Page 37 of Demon Food

“Oh, sweetness,” the king said, clicking his tongue. “It was cute at the brothel. It really was. But the crown does not tolerate candor from humans.”

I screamed but my mouth wouldn’t open. It wouldn’t fucking open.

“Your Majesty,” he said, his footsteps toward me quiet and calculated. “It’s, I did not agree to die, Your Majesty. And it’s done with a kneel.”

My mind was whirling, but I forced myself to lower to my knees on the floor, my chain spilling around me as I bowed my head.

“That’s so much better,” the king said, his voice gentle. “Isn’t that better, Alek?”

I blinked at Alek, pleading, but there was zero expression on his face as he watched me struggle, his arms folded. “I don’t really care, either way.”

My eyes were going to start watering as I turned to the king once more.

“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll let us do the talking, yes?” He brought one finger to his lips and whispered, “Shhhh.”

The sensation constricting my mouth suddenly released, and I gasped a breath when I could part my lips again, which no one seemed troubled by. No one cared.

I quickly fumbled to a stand, holding my hands over my mouth as if to protect it from whatever that was. What was that?

“Oh, Alek. Have you even seen the eyes, though?” The king continued his slow meander toward me, and I instinctively backed away. “The hair? It’s real, you know. I tested it myself. Isn’t that unique? Doesn’t it fill you with voracious hunger?”

My chain got snagged on something, preventing me from backing away any further. Then I realized it was because he’d stepped on it.

He laid his rich dark eyes on me, and said, “Come to me, boy. Let me have closer look.”

My heart clamored in my chest but not even from fear so much as disbelief. He was mad if he thought I was willingly going anywhere near him.

“It’s okay, young human.” He beckoned me forward. “I won’t hurt you.”

I didn’t budge. I stayed as stiff as possible, leaning away.

“You’ve done it before,” he said, his smile unnerving. “Remember how much fun we had? Come. I won’t even make you take anything up your ass.”

This cocksucker. He’d had his fucking mouth on me. I wanted to scream.

“Well.” He chuckled, tossing his hands up. “You can all be my witnesses. I tried it the nice way.”

An invisible grip seized my body. They were hands—two, no four. Maybe even six. There were so many of them hauling me forward by my arms, pushing me from behind, and shoving me down onto my knees before him, so close his robes brushed my nose.

“And look at that,” he said. “He obeys so well.”

I whipped around to try and see the force that had dragged me forward, but there was nothing. There was no one. I’d never felt that before. I’d never seen their powers performed in such a way that it could viscerally control a person. Not even close.

“Now imagine, Alek,” the king started, hands pinned behind his back as he began a measured, circular stroll around me. “Imagine all this was for you. Think of the possibilities. Ask yourself what it is that you want.”

I huddled into myself, on high alert, scanning the room like I might be able to see the hands if they tried to grab me again.

“Think of how you want him to behave. As you know, he’ll do anything you wish with a little persuasion.”

I glared at the king. No, I wouldn’t. He might be able to keep me from talking, but I’d fight tooth and nail.

“He could dance for you?” the king suggested, and my ears heated at the thought. “Would that please you, son?”

Alek’s expression didn’t flinch. “I dislike dancing.”

“Then what if we have him shower you in praise?” The king kept his fake smile intact. “Whisper in your ear how intelligent and handsome you are.”

“You don’t think I get enough flattery all day long?” The prince scoffed. “Father, look at me.”