Kingdom of Lust and Lies

Chapter Twelve

He took her by the hand and drew her to her feet, leading her over to the space where the leather straps hung suspended from the ceiling. Two on one end placed wide, three more in larger loops, then two more side by side at the top, significantly shorter than the rest. Alayna arched a brow.

"Here." He picked her up and settled her on the first of the larger straps, then guided her to lean back on the other two, until her feet lifted off the ground and she was swaying gently. He placed her wrists in the shorter straps, then cinched them tightly. He lifted her legs, placing her ankles in the bottom two straps and cinched those, as well.

This was new. Alayna hung, suspended from the ceiling in the swaying straps in a reclined position. The leg straps were so wide it spread her fully. Xanth stood back to admire his work, his hard cock twitching slightly.

More movement at the door. Alayna looked around him to see his steward from that first night escorting a stunning woman. Thick, golden blonde hair fell in soft waves down to her back, shining brightly in the candle light. Large brown eyes were framed in thick lashes, her lips a pale pink color. She was dressed in a similar fashion, with nothing but those scraps of cloth to cover her generous breasts. The woman didn't appear the slightest bit confused at seeing Alayna hanging from the ceiling. Xanth walked over to her, his hand running down her shining hair.

"Pet. I trust the day has treated you well?"

She looked up at him, those big doe eyes full of warmth. "Yes, sir. I was very pleased when you called me to be of service." Her voice had a sweet, innocent quality to it.

"Did Geir inform you of what you'll be doing today?" When she nodded, he continued. "And is this acceptable to you?"

"Oh yes." A smile bloomed across her face. "Sir Bast has asked for me once before. I found it to be a very enjoyable experience and look forward to his request."

Xanth nodded, a tender, patient smile on his face. "Very good. Geir, go fetch Bast."

The steward, Geir, turned and left the room. Xanth slid his arm around the woman and directed her attention to Alayna. "Yesenia, this is my newest and most favorite pet, Alayna. Alayna, this is Yesenia."

Yesenia curtsied like a noblewoman. "Alayna. I've heard so much about you. Master Xanth was so excited to add you to his collection."

Alayna's brows knitted together and she slanted a look at Xanth. His expression remained neutral, thought he corners of his mouth twitched like he was fighting not to laugh.

"I... it's nice to meet you?" What exactly did someone say in this situation?

Geir returned a moment later, saving her from any more awkward conversation. A giant of a man accompanied him, clad in leather battle armor that was clearly well-used. His thick brown hair brushed his collar, dark stubble covering his jaw. His gaze locked on Yesenia with an intensity that made Alayna shiver.

"That will be all, Geir," Xanth said. Geir nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him. "Bast, please tear your gaze away from Yesenia for a moment so you can meet my newest pet."

Bast seemed to have a hard time looking away. Even thought he was looking at her like he wanted to eat her alive, Yesenia only gave him a pretty smile. His eyes slowly moved to her.

He met her eyes first, then did a quick cursory sweep of her body. Then a much slower sweep. She felt him lingering on her breasts, on her spread legs and bared pussy. His hands clenched at his sides.

"I want that one." His voice was rough, gravelly.

Xanth's friendly expression didn't change, but something in his eyes did. Even from her position across the room, she could feel the shift in his demeanor.