The mattress jarred underneath me, shaking my entire body. I snapped my eyes open, but I couldn’t see anything. My face was smashed against a heated body, a muscular physique that curled around mine. My arms and legs intertwined with that person’s limbs too, both of us holding each other close. I wiggled my nose and sniffed.

Mint.

I was wrapped around Lord Belshazzar.

He raised his head from his pillow and tilted away to look down at the woman in his arms. His blue eyes blinked and his face crinkled in confusion. In a sleep-roughened voice, he muttered, “Did you just kick me?”

“No.” I slithered my right hand between our bodies and rubbed at my eyes with my fist. “I don’t know what that was.”

“They’re finally awake!” Lord Otto sang loud and clear. “It’s about damn time.”

I stiffened inside the Overlord’s embrace.

Fuck. Me.

We weren’t alone inside his bedchamber.

Lord Belshazzar stared for a heartbeat before he pulled away from me and rolled onto his back. He raised his arms above his head and stretched. Only after that did he turn to face the room. He growled, “Which one of you kicked me?”

All of the other Overlords were awake inside our bedroom—in the druid castle, not Lord Belshazzar’s private quarters in our own stronghold. And they were fucking showered and dressed already, casually sitting on chairs inside the room, all with their phones out and using them.

Lord Cato turned his eyes in our direction, his regard flicking between the two of us. His tone was measured. “I did. Do you know how long we’ve been waiting for you two to wake up?”

My blue eyes shot to the windows, and my lips tipped down into a frown. “I’m guessing a while.” The sun appeared to be high in the sky. “Were you tip-toeing around us? Why didn’t you wake us?”

Lord Otto snorted. His eyes ran over the screen on his phone, reading at lightning speed. He stated absently, “Honestly? You two were snoring so hard that we left you alone.” Lord Otto paused, still reading on his phone. “We left you so alone that there’s no way you would have woken at Lord Xenon dropping his luggage next to your bed or Lord Pippin shaking the foot of your bed or Lord Cato cursing at you or me throwing shit at you.”

I stared. “You’re lying, my lord.”

He flicked a finger in our direction. “There’s a pair of socks above Lord Belshazzar’s head, your majesty. I’d like them back.”

I looked. A pair of black rolled socks rested there.

Lord Pippin cast a glance at the portrait—the blinking woman back inside the painting—before he returned his attention to his own phone. His thumbs typed out a message. “I believe the only moment you two halfway awakened was when Lord Belshazzar kissed your forehead and then mumbled something under his breath about you not sleeping on your side of the bed. He went back to snoring—after you snuggled even closer to him.”

Fuck. Me. In the ass.

Lord Xenon pocketed his phone and clasped his hands over his trim stomach. His black eyes met ours. He asked bluntly, “How long has this been going on?”

The other Overlords lowered their cells.

They stared right at us. Waiting.

Lord Belshazzar scratched at his whiskered chin, quiet for an extended time. Finally, he stated, “Long enough.”

Lord Xenon’s eyes tightened at the evasive answer.

“Is it serious?” Lord Otto asked coolly.

“It is what it is right now.” Lord Belshazzar tossed his legs over the side of our bed and sat up. He ran his fingers through his tangled hair. “We’d like to keep it private for the time being.”

Lord Otto lifted his phone up and flicked his thumb over the screen again and again, showing us blackmail material. “So I shouldn’t show any of these pictures of you two looking cute as hell, bowed around each other in sweet slumber, to anyone?”

My fangs elongated. “Asshole.”

“What?” He glanced at his phone with pure innocence in his gaze. “They are cute.”

“Delete the damn pictures,” Lord Belshazzar growled his demand. He cracked his neck and glanced at each lord. “I will add this, too. If any  one of you talks about her fucking vagina around me again, I will strangle you. Do you understand?”

Lord Xenon’s lips twitched. “It’s serious enough.”

“Fuck you,” he griped. Lord Belshazzar glanced over his shoulder down at me with his scowl still in place. “Are you getting in the shower first or am I?”

I thumped my head back onto the pillow and waved my left hand at the bathroom. “You brought me food last night. You can have the bathroom first.” I closed my eyes—and kept them closed—and sighed heavily. “Fuck.”

Lord Belshazzar snorted, completely pissed. “Yes, fuck.”

Master Niallan now knew.

Life just got a lot harder. For all of us.

I peeked open my left eye. “Is there any chance—”

“Not even the smallest chance.” He twisted his torso and leaned over me, placing his face right over mine. His muscled arms caged me in, and his mess of black hair fanned around my head. “Nothing changes in public.”

“Agreed.” I tapped his nose with a soft finger. “Your breath stinks. Go take a shower and brush your teeth.”

One side of his lips quirked up, erasing a bit of his testiness. Too quietly for the others to hear, he ordered, “Kiss me first.”

My brows scrunched. “But…stinky breath.”

“Do it, your majesty. I wasn’t asking.”

I lifted one brow. Thinking…

He waited. Patient.

I tilted my head up and bit his lower lip with my blunt teeth, grinning around it. I winked up into his icy gaze. Then I pecked his lips softly before I dropped my head back onto the pillow. Our heartbeats were now linked.

He peeked his tongue out and ran it over his bottom lip, and his head dipped to place his mouth against my ear. He purred, “Little one, I wish we weren’t here right now.” The lord gently nibbled on my earlobe. He tipped his head further and kissed my neck, caressing my tender flesh with his soft lips.

I ran my fingers up his neck and cradled the side of his face, relishing his gentle caresses. I dug my fingernails into his whiskers, scratching softly. “I’ll take a raincheck.”

He hummed softly against my skin and kissed my neck once more. Then the Overlord pushed off against the mattress, sliding his body off the bed, and stood to his feet. He grabbed one of his bags but halted as he glanced at the other lords.

They hadn’t moved. They were just…staring.

Lord Belshazzar’s black brows furrowed low over his intense blue eyes. “What the hell are you doing?”

Lord Otto blinked. “Your heartbeats…”

“So?” His brows lowered even more. “You’ve seen possible mates interact before. This is nothing new.”

“But we’ve never seen that—any of that sappy shit—with you.” He shook his head of blond hair, shaking himself out of his shock. “We really need to keep this quiet for now. I can imagine the headlines already. Overlord versus Overlord: Which one will the Queen sink her claws into next? Check the poll below with your favorite prediction!”

Once again, Lord Otto shook his head. “That is the last PR problem we need right now.”

Lord Belshazzar’s expression cleared. “That’s what I said.” He stalked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him.

Lord Otto started deleting the photos on his phone almost immediately. He muttered obscenities under his breath the entire time. When he was through, he dropped his head back on his chair and glared at the ceiling.

Once again, the lord’s actions had hit their intended audience, playing the people around him. And this time, I’d helped him succeed in one of his goals—our mutual goal.

Get rid of the blackmail material? Goal attained.

 

*  *  *

 

My frown was all-encompassing as I stared at bananas. The yellow fruit was perfectly centered in the middle of the ornate table meant to seat twenty people.

Piles and piles of bananas—and that was all.

Master Niallan peeled one while his evil smirk only grew. He sat at the head of the table with his two friends sitting on either side of him. The druid gestured to our group with the rounded yellow end, stating, “Lunch is served since you missed breakfast. Have a seat.”

I ground my teeth together. Asshat.

None of us moved to sit.

Lord Belshazzar leaned against the back of a tall chair, cool and composed. “Cut the shit, candidate. Where is the real meal?”

Green eyes narrowed and arrowed straight into my gaze. “Other than fucking you, you’re also allowing him to speak for you? I know those are your thoughts coming out of his mouth.”

My nostrils flared. “That’s how you want to play this? Because who I sleep with is none of your business.”

He stood from his chair and placed one of his palms on the table, leaning forward toward me. The druid sneered and continued using his fruit as a pointer. “It’s no different than you playing me. So, tell me something, your majesty. Did you fuck him before you crawled into my bed? Or did you go running to him afterward?”

The Overlords standing around me stiffened—except for Lord Belshazzar. He must not have told them.

My lips pinched. “I wasn’t playing you. I am more than free to sleep with whomever I wish—the same as Lord Belshazzar and you. I cannot help, nor did I even know about, the animosity between you two.” I snapped my right hand through the air in an attempt to salvage this situation to our benefit. I tried not to think of the shock that this would give all of the Overlords—and hoped one, in particular, would keep his cool at this revelation. “And you can quit pretending you don’t remember me. You knew damn well I found you attractive when you invited me to your room.”

Master Niallan’s blink was extremely slow. He peered back and forth between Lord Belshazzar and me, watching as the lord merely shrugged one shoulder in apparent agreement. And, just as unhurriedly, he sat his ass down on his chair.

A little smirk lifted the corners of Master Niallan’s lips. “Yes, well, that last part is true, at least. I did recognize you when I saw you at the King Challenge. It took me a moment. But I did remember the youth who once tried to seduce me.” He raised a blond eyebrow. “You were too young for me then, but you aren’t now.”

I kept my expression upset—unlike the relief that coursed through my body from his use of the word ‘now.’ All was not completely ruined. I shook my head, muttering, “I fucking knew you remembered me.” I’d hoped he hadn’t, but it was wishful thinking.

His full lips twitched in humor. “If I remember correctly, you tried so hard, too.”

I held up a quick, stopping hand. “Please don’t mention that incident again. I was merely a child, and it was mortifying.”

He winked. “My lips are sealed. I can be a gentleman on occasion.” The druid actually had been, never mentioning it once until I did.

“Thank fuck,” I mumbled. Then I changed topics and gestured at the bananas. “I’d like to remind you, that is not being a gentleman. You can’t starve us here.”

Master Niallan took a bite of his fruit and chewed. His green eyes never left mine, twinkling with amusement. He swallowed down his bite, murmuring in a quiet tone, “But I like you at my mercy, your majesty.”

Now, he was back to flirting with me.

I crossed my arms. Lifted one black brow.

“Fine. Fine.” He sighed dramatically. “Apparently, I can’t say no to you any more than your other fuck buddy can.” The druid pointed his banana at the silent lord next to me. “Next time, Lord Belshazzar, do not steal all of the ice cream from my fridge. It’s hard to get it here without melting first.”

Lord Belshazzar grunted and pushed off the chair he was resting against. “How about you do this instead? You quit showboating your private time with her—which isn’t gentlemanly, as you touted you are—and bring out our actual lunch. Your first Challenge is today. We’d like to get started sooner rather than later.”

Master Niallan’s smile drifted from his face. “What is the Challenge?”

The Overlord shook his head. “We’ll discuss it when no one else is around. It is our law.”

The druid nodded his head. He lifted his left hand and snapped his fingers twice high in the air. A bevy of servants answered the unspoken command, walking through the far door, their arms laden with breakfast dishes. Without any drama, he stated, “Let us eat, then.”

My mouth watered as I took my seat. I piled my plate full, worrying the druid would try this shit at every meal. Who knew when we’d eat again? I wasn’t taking any chances.

“Your majesty, I have a serious question for you,” Master Niallan murmured.

With my mouth full of succulent chicken drenched in a sweet sauce, my attention snapped to green eyes. I munched casually and stared, trying to evaluate his mood now. It was impossible, his expression indefinable. I swallowed down the large bite. “Yes?”

His gaze dipped to my chin, and then quickly lifted back up to my gaze. He asked bluntly, “Has Lord Belshazzar completely ruined your perception of me?”

The Overlords’ gazes turned to me, obviously wondering how I would handle that loaded question—freaking asked in front of everyone.

My lips thinned. “My thoughts are my own. No one owns them.” That was the truth.

His head of beautiful blond hair tilted. The druid held my gaze completely. “Why do you hate me then?”

I wiped at my chin delicately to clean the red sauce smeared there. I peered down to the white linen, now stained, and then back to his eyes. I showed him the dirty napkin. “Because you leave a filthy stain on everything you touch.”

The green disappeared, only to reappear, with his slow blink. “Fuck. That was harsh.”

I lowered my napkin. “Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to.”

“You are a right bitch, your majesty.” He stared calmly as my black brows pinched together.

I wasn’t sure if I liked that retort or not yet.

He explained, “It turns me on. I enjoy a woman who knows what she wants and means what she says. Your candor is like a balm against the wind burn I’ve run into lately with my casual dalliances.”

I chuckled and shook my head, deciding I was actually entertained by his line of speech. “I guess I have my grandfather to blame for my directness. The man didn’t even know he did it. He scared people with merely a few words and never understood why he didn’t have many real friends. I’m not as blind as he was. I know that’s why I rub people the wrong way—even though I can be nice when I wish to be, as you’re capable of being, too, in private.” I grinned while he nodded his head in agreement. “You also know what I’m speaking about. You knew my grandfather.”

“Yes, I did. You remind me of him. He was a good man.”

“Thank you,” I stated softly. “I still miss him.”

The druid’s smile was easygoing. “I’m sure you’ve been told this plenty, but it does get better with time. Sometimes a lot of time. But it does eventually get better.”

This was why I hadn’t completely hated him during our sexual encounter—and had enjoyed it. These random moments where he made you believe you were all that he saw at that moment. Just us together and no outside forces interfering.

I blinked, and stated honestly, “Master Niallan, you are a hard man to figure out.”

He sat back on his chair and twirled his napkin. “Still think I’m the worst kind of asshole?”

“Yes.” That was simple.

“But also funny and sweet?”

I grumbled, “Yes.”

The druid chuckled quietly. “It is possible to be all of those things.” His head tipped to Lord Belshazzar. “Take him for example. He has so many different shades he might as well be a fucking kaleidoscope spinning around and around making your head spin.”

I didn’t completely agree. Yes, Lord Belshazzar was all that and more, but I understood him. I understood the lord on a basic and primal level and could see those shades as beautiful or frightening or awe-inspiring. I couldn’t grasp that same understanding with Master Niallan. I didn’t comprehend the meaning behind his actions, whether I agreed with them or not. There was always a reason for someone’s actions—even if they just wanted to or were mentally unbalanced—but I couldn’t fathom his. Not all of them, anyway.

He was an ego-maniac, but…

Master Niallan was still a mystery to me.

I lifted one eyebrow. “Tell me something about yourself you’ve never told anyone.”

His lips lifted into an honest smile. “Trying to decipher me, your majesty?”

I cut into my chicken again. “Yes.”

Master Niallan tapped on his lips with the handle of his fork and eyed my features as I took another bite. “I’ll let you pick. Try to choose a question that Lord Biotch didn’t already answer last night.”

Lord Belshazzar snorted at the insult.

So it was all true. The druid had just verified it.

I chewed my bite and thought mutely for a long moment. There was one thing that was bothering me. My eyes ran over all of his exquisite features, taking in the druid’s radiance. Eventually, I questioned, “You don’t look anything like your mother, and there’s no portrait of your father in our room. Do you look like him?”

His head snapped back in surprise, and his eyes quickly shuttered of all emotion. He hid behind that hooded gaze, staring back at me silently.

I controlled my features. He’d just answered my real question with that reaction. And I was about to score a home run into his cruel side and his compassionate side—if he had the latter.

I waved my fork in the air. “Never mind. You don’t have to answer that. I know what it’s like to be hurt by someone who should have loved you no matter what. It’s never easy to talk about—with anyone.”

Lord Cato literally bent his fork inside his brutal grip where he sat next to me. But he stayed silent, with his attention zoned in on his morning fare, allowing me to create even more of a personal bond with the druid, and not interrupting my work.

I had not one ounce of pity for him.

The asshole didn’t deserve it.

He’d kicked me to the curb as a child.

No, he definitely wasn’t worthy of my kindness.

Master Niallan’s attention flicked to my father, to the ruined silverware in his hand, and then back to my gaze. Like a creeping shadow as the sun sets, the druid’s lips lifted leisurely. He replied, “You may be more vicious than your father. I didn’t think that was even possible. I believe more studying is required on that subject matter.” He twirled his napkin again, assessing my person—in a completely sexual manner. “Come by my room later this evening. We can talk about personal shit then.”

Fucking hell. I’d done it.

I snorted and rolled my eyes. “I’ll think about it.”

His lips twitched. “Either way, your name will stay on my approved list, your majesty.”

 

*  *  *

 

Our bedroom door slammed behind us.

Lord Belshazzar stormed past me and bumped my shoulder forward during his steadfast march. His hair blew out behind him in his silent trek to his bags, and no apology was muttered from his lips.

The Overlord was furious with me.

Lord Cato jarred my other shoulder from behind while he stormed past me to his own bag. He rifled through it, throwing his shit all over his shared bed. No apology slipped from his lips, either.

My father was also furious with me.

Lord Pippin cleared his throat as he stopped beside my unmoving form. He evaluated my face while I watched them in silence. He muttered, “I’m really happy I’m not you right now.”

“Fuck off,” I hissed.

None of this was pleasant. For anyone.

They knew that. Even if I cared what one thought more than I did the other. It was all part of the job.

Lord Xenon walked by and turned to saunter backward. He pointed a finger straight at me. “If you leave the room today, make sure you’re around people, your majesty. And do not leave the castle. You may have missed it during your little heart-to-heart with our candidate, but Devin and Ysander weren’t thrilled when they heard you’d slept with their long-time lover.”

I shook my head past my own worries. “Wait. The rumors are true? They’re a threesome?”

Lord Xenon nodded his head. “Yes, and you really need to watch your back—even more so now. They will be a threat to you.”

I nodded slowly and stood like a tree stump while they all started changing into clothes made for the outdoors. I chewed on my bottom lip, my eyes cast on one man. His actions were harsh enough that he ripped one of his socks, tossing it aside in anger, and pulling another pair out of his bag. He sat heavily on the edge of our bed to finish getting dressed.

I murmured softly, “Lord Belshazzar…”

His ice blue eyes flayed me. “Do not right now, Gwen. Don’t even say a fucking word to me.”

My nostrils flared. “Fine. Be an asshole.”

He shoved his left foot into his sock—without tearing it this time. But his eyes held fire. All aimed at me. He spewed, “Okay, let’s chat about this with everyone listening in, shall we?” His fangs bared in his rage. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me you’d had a goddamn crush on him when you were younger? Because, just a few minutes ago, you sure as shit fell under his ‘aw shucks, fuck-me-darling’ charm like a schoolgirl ready to have her cherry popped by a limp-dicked high school twit. I know you’re young, but you can’t be that goddamn young.”

My hands balled on my hips. I fumed so hard my face had to be a glorious shade of red. I gritted through my clenched teeth, “I really want to rip your balls off right now.”

His fangs glistened in the sunlight pouring in through the windows. He hissed, “Fucking try it. Give me one more reason to taste your sweet blood again, and I’ll have my fangs dripping in it.”

I flared my nostrils and tipped my head back to stare at the ceiling. I wiggled my fingers until they no longer cramped, and gradually lowered my hands down by my sides. I breathed in through my nose and out through my mouth for a full minute, regaining my inner calm.

Then I tipped my head back down and stared into his violent eyes. His wrath hadn’t subsided. I said the words that were on a repeating loop inside my head. “You are not an easy lover.”

The Overlord shot to his feet and licked his teeth in annoyance. “If you can’t handle me, then move the fuck along. Come back when you’re older and wiser.”

And…he wasn’t done yet.

He flicked his hand at the door. “There’s a druid who would love to be inside you right now. And you apparently want his cock, too. Feel free to spread your legs for him right the fuck now. But make sure to tell the prick not to worry. You don’t want his concentration blown—since I’ve heard he’s a mediocre lover, at best. I wouldn’t want you getting a subpar ride.” His eyes flashed blood red. “Go ahead, your majesty. We’ll wait until you’re done to start his Challenge.”

I moved before I even knew it.

My open palm lashed through the air.

Smack. Right across his cheek.

Lord Belshazzar’s head whipped to the side.

The resulting silence was profound.

I slowly lowered my hand and stared hard at his frozen profile. I growled quietly, “Are you done now?”

The Overlord wiggled his jaw, not moving to face me yet. He lifted his right hand and rubbed over his stinging cheek, the lord unshaven this morning. Those frigid blue eyes finally turned to stare down at me. His cheek muscles flexed as he clenched his jaw, but the hardcore fire had abated somewhat. His fangs were put away.

The lord stated, “I may have gone too far.”

He knew that. I knew that.

It was why he hadn’t stopped my attack.

Cause he sure as hell could have.

I crossed my arms. “I’m fairly positive I don’t like you right now. No amount of groveling is going to help you. Don’t even try it.”

He grunted. “I wasn’t planning on it.”

Not. An. Easy. Lover.

“You never answered my question.” His blue eyes narrowed once more.

I swallowed down the childish retort I wanted to say. Instead, I answered with a chilling bite in my tone, “Like I said earlier, I was mortified by what happened. I was a teenager then. It’s not something I’m proud of, nor was it anything you needed to know.”

A black brow lifted. “Don’t ever presume to think you understand what I need to know. That was your first mistake.”

All right. Enough was enough.

I took a large step back from him. “This conversation is done.”

He ran his tongue over his teeth again, not appreciating my command. But he didn’t contradict it either. His voice was gruff. “I don’t like when you pull away from me.”

“Then don’t act like a first-rate asshole.”

Lord Belshazzar snorted, not arguing that statement either. He lifted both his brows slowly and took a step forward, closing the space between us. His head of long, black hair tilted to the side, while his attention held all of mine. His blue eyes flicked back and forth between my eyes and searched my features. The Overlord questioned quietly, “Has anything changed between us?”

My nostrils flared in irritation. “Do you mean, am I going to move along? Like you suggested I do if I can’t handle you?”

He hesitated, and then said, “Yes. I’m asking that.”

“Nothing has changed.” I shook my head. “Calm the heck down. You’ll know when I get really pissed. You won’t even have to ask if I’m leaving. I’ll already be gone before the thought crosses your bullheaded mind.”

He stared, quiet for a second. “Don’t fall for his shit, Gwen.”

I lifted my eyes heavenward and sighed at the ceiling. “You should get going, my lord. Master Niallan’s first Challenge awaits.” The Overlord still felt threatened. There wasn’t much else I could say to him right now though, not with an eavesdropping portrait watching over us.

He gripped my chin with gentle fingers, lowering my head so I could look into his eyes again. Then he dropped his hand from my face and balled it into a fist. “We’ll be back before nightfall. Do as Lord Xenon ordered. Don’t roam alone, and do not leave the castle.”

“Yes, my lord.” I knew a royal demand when I heard it. And I didn’t disagree with it, either. Even if I would be bored out of my goddamn mind. “I’ll see you before nightfall.”

Lord Belshazzar dipped his head, and his hair fanned down around us—hiding us from anyone else’s view. He stopped when his lips were a breath away from mine. His blue eyes flickered with worry before he quickly dashed the show of emotion away, replacing it with his normal stony expression.

He waited. For me.

I crossed my arms and lifted a brow.

I held his hard gaze head-on with one of my own.

Then I angled my chin up.

And pecked his lips really fast.

That was all he was getting from me right now.

The Overlord grunted. A tiny smile flirted with his mouth. He mumbled quietly, “Well, after the way I acted, that was better than nothing.”

Damn straight, it was.

I’d been tempted to deny him. I would have, too, if I hadn’t seen the uneasiness he was hiding away. The Overlord didn’t want to lose what we had together.

Lord Belshazzar slanted his chin up and pressed his plump lips to my forehead, kissing me there once. His mouth was soft and sweet. The caress squeezed my heartstrings, precious and fine, with how delicately he touched me. He lifted his hands and ran the pads of his fingers over my cheeks softly before he pulled back. His eyes searched mine afterward and his lips quirked up on one side. He pecked the tip of my nose quickly.

He rose to his full height and turned to face the mute Overlords, who weren’t even bothering to pretend not to listen in on our conversation. All were staring and silent. The lord’s eyes narrowed on them. He griped, “You fuckers are becoming a nuisance.”

Lord Otto blinked. “I doubt I’m speaking just for myself when I say this…” He flicked a finger between the lord next to me and myself. “I never thought the day would come when you’d actually care for someone romantically, my lord. This is the best entertainment we’ve had from you in a long while—and I mean a long while. The shock won’t easily disappear, nor will our pleasure at watching you two fight for dominance. Especially since she’s just as goddamn awful as you are.”

Lord Cato instantly hissed, “Watch it.”

Lord Otto tossed my father a special glance. “Don’t even defend her. She ripped out your heart less than an hour ago and used it as her footstool without fucking blinking. And our candidate knew exactly what she was doing…and only liked her more for it.”

Enough of that.

I ordered, “All of you get going.”

Lord Otto swapped his attention to me. “What? You’re the only one who can rub that shit in?”

“Yes. That anger’s mine to own. No one else’s.” I pointed at the door. “Get. Now.”

One by one, they filed out.

I shut the door behind them. Then locked it.

Not that it would do much good.

If a druid wanted in, they’d get in.