Why?”
“The courtyard is off limits.”
Alec held his gaze, unwilling to give up so fast. “Please?”
Zercy crossed his arms, bicep cuffs gleaming, and growled tightly, “Mah.”
“Aw, come on.” Alec waved at the door in frustration. “Not knowing, not understanding what’s behind there? It’s stressing me out. All I’m asking for is a peek. We don’t have to go inside.” Imploring Zercy with his eyes, he murmured, “Please?”
The king didn’t respond. God, his whole frame looked tense. But as he flicked a wary look at the huge elaborate panels, Alec swore he saw a glimpse of indecision. As if a part of Zercy wanted to give Alec what he wished for. And not just that, but share with him his troubles.
Alec’s chest squeezed at the prospect, that Zercy would want to confide in him, about something that obviously tormented him deeply. Because of one thing Alec was certain, what laid behind those doors was tragic. Tragic, but also still critically imperative.
Which, in turn, made Alec restless as shit.
Problem was, in order to evade any possible dangers, he had to know what the fuck he was dealing with. He had a responsibility to his team. He couldn’t just ignore this. Besides, who knew? Maybe he could help Zercy fix it.
But right as Zercy looked like he was ready to consent, Alec noticed a torrent of movement in his periphery. He looked in its direction. Down at the far end of the corridor, several armed Kríe herded a line of disgruntled captives. Deeply-tanned males with long blond hair, bound at throat and wrist—like Alec’s team had been.
Alec tensed in remembrance. “Who are they?”
Zercy looked their way and glowered. Even his ears twitched. “They are prisoners.”
Alec watched as they stopped at the tower’s stairwell door. The Kríe were taking them down to the dungeon. But why so many? And why just that particular species?
Alec stilled. The day his team first arrived, Zercy mentioned something that Alec had forgotten all about. His plans to use them for labor—before Gesh swayed him into making them pets.
He frowned, doing more math. All that clanking en route to Ryze’s. The guards had said the noise was coming from prisoners. Had those prisoners been captured, just like these guys? Or for that matter, just like Alec’s team?
Dread filled his gut. These males weren’t dungeon-bound to do jail time. They were going to the tunnels. To work.
Turning, he glared at Zercy. “Prisoners? Are you sure you don’t mean slaves?”
A shadow fell over Zercy’s features. “They are that also.”
One of the armed Kríe turned and briskly approached. “My lord.” He stopped a few yards away. “The newest wave has arrived and is ready for inspection.”
Zercy shifted his weight. He actually looked uncomfortable.
Good. He fucking should. This shit was deplorable.
“Take them down. I will check each one later.”
“Right away, my lord.” The Kríe pivoted and headed back.
Alec stared at Zercy crossly. In truth though, he didn’t know all the facts. God, let him be wrong. Let this not be what it seemed. So badly, he wanted to give him the benefit of a doubt.
“Are they guilty of crimes?” he prompted. He needed answers.
“In a manner of speaking.”
“So, they’re criminals. They broke the law.”
Zercy clenched his jaw. Averted his gaze. “In accordance to their actions, I have ordered their capture. Now, to pay for their transgressions, they are my slaves.”
Alec frowned. Zercy’s explanation sounded dubious at best. His stomach fisted tight. Anxiety washed through his system. Was Zercy not the male Alec thought him to be? Did he have a malevolent side Alec didn’t know about?
His heart thumped uneasily. “What did they do?”
Something flashed in Zercy’s eyes, a fleeting glimpse of raw emotion. His jaw ticked. His ears twitched again. “Not your concern.”
Alec shifted on his feet. The dread in his stomach was getting stronger. “That Kríe said ‘the newest wave.’ How many ‘waves’ are there gonna be?”
“Again, not your concern.”
Alec’s agitation spiked. “So many, you don’t wanna say? What, are you rounding up a whole fucking tribe?”
Zercy shot him a look, dark energy pulsing off his frame.
Alec frowned. “Why keep them as slaves? Why not just punish them in your torture chamber? Then let ‘em fucking go and be done with it?”
Zercy growled through gritted teeth. “Because I need them to—” He stopped. Breathing deeply, he resumed. “Because I need them.”
“For what?”
“To mine.”
Alec blinked, then balked. “As in, for gold and jewels and shit?”
Zercy chuckled sardonically. “Mah. What they mine is much more precious.”
Alec stared at him, his reality of the king wholly upended. Zercy was using those males for his own fucking gain. What’s worse, they were all probably innocent. Falsely accused to justify Zercy’s actions.
Alec couldn’t believe it. Although why, he had no clue. Kríe had always proven themselves to be bastards. Why on earth would the king of Kríe be any better?
He wouldn’t.
So, why then was Alec so dismayed? Because he’d wanted Zercy to be different. A male with decency. And morals. And heart. A male who was intrinsically good. But the atrocities taking place in the mines down below? That wasn’t good.
That was fucking inexcusable.
Fists clenched, Alec felt his blood starting to boil, reminded of his own damn predicament. “They’re innocent,” he muttered, glaring up at the king. “And you’re holding them against their will. Like my team.”
Zercy stiffened, as if stung by his words. He searched Alec’s eyes. “You would think so little of me? They are far from innocent. And you… I want only to keep you safe.”
“Right. Lucky me,” Alec bit out. The subject still chafed. “But unlike me, they’re gonna spend the rest of their lives under a mountain—slaving away just to make you fucking rich!” He shouted the last word.
Zercy bristled, then shook his head. “You are wrong, Alick. They are guilty. And their punishment is just.” His eyes narrowed, looking not just uber-angry, but offended. “When have you ever seen me treat others unfairly?”
Alec couldn’t think of anything off the top of his head, but Zercy’s refusal to give details didn’t sit well. It made him look like the guilty one, not those males. “Then what was their crime?” Alec demanded, getting frustrated.
Zercy clenched his jaw. “This is something I do not want to discuss.”
Goddamnit. More dodging!
“Why? Because there isn’t any crime? Or maybe you need more time to come up with a believable lie.”
“Unlike you, I do not lie! I have been honest with you always!”
“Then just tell me! What’d they do that was so fucking bad?”
“The unspeakable!”
“That tells me nothing!”
Zercy vibrated from head to toe. “I am not the villain in this.”
“Maybe not. But you’re the slave holder. Not quite fucking sure which one is worse.”
Seething, Zercy furiously pointed a claw toward the stairwell. “Those hell spawn, those Tohrí, they—” Stopping short, he bared his teeth. Then, abruptly, his fiery expression turned to stone. “You criticize me, judge me,” he muttered, dropping his hand, “on matters you know nothing about.”
God, he sounded pissed, in a detached sort of way. But underneath his chilly front, he also sounded hurt. Alec’s insides shifted anxiously. Had he somehow read this wrong? But how? What could possibly justify slavery?
“Then explain it,” he urged. “‘Cause, damn it, none of this makes sense.”
Zercy crossed his arms again, and this time his body language was clear. He’d just distanced himself. Proverbially stepped out of reach. “There is unrest in the kingdom. Something terrible has happened. An offence against my people that still continues.”
“What offense? Zercy, tell me,” Alec all but implored.
“Why? So you can condemn me all over again? Denounce me when you have not borne my burden?”
Alec shook his head. “No. I’m just trying to under—”
“Mah,” Zercy cut him off. “Your eyes have said it all already. To you, I am the monster. But I assure you of this; there are monsters far more heinous than me.” Resentment darkened his features. He lifted his chin. “The things that I do, I do for my kingdom. If that means that I am evil, then I am evil.”
Alec stared at him, at an utter and total loss for what to think. Zercy’s tone held such conviction. And absolutely no apology. Whatever was happening, he believed his choices were valid.
Why wouldn’t that stubborn Kríe just fucking level with him?
Exhaling, Alec rubbed his brow, then gestured toward the stairwell. “Look, where I come from, forced servitude is wrong. In fact, in most places it’s a crime. So forgive me if I’m struggling to see the honor in what you’re doing. If you’d just tell me what’s—”
“I am king!” Zercy exploded. “I explain myself to no one!”
Alec quieted.
Zercy stared at him. Several moments ticked by. “You do not see me,” he finally muttered, “though I stand right before you.”
Alec frowned, his stomach twisting.
Zercy turned to one of his guards. “We are done here. Take him to his team.”
* * *
This was bullshit. Total bullshit.
Alec scowled and made another lap. Sometime during the last twenty minutes, he’d begun to absently pace, growing more and more restless by the second. He’d hung with his men for the rest of the day, then was taken back to his room well over an hour ago. And still, Zercy had yet to return. Typically, he retired for the night soon after suns down. But it was pitch black out, meaning he was still pissed off at Alec.
Which, again, was total bullshit. Alec hadn’t done anything wrong. Zercy was the one with the slaves.
Dragging a hand through his hair, he pivoted once more, wearing a track in the slate floor by the fireplace. Fucking hell. He hated Zercy’s hot-and-cold behavior. It threw him off balance. Made him restless.
He eyed the room’s wet bar. He could really use a drink. Preferably, one that’d put him on his ass. The last time he’d gotten drunk was back on Astrum Industries’ space station, just a few nights before they disembarked. His team had been celebrating. They’d scored the coveted trip to Nira, with the adventure of a lifetime just days away. All the teams had wanted it, but it was his who’d won the jackpot.
If only he’d known then what he knew now…
Alec frowned and headed for the libations. In truth, it might not’ve made a difference, since their quest’s conclusion was still unknown. The outcome just might make it all worth it.
And honestly, he couldn’t exactly say he hated it here.
At least not vehemently.
It had its positives.
Alec reached for a decanter of deep amethyst liquid. He’d never tried that one before. Please let it be potent. So far, the others had proven pretty tame. Which was fine, but tonight he wanted something that’d knock him sideways, so he could pass out and stop stressing over Zercy.
Pouring himself a gobletful, he took a hardy swig. A growl of approval climbed up his throat. Tasted like cherries and amaretto. He took a larger swallow, then chugged the rest and poured another. Maybe if he was lucky, he’d finally found a winner. The equivalent of hard liquor. Or Valium.
He brought the stuff back to his lips and got busy, but still Zercy stayed lodged in his mind. It was crazy, how that fucker had somehow managed to turn the tables, making Alec the one to feel guilty. But Alec wasn’t the one with slaves, goddamnit. He shouldn’t feel bad. He’d merely fucking called Zercy out.
But he did feel bad. Because he’d clearly hurt the guy. Assuming the worst without hearing all the facts. But he had slaves! How many facts did one really fucking need?
And yet, Alec sensed deep in the core of his being that there was so much more going on than he realized. Things that would explain Zercy’s actions. His motives. The reason he’d embraced such brutish ways. Although, Alec did sense that Zercy didn’t particularly relish it.
Pets, ironically, he seemed to like just fine.
Alec’s heart thumped. His stomach clenched. Because, in fairness, he’d gotten the impression early on that Zercy didn’t keep pets typically, either. That Alec was an exception. An impulsive indulgence. AKA a needed distraction.
To you, I am the monster. But I assure you of this; there are monsters far more heinous than me.
Alec stared at his goblet, contemplating the king’s words. Who were these ‘more heinous monsters’? Clearly, Zercy was in contention with them. Were they somehow connected to what he was dealing with?
Alec scrubbed his face. Maybe Zercy was just being metaphorical. Referring to that sickness as a monster. Was there a plague running rampant? Was it somehow inside the courtyard?
Possibly, but that didn’t explain why Zercy felt the need for slaves. Specifically, of that one particular species. Tohrí, Zercy had called them. Hell, he’d practically spat their name. Were they tied to the sickness? Did he blame them for spreading it? No. No way. If that were the case, Zercy wouldn’t want them anywhere near his castle. Or contaminating whatever it was they were mining.
Which, of course, gave way to yet another unanswered question—what in the hell Zercy was excavating.
Alec scowled and took another swig of his drink. All this not fucking knowing was driving him crazy. He needed to stop thinking about it. Right freaking now.
And what do you know, perfect timing; his muscles had started to tingle. Surely a promising sign. And a godsend. He upturned his goblet and chugged the rest, then poured one more and glanced at the door.
Screw it. He was done waiting for that crab ass to show. He was going to go and sleep off this funk.
But as he turned with cup in hand and slowly ambled toward the bed, his insides turned all dejected and heavy. He hated that this day had ended on such a fucked-up note. Until those last minutes, his time with Zercy had been awesome. Easily one of the best days he’d had in ages. They’d had fun together and had been headed to the castle’s history museum when everything had suddenly decided to detour south.
Alec grumbled as he climbed through the wall nest’s opening, careful not to spill his ticket-to-oblivion. He’d really been looking forward to chilling out in there with Zercy. Would’ve learned so much more about him, simply by the things he naturally gravitated to. What interested him. What mattered to him. More priceless clues to Zercy’s riddle.
Setting his drink down on the wrap-around headboard, Alec parked it on his ass and slowly sighed. Who was he kidding? He wouldn’t be able to fall asleep. He chugged a few more gulps. Well, maybe he would. His tingly muscles were starting to loosen, too. Like happy noodles all hugging the frame of his body.
He noticed a dish of stones in arm’s reach by the window. The smooth kind, that Zercy had all around his room. Their glossy finish was irresistible, so he scooped up a couple and treated himself to a bit of tactile fun. Stroking them with loose fingers as he peered out at the night, wondering yet again where Zercy was. In the company of others? Maybe his aide’s? Maybe Lotis’? Or maybe he was by himself somewhere, like Alec. Was he thinking about Alec like Alec was thinking about him?
Doubtful. The guy was a king for fuck’s sake. Had way more important issues to think about. The most pertinent, undoubtedly was how to help his people.
Alec exhaled and returned the smooth stones to their dish. Deep down, he wanted to help, but that would never happen. Not with Zercy keeping him in the dark.
His gaze dipped down, settling absently on the headboard, noting again all its small, decorative pegs. Or were those levers?
He paused and studied them curiously. Did they turn something on? Serve a function?
Having nothing better to do, he tried to push one up, then down. Nothing. Didn’t budge. He tried to press it like a button. Twist it like a knob. Nope, no luck.
Alec pursed his lips, “Hmm,” then gave the thing a tentative pull. It gave without resistance, and out flicked the wall torches. Simultaneously, another light source flared to life from above. Alec peered up—and smiled.
No way.
Small white stones embedded flush with the ceiling, softly glowing like a spattering of distant stars. Alec stared at them. They felt familiar. And then he realized why. They were situated to mimic the Niran constellations. Exactly, in fact, like the ones on Alec’s star map.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” he murmured, laying down to study them. How come Zercy hadn’t shown him them before? Come to think of it, he hadn’t demonstrated what any of those fancy pegs did. And now Alec was intrigued. Time to find out.
Remaining on his back, he slid one hand under his head, then blindly reached with the other to start investigating. His fingers found knob two. He gave it a pull. Instantly, the bed beneath him started to move. Like waves of thick muscles, slowly rolling back and forth. Alec froze, eyes wide, but nothing more happened. Just the subtle steady sensation of a massage.
Interesting.
And pretty cool.
In truth, it felt fucking amazing.
Eyes trained on the ceiling, he felt around for the next one, then gave another small, sturdy tug. Peculiar music emerged, like none he’d ever heard before. Soft and fluid, yet fundamentally different. In melody, but most especially in essence. Alec couldn’t explain it, but it sounded organic. As in, not made from instruments, but something else. He’d have to ask Zercy when he showed.
Soothed by its cadence, he slid his fingers to the next peg. Sweet plumes of fragrance puffed from flowers above. Red ones on scatterings of ivy adorning the walls. Alec inhaled deeply, feeling their faint mist on his face, then reached for the next knob down the line.
It felt fatter than the others. And notably more ornate. Did that signify something? Was its offering extra-special? Alec pulled, eager to know. Nothing happened. He tried again. Still no visible change.
But then he felt it.
Deep beneath the bedding.
A soundless awakening.
He stilled. What the hell? But before he could move, something slid up through the furs and circled his neck.