Chapter 8

I was starting to think that a little bit of scandal and a free spirit might just go together.

Growing up in a super conservative world where women were expected to be seen and not heard, and certainly not to show any skin, this new world I found myself in was the polar opposite.

Not only was I encouraged to speak my mind, but there was no problem with showing a little skin. Jekia even seemed to like it, judging by the skimpy dresses he often had me wear.

But what really blew my mind about this world was the open acceptance of sexuality, something that was strictly forbidden in my old world.

I’d only been here for a week or so, but I’d quickly figured out that this could be a powerful tool when dealing with the two alphas who were vying for my attention.

Keeping Jekia happy meant keeping him off my back, and keeping Sage happy gave me access to information that Jekia didn’t want me to have.

But more than that, I was starting to discover a side of myself that I never knew existed. Maybe it was the company I was keeping that was bringing out these sexual urges in me.

Maybe it had something to do with me being what they called a “fabled omega.” Either way, by the end of my first week with them, I was getting so used to sex that I actually found myself craving it sometimes.

That was definitely the case that afternoon with Sage. I have to admit, from the moment we met, part of me had been curious about what it would be like to sleep with him.

This handsome fox was just as intriguing and attractive as Jekia, and he seemed to get that I saw him that way.

I didn’t want any interruptions, so I’d asked Sage to join me in one of the spare bedrooms in the palace.

There were plenty of them, all available for use whenever the mood struck. Jekia certainly took advantage of this, whenever he wanted to have me on a whim.

It was easy enough to slip into one of these rooms for a quickie.

But all of that was the furthest thing from my mind at that moment. Instead, I was completely focused on what I was doing.

“Ah yes. That’s it, now. Let me deep inside of you,” he was urging me as I laid back on the bed and let him thrust into me.

It hadn’t taken long at all to get into the swing of things with him. It seemed like we were at it as soon as the door was closed and locked.

Before I knew it, our clothes were off and I was in the middle of this incredibly erotic act with him. It was like I had no shame at all. I wanted him to dominate me just like Jekia often did.

“Yes, please, take me more,” I begged breathlessly.

Sage chuckled as he thrust deep into me, holding himself there and making me cry out in pleasure.

“You’ve been wanting this, haven’t you? You want guys like me and Jekia inside of you,” he said.

“I do,” I admitted, almost out of breath. I reached up to run my hands over his chiseled chest, loving the feel of his smooth skin. It was all so enticing that I could barely handle it.

“I want you both so badly sometimes that it hurts.”

“You’re such a beautiful omega. I want to fill you up over and over.”

A loud moan escaped me as he started thrusting into me again. His cock was so big, so long. It felt like it was reaching my womb every time he went all the way in.

It was so thrilling that I could barely contain myself.

“Oh please, yes. Fill me with you. I want to feel it,” I begged.

His thrusts got faster and I could feel a heat building up inside me. Oh, I needed this. I needed to feel him come inside me.

Finally, his thrusts started to slow down and go deeper. A moan of ecstasy escaped him as he moved, and I cried out as I felt him explode inside of me, triggering my own orgasm.

“That’s it,” he breathed as he pumped into me. “Take all I have.”

It felt like it went on forever, even though it was probably only a few minutes, and I was panting as I tried to calm down.

A moan escaped me as I felt him pull out of me, and I could feel some warmth trickling out between my legs.

~Wow~, I thought dazedly, ~he came a lot.~

Sage moved over me as I lay there, and I felt his breath in my ear as he spoke.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for that. I don’t think I’ve come that much inside a woman in centuries.”

“You sound…pretty…insatiable,” I panted.

“I can definitely be that way,” Sage boasted. He moved down on me, and a gasp escaped me as he started sucking on my left breast.

“You’re not done?” I managed to ask between moans of pleasure. My breasts were already super sensitive from all the sucking and licking he’d done to them.

Sage chuckled as he looked up at me, his hand still fondling my right breast. “I don’t think so. I’ve been feeling pent-up, so I’m going to come inside you a few more times.”

Just like with Jekia, I didn’t object. The next few hours were filled with intense pleasure, and I let him do whatever he wanted to me.

By the time he was done, I was completely worn out. My body was spent, and I had no choice but to lie there and rest.

But as I lay there alone after he left, I felt a little piece of my heart break. I guess it was because of the realizations I’d been having about myself.

Maybe I hadn’t really let it all sink in yet. Maybe I was even feeling a little guilty, even though I had permission, about what had just happened.

My eyes fluttered closed, and my body slowly relaxed until I fell asleep.

When I woke up, the sun had moved across the sky outside the windows, casting long shadows that signaled the approach of evening. I lay still, a frown crossing my face.

Jekia wouldn’t be coming back tonight. I was going to be alone for the next few nights.

It was a sobering thought as I slowly slid off the bed, my body protesting any sudden movements. Oh boy, that fox had really done a number on me, even though I’d enjoyed it.

If it happened again, I’d make sure to tell him to be less rough.

I picked up a blanket from a chair and wrapped it around me, not bothering to put on that revealing dress again.

I was in the mood for a bath anyway, and maybe I could find something more comfortable to wear.

The palace was silent as I left the bedroom and headed to the large bathroom off Jekia’s room.

Once inside, I filled the tub and slipped into the warm water, trying to relax.

As I lay back and closed my eyes, I thought about what Jekia had told me about the other rulers, especially the one from the east.

It was clear that Jekia had a strong dislike for the ogre Jusei. He accused him of being a tyrant, and it certainly seemed that way. I wondered what the refugees coming into this land were like.

Were they fairy folk, or maybe creatures like Emelio and Edifel? I guessed there were many different types of creatures in this world.

But Jekia was now one of a kind.

I sat up, staring at the water as Sage’s words about his family echoed in my mind. No, I didn’t believe Jekia truly despised his family.

It was just an act to hide the pain of losing them the way he did.

“My lady?”

Edifel’s voice pulled me back to reality. I turned to see her entering the bathroom. Strange. I hadn’t heard her open the door.

But I shouldn’t have been surprised. In the past few days, I’d quickly learned that Edifel was quiet when she moved.

She didn’t spy on me, but she knew how to stay out of the way, especially when Jekia was around.

I didn’t think he had a problem with her being there, so maybe she was just being respectful and polite.

“Oh, good evening, Edifel. I didn’t realize you were in the palace,” I said.

“I’ve been outside most of the day, making sure the barriers are reinforced,” Edifel explained.

She came over and sat beside the tub. “You look troubled. Did that fox say something he shouldn’t have?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s not like that. Sage hasn’t done anything wrong.”

“I know there was an agreement between him and Lord Jekia about you, but you shouldn’t see yourself as something to be used as they please.

“I know Lord Jekia wouldn’t scold me for saying that,” Edifel said.

“No, I wouldn’t want him to, and I know you’re right,” I admitted. I let out a soft sigh. “If I were to confide in you, would that be okay?”

“Of course, my lady. I’m your maidservant, and I’m loyal to you. Not everything that’s said should be heard by Lord Jekia, no matter how good his hearing is.”

I giggled at her last comment. She was clever to take a jab at the master like that.

“Thank you for being there for me. I’ve had a lot on my mind since I got here, and I could use someone to talk to.”

“I understand, darling. You’re a human, and until six days ago, you only knew about the human world and what you were taught in it.

“I’d also guess that it’s been a very intense experience for you to become what you are here. Any woman would feel that way with a man who makes such demands.”

“Very true,” I agreed. I listened to the silence in the bathroom before finally speaking again.

“Tell me honestly, Edifel, do you think I’m just here as a convenient lover and breeder for Lord Jekia?”

Edifel shook her head. “No, I don’t think you’re just here for his convenience.

“Lord Jekia has ruled these lands for thousands of years, and even though there’s been an effort to find him a suitable woman, he’s rejected all who’ve tried to win his favor.

“I’d say we’d almost given up hope of him choosing a woman as both a companion and partner.

“It was a breath of fresh air when he brought you to the palace with the intention of making you his beta.”

“You were really worried about that?”

“Absolutely.” Edifel nodded. “The Higher Ones like the idea of the rulers staying grounded, especially with the recent problems with the ogre.

“They think having a significant other is a good way to do that, though I think they’re also looking for heirs.

“It might be easier for them if something happened to know there are suitable creatures of the same bloodline ready to take over.”

That was interesting, but it also raised a question.

“I understand that, but Emelio already told Lord Jekia that the Higher Ones don’t want him to have children with me.

“They’re worried about his reasons for choosing me,” I pointed out.

“Yes, I know that’s been said,” Edifel replied, not seeming bothered. “But that’s more about not rushing things.

“Lord Jekia is so smitten with you that they’re worried he might move too fast, and they want to make sure you can handle this world and take care of the children you’ll have.”

That made sense the way she put it. I wouldn’t feel comfortable rushing into a pregnancy, even if part of me was excited to see the children I’d eventually have.

“If you’re done bathing, why don’t I help you out and dry you off? I think I have some beautiful new dresses you could try on,” Edifel suggested.

“Yes, of course,” I agreed, standing up with her help and stepping out of the bath.

She dried me off, then wrapped the towel around me before we left the bathroom and headed to the nearby dressing room.

I admit, I was a little skeptical about the new dresses she'd made, given the ones Jekia usually had her create for me. But, as always, I didn't have a say in the matter.

At least the dress Edifel made for me was stunning.

I wasn't prepared for the dress she fitted me into. As she fluffed out the back of the full skirt, I caught my reflection in the surrounding mirrors and my heart fluttered.

This dress was unlike any I'd worn since I'd arrived.

It was a gorgeous shade of forest green, and while the top was still a bit low-cut, the skirt was long and full, with frills cascading from the back.

The fabric shimmered under the soft glow of the oil lamps around us.

Edifel looked satisfied as she moved around me, making minor adjustments to the dress.

“This looks as beautiful on you as I thought it would,” she said.

“It's incredible. I never pictured myself in a dress that looked like it belonged to the upper class of my world, even if my neckline is a bit lower than theirs,” I said, looking down at it.

“There's no upper class here for you. You're royalty now,” Edifel reminded me. She moved behind me, running an ivory brush through my long black hair, looking very pleased.

“Royalty...,” I echoed softly.

It felt odd to think of myself that way. After a lifetime of being nothing more than a poor commoner, worth less than dirt, I was now royalty in this world, and I had Jekia to thank for it.

“No matter what happens, you're always Lord Jekia’s beta. So, you're a queen now,” Edifel told me.

A knowing smile crossed her face, one I could see in the mirrors around us as she continued brushing my hair.

“However, I think Lord Jekia has been looking at things with the narrow perspective of a male, and an alpha at that. Maybe it's because he's been suppressing his desires for so long.

“But because of that, I think you need to catch his eye in a different way. Dresses like this will do the trick.”

“Oh, I see. You want me to attract him in a more conservative way,” I guessed.

“Exactly, and I know you will. If there's one thing I agree with that fox on, it's that Lord Jekia needs to open his heart again, and you're the one to do it.”

“You really think I can do that?”

“With all my heart.”

Her words felt like a heavy burden. After centuries of building walls around himself, it seemed impossible to believe that Jekia would ever let anyone break them down, even me.

As evening fell, I tried to push these thoughts to the back of my mind. I just wanted to relax, to enjoy some time alone.

As I stepped out into the courtyard, the shadows grew longer as the sun set, painting the sky with beautiful hues of red, yellow, and purple.

I stopped to take in the sight, awestruck.

I admit, I hadn't taken much time to appreciate the beauty of this world. I hadn't done so in my own world either. My life hadn't afforded me such a luxury.

~Maybe I should try to appreciate these things more~, I thought. ~It could be a good distraction from everything else.~

The feeling of a breeze behind me made me turn, and I found Emelio standing there, giving me a friendly smile.

“Good evening, my lady,” he greeted me.

“Oh, good evening, Emelio. I didn't realize you'd be back. I thought you'd be staying with Lord Jekia,” I replied, returning his smile.

“I was with him most of the day, but he asked me to check on you,” Emelio explained.

I wasn't surprised. I had no doubt that Jekia was making sure I wouldn't try to leave him again.

He might have even been suspicious of Sage possibly sneaking me out when he wasn't supposed to.

“I've been okay, though I admit I've felt a bit lonely at times. I guess I'm still adjusting to being here,” I told him.

“That's understandable, especially with the restriction to stay within these grounds.

“Lord Jekia sends his apologies for that, but he also asked me to remind you of his perspective on all this.

“He needs time to get comfortable with you being here,” Emelio informed me.

His choice of words struck me as odd. Why would Jekia need time to get comfortable with my presence here? He hadn't shown any discomfort with me since he'd found me.

“I suppose that makes sense, and I gave my word that I wouldn't leave. I'm just planning to make the best of it until he returns,” I assured him.

Emelio was understanding. “Yes, I know you are, and I've reassured him that any worries he has are unfounded.

“But I've also reminded him that confining you too much might negatively affect how you see him.

“Because of that, Lord Jekia has invited you to join him tomorrow as the meetings wrap up.”

This was a sudden change of heart. I wondered why.

“While I would never turn down such an invitation, I'm surprised. I didn't think Lord Jekia wanted me around the other rulers,” I said.

“That's true. He was hesitant about it, but between us, I think Lord Vincent has worn him down a bit. That's his way, I might add.

“Besides, I don't see any harm in it.

“You're going to meet the other rulers eventually, given your position beside Lord Jekia now, so it's better to do it sooner rather than later.

“It'll help ease any tension they might feel about your presence,” Emelio continued.

“Yes, that all makes sense,” I conceded. “If that's what's wanted, then I'll make sure I'm ready in the morning. Does Lord Jekia want me to get up early for it?”

“You can wake up at your usual time,” Emelio said, his eyes drifting to my dress. “And you should wear something as beautiful as this. You look stunning in this dress.”

A smile of gratitude spread across my face. I never thought a compliment could make me feel so strong.

“Thank you,” I said. “Edifel has offered to make more dresses like this if Lord Jekia likes it.”

“I’m sure he will. I’ll ask her to have another one ready by tomorrow morning.”

I nodded. “I’ll be ready.”

My heart was beating fast as I bowed my head and said those words. This could turn into quite an adventure.

I just hoped it would also make me feel more at home here, and less like a convenient lover for the two alphas who seemed so eager to claim me.

Because I was starting to want more than just being Jekia’s lover. I was starting to want to be his queen.