Court Of Shadows and Lies

23. The First Taste of Kindness

I leaned down, feeling the electric tension between us as I held his jaw firmly, lifting his face so he had no choice but to meet my gaze. His wide eyes, filled with vulnerability and uncertainty, stared into mine. For a moment, I paused, taking in the way he looked at me, completely at my mercy.

How easily he bends to my will.

His breath was shallow, chest rising and falling as he knelt before me, submissive and unsure. I could see it all—his confusion, his longing, his desperate need for connection. I knew exactly what he craved. And I was willing to give it to him, but only on my terms.

I leaned down further, and before he could process what was happening, I pressed my lips to his, capturing his shocked, hesitant breath. His body froze beneath my touch, too stunned to react, and I could feel the tremble in his hands as they hovered, unsure of what to do. I deepened the kiss slightly, savoring the control I held over him, knowing full well what this moment meant for him.

When I pulled away, his wide eyes were still locked onto mine, a deep flush spreading across his cheeks. He looked like he couldn’t quite believe what had just happened, as if he was still trying to comprehend that I had kissed him.

“That was a reward,” I said softly, my thumb brushing along his jawline as I kept his face tilted up toward me. “For being good. For being mine.” His lips parted, but no words came out—just a shallow, unsteady breath.

“If you continue to make me proud, Serene,” I whispered, leaning in close to his ear, “I’ll reward you with more than just a stupid thing.”

He blinked, clearly unsure of what I meant. But I could see the spark of hope flicker in his eyes—hope for something he had long been deprived of.

Connection. That’s what he wants. Love. Affection.

Things he had probably never truly received in his life. And now, I could offer him that. I could make him think I’m the only one who could.

“More than this?” he murmured, his voice barely a whisper, still trying to make sense of it all.

I nodded, a soft smirk playing on my lips. “Yes. More than this. But not just power, Serene. Not something grand or material. No. What I’m offering is what you truly need.” I ran my fingers through his hair, feeling the way he leaned into my touch, like a starved creature desperate for the slightest hint of warmth.

“Attention. Affection. Connection,” I whispered, my voice low and dripping with promise. “I know that’s what you crave. And I can give it to you… if you remain loyal to me.”

He swallowed hard, his eyes filled with that same vulnerability, but now there was something more—a flicker of desire for the things I offered. For the affection he had never known. For the love he had never felt. I could see it in the way his body leaned closer to me, the way his hands hesitated before lifting, almost as if he wanted to touch me but didn’t know if he was allowed to.

“I… I want that,” he whispered, his voice barely audible, his eyes pleading with mine.

“Good,” I said softly, my fingers still gently caressing his hair, his jaw. “Then you’ll stay by my side. You’ll be mine, and I’ll make sure you get exactly what you need. But only if you stay loyal, Serene. Only if you obey.”

“I will,” he breathed, his voice trembling slightly, but there was no mistaking the sincerity in his words.

I smiled down at him, pleased with how easily he submitted. “Then you’ve earned your reward, Serene,” I murmured, my voice laced with satisfaction. “Stay loyal, and you’ll get more of what you crave. I promise.”