Descendants of the Dragons

The Darkened Heart

While Mei Lin was busy in the kitchen, Jannel's mind was racing. She had spent years in Prince Kael's service, yearning for a moment like this. But now, with Mei Lin capturing the prince's attention so quickly, she knew her time was running out. It was now or never. She had nothing left to lose.

Jannel knew Kael's routine well—better than anyone else in the castle. She knew the exact moments when he would be alone, either resting or freshening up after his duties. With a deep breath, she decided to seize the opportunity. She changed into the most provocative outfit she owned, a thin, almost transparent garment that clung to her curves and left little to the imagination. Her heart pounded in her chest as she made her way toward the prince's bath chamber.

As she approached, she could hear the sound of water sloshing gently, indicating that Kael was indeed inside. With trembling hands, she pushed open the door and entered the room. The heat from the bath enveloped her, but it did little to calm her nerves. Kael was reclining in the large, stone tub, his eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought.

Gathering her courage, Jannel picked up a scrub and silently approached him. She knelt beside the tub, dipped the scrub into the water, and began to gently wash his back. Kael didn't react immediately, and for a brief moment, Jannel thought she might have a chance.

"My lord," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Please... this is my last chance. If I do not fulfil my duties, I will be sent away. Please, take me."

Kael's eyes slowly opened, and he turned his head slightly to look at her. His gaze was cold, and emotionless, as if he were staring at a stranger. Jannel swallowed hard and, in a desperate attempt to win his favour, took his hand and placed it on her breast.

"Please," she pleaded, her voice cracking with desperation.

Kael's lips curled into a cruel grin. "How is that my business?" he replied, his voice icy. He pulled his hand away from her and sat up in the tub, the water rippling around him. "You've dirtied my bath."

Jannel felt her heart shatter. She had failed. She had offered herself to him, and he had rejected her without a second thought. Tears welled up in her eyes as she tried to hold back her sobs.

"I am is still a virgin," Jannel whispered, her voice barely audible. "I am willing to do anything for a chance—just a chance."

Kael smirked, his expression darkening. "Everyone throws themselves at me, Jannel. Do you think I have time to fulfil everyone's last chance?"

She looked up at him, her tears spilling over. "Please, my lord... I beg you."

Kael's expression grew even colder. "You should know what happened to the women who came before you. None of them are alive. Do you want to be the next one?"

Jannel's blood ran cold. She dropped to the floor, her hope extinguished. She had been a fool to think she could challenge Mei Lin, to believe that she had any chance at all.

Kael, seeing her defeated posture, called out to the shadows of the room. "J," he commanded.

From the darkness, a figure emerged. J was one of Kael's most trusted secret guards, a man who had served him faithfully for years. He was tall, with a lean, muscular build, and his presence exuded an aura of danger.

Kael's eyes glinted with cruel amusement as he looked at Jannel. "Since you've made such a spectacle of yourself, let me make you useful. J, you've served me well. From this moment onward, I bestow Jannel upon you. Make her yours."

Jannel's eyes widened in horror. She looked up at Kael, her mouth opening in a silent plea, but no words came out. Kael's expression remained unchanged, cold and unfeeling.

J glanced at Kael, then at Jannel, his face impassive. He began to undress, his movements methodical and deliberate. Jannel's heart pounded in her chest as she realized the full extent of her humiliation. She had failed to win Kael's favour, and now she was being handed over like a piece of property.

J moved toward her, his steps slow and predatory. Jannel felt all hope drain from her as he knelt beside her, his hands reaching out to touch her. She flinched as his fingers brushed against her skin, his touch firm and possessive. She tried to pull away, but Kael's cold gaze kept her rooted in place. She had no choice but to submit.

"Come on, Jannel," Kael taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Show me your willingness, and I might still keep you around."

Jannel's body shook with fear and humiliation, but she knew she had no other option. She forced herself to comply, spreading her legs for J, allowing him to take her. The pain was sharp and immediate, and she bit her lip to keep from crying out. J moved with cruel efficiency, his hands exploring her body with a practised ease. Every touch, every movement was a reminder of her failure, of her worthlessness.

Kael watched them with detached interest, his eyes cold and devoid of any warmth. He showed no sign of compassion, no hint of mercy. This was his world, and in his world, there was no room for weakness. As J took her, Jannel's moans of pain and humiliation echoed in the chamber, but Kael remained unmoved.

"How foolish you were to challenge me or Mei Lin," Kael muttered to himself, his voice low and dark. "Now you know your place."

Jannel's spirit was shattered. She knew that she had lost, that she was nothing more than a plaything now, a pawn in Kael's twisted games. But as the tears streamed down her face, she also realized something else. She was not alone. J, the man who had just taken her virginity, was looking at her with something other than cold indifference. There was a tenderness in his eyes, a hint of affection that she had never seen before.

When J finally pulled away, he looked at Kael and bowed deeply. "Thank you, my lord, for bestowing the love of my life upon me," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Kael waved his hand dismissively. "Take her away," he ordered. "And remember, Jannel, your place is with him now."

Jannel, her body aching and her spirit broken, dressed herself in her servant attire. She had lost the battle for Kael's favour, but she had gained something unexpected. J, the man who had just taken everything from her, was also the man who had loved her in silence for years. She had been blind to it, too focused on her ambitions to see what was right in front of her. Now, as she looked at him, she realized that perhaps there was still hope—if not with Kael, then with J.

Meanwhile, Mei Lin had finished preparing Kael's meal and was eagerly carrying the tray to his chamber. She couldn't wait to see him, to share the meal she had made with such care. But as she approached the door, she hesitated. Something felt off, a strange tension in the air.

She knocked gently on the door, and when Kael's voice invited her in, she entered with a smile. Stepping forward, she silently put the tray down on the table closest to him. But before she could speak, Kael suddenly grabbed her wrist, pulling her toward him with a firm grip.

He brought her between his knees, still standing while he sat, his face level with her breasts. "My Lord, ..." Mei Lin began, her voice trembling with surprise.

"Later," he growled, his voice thick with desire.

He didn't even glance at the food. Instead, his hands slid to her hips, drawing her closer. Mei Lin gasped, her heart racing as his fingers moved down her leg, slipping to caress her skin. She trembled at his touch, the heat of his body contrasting with the cold air in the room.

"Are you cold?" he asked, his voice low and raspy.

"A little..." Mei Lin admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael smirked, his eyes gleaming with a dark hunger. Without warning, he pulled her onto the bed, wrapping them both in the thick fur blanket. With Mei Lin lying beneath him, he leaned over her, his hands on either side of her head.

She started to blush, memories of their previous night flashing through her mind. "My... My Lord... It's still early..." she stuttered, trying to maintain some semblance of composure.