He shifted his position on the cushions, trying to ease the ache in his back. It made him furious that he was defenseless like this. Not once in his life, had he felt so utterly helpless against anyone. It made him extremely furious. But what made him even more angry was what this man had done to his daughter. For that Damon wanted so much to plant his fist again and again into that overly smug jerk.

Damon clenched his right hand into a fist just waiting for him to come and make a move. Damon's eyes turned stormy and rage was mirrored in them. The man must have seen this because he smiled in obvious delight over Damon's reaction.

"Well, it seems that we must become aquatinted. Allow me to introduce myself. I am King Hurcole Inawa, ruler of the kingdom of Taimrali." King Hurcole stood a few feet away from were Damon was laying. He had the most overwhelming urge to spit on his well-polished boots.

Damon arched one of his arrogant eye-brows, "Oh really? How nice. Please excuse my manners, it seems someone decided to knock me unconscious earlier so forgive me if I don't stand up and bow."

King Hurcole's eyes darkened with anger. "You think you are so smart, don't you? I could make boys like you and break them so easily." He moved to the table and poured himself a goblet of brandy. He stared into the amber liquid. "Remember who I am."

"I don't give a damn who you are." Damon uttered through clenched teeth. He forced himself to remain calm and to not let this man see how he made him react. He just had to bide his time. Damon wasn't planning on staying in this castle a minute longer than he had too. His vampire powers would come to life soon and then he would show this over-stuffed peacock who was in charge. Maybe he would show him a few lessons in being a better father to his young innocent daughter.

King Hurcole raised an eyebrow, "Oh, what a shame. I was so hoping you and I could come to an agreement."

Damon just stared at him, "You can take your agreements and shove it up your..."

Guards moved towards where Damon lay, their hands going for their sticks. Damon wasn't afraid of them. He never was. His hands were itching for a fight, something to ease this rage and pain that he had trapped inside of him. He wanted to punch that mean son-of-a------. He couldn't wait.

But King Hurcole stopped his guards with the sweep of his hands. They stilled in their motions, their hands still groping for their weapons. The king turned to face his army.

"It would be best if I talked our guest in private." The guards seemed hesitate and unsure to leave their leader with the dangerous man lying on their floor. A slight nod made the guards back away, leave the room, and close the doors.

"Now," he replied, turning back to Damon, "perhaps I can discuss this with you without an audience."

"Your fooling yourself if you think I am going to listen to your proposal.

He merely smiled, "I sense hostility. I quite understand your animosity towards me. But I hope I can change your mind. My daughter is a lovely young woman don't you think. Now, she isn't her mother but....."

"Your daughter is nothing like you. She's innocent and doesn't know what kind of snake her father is."

Laughter erupted throughout the room, "So you do have an interest in her." A gleam entered his eyes.

Damon's walls scaled way up, "I don't have an interest in anyone. Its just a shame that her father abuses her and makes her marry men whom she doesn't know anything about."

"Ah, I see then. Its not interest in my daughter you have, just a sort of protectiveness towards her. Have I got it correct now?" He raised his goblet to his lips and took a sip. "I knew I picked the right man to marry my errant daughter.

Curiosity thrummed Damon. He was interested in knowing why this man had picked him to marry his daughter. He knew he was arrogant and up to no good, but no father had willing allowed their daughters near him. He usually allowed himself. He really allowed himself at times, too much that those careful fathers came after him with swords. It was a little unnerving for one of those fathers to let him into their domain willingly.

Damon watched King Hurcole with a glint in his coal eyes. This man reminded him so much of his father. The cruelty, harshness, and rigidity was all there. Damon didn't think he was going to like this man anymore than he liked his father. He hated his father. And if he hated his father, he certainly wasn't going to welcome this replication of him.

"How about I make a deal with you?" King Hurcole suggested. Damon opened his mouth to make a smart retort, but the king wouldn't let him speak, "now, before you reply. I think you should hear out my proposition and then give me an answer." He tilted his head slightly, "Agreed?"

Damon sat on the floor and studied him. He didn't know if he should listen to this pompous man. There was no way in hell that he was going to stay in this prison. Damon was about to say just that but something stopped him..

If you listen to him, you might be able to escape this place. It might give you time...

"Go ahead, try to convince me."

The king smiled appreciatively. Damon knew it was all an act. He knew all the tricks. He had made some of them. A snake could easily recognize another snake. And this was one big snake.

"Well, as I mentioned before. My daughter is passable in looks if you like that type of bold features. But no matter. She will give you many children and a palace to live in." King Hurcole took his goblet and walked over to the red velvet chair. Sitting down, he swept his empty hand over the surroundings. "Can you not say that this palace is not livable? That it isn't suited for any luxury you want?"

Damon regarded him through hooded lids. His face expressionless. "Why me? I am sure there are many men out there who would be more than qualified to marry your daughter."

A sip of brandy. "Ah, but none are as ruthless and cunning as you. No stories have been told about you without a sense of fear from that person. I need someone like that. Someone who isn't afraid of taking what they want. Someone who isn%u2019t afraid of a challenge."

Damon would have laughed if they weren't discussing his future. "You want me to marry your daughter because I am cunning and ruthless? Forgive me if I don't comprehend." he drawled, "I didn't know fathers liked ruthless and cunning men to take care of their daughter."

He gave Damon an indulgent smile, "Oh, you can do with Calisandra as you like. It is the kingdom that I am concerned with. I need a leader to run Taimrah. Calisandra is just, as I see it, a bonus so to speak. Do we have an agreement?"

Damon was dealing with one cold-hearted bastard. Even colder than him it seemed. He had no intentions of sticking around and seeing this swine's plan fulfilled. He had a plan of his own.

Damon sat up straighter, his back protesting at the action. A devilish glint stole across his eyes and a smile that could freeze hell came over his lips.