| Author's Note: I'm glad everyone's enjoyed this fic so far. I'm working hard on getting it out every so often instead of every couple of months since I know what torture it is to wait for a good story for so long. So enjoy and please do e-mail me any comments you have. **Edited by Denial 12.11.02** The Dark King Chapter 4: A Dark Obsession Alexandria, Capital City of the Northern Regions Night had fallen over the city, descending quietly until the blanket of darkness stretched as far as the eye could see. Small blinking lights lit one by one in each home, people walking about with torches in hand against the dark, shivering against the onslaught of icy cold wind that had seemed to come with the Dark King's arrival. Selenity was sitting in the room he had left her in after their arrival, alone and trembling with both cold and fear. She had always known Adonis was a god, her god that she prayed to daily for protection and allegiance. But not once in her life had she suspected what he had had planned for her. Weeks ago she would have taken her responsibility, would have accepted what he wanted of her, but now.....she had known so much. She had seen part of the world she guarded, met so many different people in the past few weeks. She had met and known the Dark King. Could he have changed her so much? Could he have made her different in just the few weeks she had known him? She had been a proud priestess to Adonis, a woman who had known her place in this world and had respected that. But now everything had changed. Everything..... She jumped when outside trumpets blared, announcing the return of the Dark King and his Generals. The hour was late, which meant dinner would be served the moment he and his men entered the palace. Resigned, she stood and left the room, descending the steps to the dining hall below. Quietly, ignoring his men who all leered at her as she passed, she settled in the seat at his right, waiting for him and his men to enter and dinner to begin. As she smoothed her gown, she took no notice of the red headed woman who slinked from the shadows toward her. "And what's this?" the sneer in the tone had her back stiffening even as she turned to see who it was that spoke to her, "The Dark King's brought a new piece of horse flesh with him?" Selenity's smoky blue eyes met the glittering malice of another beautiful woman. Her hair was a thick, curling mass of flaming red, her eyes as dark as green gems, her complexion a smooth ivory, her lips curled back in a sneer. Her gown was as red as her hair and clung to her voluptuous curves, accenting the large breasts and tiny waist. "And who are you?" Selenity made sure to keep her voice cool and her eyes distant. "Beryl, his Lord's mistress." she said proudly, noting the quick flash of confusion, then hurt that crossed the smaller woman's eyes. She was angry beyond words, and terrified. The Dark King had had other mistress's, but none as beautiful as this one. Never as beautiful as this one. She, Beryl, had always been confident in her looks and her body, that it was much more generous then any other woman's and had managed to keep his interest on her for some time. But this! This woman was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen in all her life! "I see." Selenity spoke softly, but her tone had gone from cool to frosty. Here she had actually been worried for the man over Adonis and he was keeping other mistress' about, for the day he grew tired of her. "Well, I am Selenity." "His other mistress?" Beryl deliberately pushed the wound she had created deeper, her eyes sweeping over the smaller woman's form. Her eyes fell on a curious tattoo she had on the inside of her wrist and for a moment she stared at it, transfixed. Selenity turned away, not wanting the other woman to see her horror at herself. It WAS what she was to him. His mistress. His mistress to play with, to touch when he pleased, to command as he pleased. This was what she had become; a lower form of being, whereas before she had been the priestess to Adonis, a name she had carried with pride. What pride she'd had in herself he'd taken, as he'd taken her freedom and innocence. Beryl realized who she was in an instant, her eyes widening as she stared at the tattoo. Her anger surged, her hands forming claws. "Do not tell me you thought you were special? That you were the only woman in his life?" She laughed, a sultry, erotic sound that caused shivers of unease to run along Selenity's back, "Please! The Dark King does not know the meaning of having only one woman!" "My Lord, the Dark King arrives!" Someone shouted from the entrance hall, both women turning to watch as Endymion strode into the room, his face drawn into a deep scowl, his eyes cutting over his men as his large frame made its way toward the head table. Beryl, choosing discretion and needing to see from a distance what hold this exquisite woman had over him, faded back into the shadows, deciding she would return later and torment the young woman again. Selenity couldn't believe what had been revealed to her. Her anger at him returned, as well as her resentment and desire to have her freedom back. Perhaps the reason he was gone for long periods of time during the day was because he was out with his other women, different women from her. Perhaps that was why he hadn't grown tired of her yet. He came toward her, his eyes darkening to near black as he took her form in, his gaze hungry with a lust he never bothered to hide. He took his seat next to her, giving the signal for the meal to begin. A young servant girl came and served him his pint, retreating immediately from his presence. He reached out and drank from it, his eyes never leaving Selenity for a moment. "How do you find Alexandria?" his tone was cold, harsh. She shifted in her seat, keeping her eyes on the servants who were serving the meal before them, "I find it fine." Unable to stand being in his presence, she suddenly stood, "I will retire early this night." When she turned to go his hand snaked out, wrapping tightly around her slender wrist and keeping her still, "Did I give you permission to leave?" She was tired, angry, and hurt from what had just been revealed to her. And she was in no mood to put up with his dominance. "Let me have peace! Must you always remind me that I am your slave?!" she snapped at him, yanking her wrist away and fleeing from the room. She had barely made it to the bottom of the stairs when she was caught from behind, yanked around and brought up against the hard wall of his chest, "Let me go! Let me go!" She struggled desperately against him, not wanting him to see the tears that had leaped into her eyes. "What is it?" his voice was surprisingly soft, gentle, his arms wrapping around her and holding her despite her struggles, "Has someone said something to bother you?" "Its you!" She pushed at him, "It will always be you!" He was silent and she could feel his body go rigid against her, the muscles in his arms tensing. She prepared herself for the punishment he would give her for her disrespect. "I had hoped Alexandria would please you." His voice was cold steel now, emotionless and flat, "I regret it cannot. Go to our rooms now. I will join you shortly." He released her. Confused, she looked up at him, but all she saw was his darkly, handsome face, the features set in an emotionless stare, the sensual lips in a tight line. But in the next moment she saw Beryl standing just behind him, smirking at her, her emerald eyes filled with amusement. Turning, she fled to the safety of their rooms. Endymion watched her go, wondering what it was that brought about her riot of emotions. The woman was confusing him more by the second. One moment she clung to him, the next she raged at him. He had hoped that with the time she'd spent with him she would have grown accustomed to living with him, but she hadn't. Running a hand through his dark hair, he turned and went back into the dining hall, settling back at his seat, his Generals joining him since Selenity had left him. "Is she all right?" Malachite asked. His dark eyes whipped to his head General's, causing the other man to clear his throat nervously, "Your concern for her is unnecessary Malachite. I am capable of taking care of what is mine." Kendrick, knowing his Lord's short temper, intervened, "She seemed upset, my Lord. We all worry. We have grown to respect her." Endymion took up his pint and drank deeply, "She is fine. I can handle her." "We all know how well you are able to handle women, my Lord." Beryl's hand slipped over his shoulder and across his broad chest, caressing him as she bent over him, pressing her large breasts into his back. "I've missed you, my Lord." "We will leave you then." Julius stood, the other three men following suit, "And see you early tomorrow for the patrols." Once the four men had gone Beryl slid her body around his seat and into his lap, "Will you come to me tonight, my Lord?" He'd never been disgusted by her. He'd always felt a simple body's desire when he was near her, but now....he felt nothing. It worried him, for he knew it had to do with Selenity. "No, I will not." He pushed her from him and stood, ignoring her shock, "I am tired and will retire early." He knew he only wanted to be with Selenity, only wanted to hold her and inhale the soft fragrance of her scent into his being. He was almost to the stairs when Beryl planted herself before him, halting him, "Is it because of her? Do you reject me because of this new woman you have brought to flaunt before me?" "If you must know, yes. I no longer find you appealing, Beryl. Now get out of my way. I answer to no one, least especially you." Neither of them noticed the small shadow that suddenly appeared at that moment on the stairs, hidden from there sight. Beryl threw herself into his arms, pressing her lips to his, her hands gripping his head to hold him to her. The small shadow gasped, then turned and raced back up the stairs, never seeing how Endymion gripped Beryl by the arms and shoved her away from him. "Do not ever attempt to perform such an act on me again!" he roared, suppressing the need to slap her across the face. Instead he strode past her and up the stairs, leaving her shocked and viciously angry. He entered their rooms, closing the doors softly behind him when he noted Selenity had already gone to bed and appeared to be asleep. He stripped himself of his clothes, tossing them carelessly to the floor and going to the bed, settling in next to her. A small light filtered through the balcony and illuminated the perfect features of his priestess. In sleep she was exquisite, her perfect features unmarred by the anger and coldness she usually directed toward him during the day. Taking the sheet she had draped to just below her shoulder, he slowly moved it back, exposing the silk nightgown he had given her as a gift. He could see her breasts outlined by the silk, the rise and fall of her breathing, and the small nipples that seemed to call out to him. A raging desire for her filled his being and he bent to her, his fingers lowering the silk as well and revealing her bare breasts to his view. His tongue, hot and hungry for the taste of her, skimmed along the swell of her breast, toward her nipple, laving the small nub and causing it harden against his attentions. She moaned softly and turned more fully toward him, allowing his body, hard and hot for her already, to blanket her smaller one. His hands continued to slide the silk from her as his tongue lapped insistently against her, his lips closing over her and drawing on her as a new born child did, but with the skill and passion of a male searching for his mate. Groaning, restless with passion, she moved against him, crying out softly when his hand slipped between her thighs and disappeared where her tight, blonde curls rested, his fingers skillfully moving inside of her, teasing and tormenting her. She was hot and wet, welcoming him, her scent reaching his nostrils and causing the beast inside to raise its head, his predatory nature emerging as his fingers grew rougher, more insistent inside of her. His lips nuzzled at her breast, his tongue swirling over the swollen nipples as her breath tore out of her and her cries became desperate pleas for more. "Say you want me. Say it!" He uttered the order against her flesh, his fingers moving faster, his body positioning itself over hers as she arched mindlessly into the possession of his larger frame. "I want you....," She moaned the words, her cry of completion erupting in a sharp scream. Her vision hazed and for a moment she saw nothing, felt nothing, as her body rode wave after wave of desire running through her. Endymion smoothed his hand along the inside of her creamy thighs, opening her more fully for his invasion. And just as her smoky eyes cleared, focusing once again on him, he thrust inside deeply, pushing through her and forcing her to climb the peak with him this time. The air seemed stifled around them, hot and humid with there bodies combined scents. He felt her nails raking along his back, urging him on as he thrust harder, as he leaned down to bury his face in her neck. The feel of her in his arms, of her breath panting out against his shoulder, of her soft cries filling his ears was more then he could bear. He'd never felt such raging desire for any woman, such a longing that came even as he held her in his arms. Afterward, he lay across her smaller body, luxuriating in the sensation of having her arms holding him tightly to her. He'd never desired softness before, had never wanted it from any woman or man. But here, with her, he wished for it with all of his being. He turned his head and ran his tongue lazily around a small nipple, his hand slithering up her body to cup and mold. Just as he was leaning forward to touch it again, he felt her arms slip away and her body go rigid beneath his. "Have you not finished with your slave this night, my Lord?" "No, I have not." He answered her in the same tone she had spoken to him in. He had hoped that perhaps because she was the one person in this world that mattered to him, the one person he wanted softness and kindness from, that she would return these hopes and feel the same for him. And when she hadn't, he'd been hurt, an emotion that had been foreign to his heart. She was disgusted and ashamed with herself. She had seen the passionate kiss he had shared with Beryl earlier at the bottom of the stairs, had seen the way the woman had clung to him and pressed her voluptuous body to his. And yet, when he had come to her, she had been unable to resist him, had allowed him to touch her and have her. The realization that she was helpless to do but what he wanted brought tears to her eyes, had them leaking out even as she struggled to blink them away. The moonlight reflected off of the tears and he saw them, his dark eyes going from ice cold to shocked, "What? What is it? Did I hurt you?" "Get off of me!" She shoved at him and he was so shocked he obeyed, rolling from her as she stood and leapt from the bed, grabbing her robe and slipping it on. On a choked sob, she fled to the balcony and into the cool night. She wasn't surprised when he followed her. She felt him come outside, felt his hands go to her shoulders and bring her back to rest against his bare chest, "What is it? What have I done?" The softly uttered words unnerved her, as did the gentleness he was showing her. "Why do you care?" she tossed back, moving away from him and turning to face him. He stood naked beneath the moonlight, his body large and dominating, well muscled from years of training and battle. He displayed the epitome of a man in his prime, of a man proud of his body and the perfect form he had. "I wish to know so that we will not be at odds with one another." "Odds? Odds! Fine! You want to know what's wrong? I'll tell you!" She pointed out to the city before them, to the mountains that loomed mysteriously in the far distance, "I wish to return to my home! I'm tired of being your slave, of being your toy to do with as you please, when you please. I wish to return to my temple. I wish to return to Adonis!" she shouted the last at him. She didn't even see him move. One second he was watching her, his opaque eyes dark and guarded, the next he had her pinned between the stone railing of the balcony and his massive form, those eyes on fire with rage. "You will NEVER return to Adonis! Do you hear me?" he took her thick, silvery hair in his hand, thrusting her head back to meet his fiery gaze, his roar of possession echoing out into the silent night, "NEVER! You are mine! You were given to me and will always belong to me!" "Am I an object to own then?" she spat at him. "You are mine and I do not share. Never forget that you belong solely to me." There was something wild in his eyes, something frightening and untamed that she had never seen before. He was furious, seething, his face a mask of dark rage, "No other man will ever touch you and live." She almost couldn't breathe against the terror that was gripping her. She could see in his eyes the reason he had been named the Dark King. The cold, unrelenting savagery in his eyes told her that any man who did lay a finger on her would be met by a brutal death under his blade. She could only gasp as he bent and suddenly tossed her over his shoulder, carrying her back to the massive bed as a warrior claimed and conquered his chosen mate. She awoke hours later, dimly felt something warm and wet, a tongue, against her bare breast. Moaning in protest, she attempted to move away from it, only to have two powerful hands capture her and haul her closer to a hard, warm body. She didn't want to awaken. She'd been dreaming of her mother, of her life as a child in the temple. The memories of happiness, of times that to her had been perfect, brought on a wave of sorrow at the life she had now. But even she knew one couldn't remain trapped in dreams, where everything was as you wished it. And opening her eyes slowly, moved to look down upon Endymion's dark head. She was lying on her back, with his larger frame blanketing hers. His head was at her breast, his lips and tongue gently nuzzling at the soft orbs. She watched him out of curiosity, noting that his face, which was usually hard and remote during the hours of the day, was now relaxed, soft even, his eyes closed as he nudged at her breast. And she realized in an instant that the sun was out and appeared to have been for sometime. Noises from the village could be heard outside, people milling about, busy already as they worked this day. He had never remained with her until this hour. When she awoke he had always been gone from their bed, already with his Generals seeing to his lands and men. "What are you doing here?" she asked incredulously, shocked he hadn't yet left their room. "Is it not obvious what I do?" his tongue curled about a nipple, tasting. "But....you...." she didn't understand him, "Your always gone at this time." "Hhhmmm, so it would seem." he began kissing his way up to her throat, moving to softly kiss her neck, "Do you want me gone?" She sniffed, "I do not care." "Well...." he lifted his head and look down into her eyes, his own so dark with passion they looked nearly black, "Then you may lay there while I take you." It was two hours later that he descended the steps and was met by his four Generals, all waiting in the entrance hall for him. Malachite was stiff, avoiding his eyes, the other three eyeing him as he stopped before them. "We waited for you to make the patrols." Gregori spoke, his voice low and full of suppressed rage, "But it would seem you were too busy seeing to your lady's desires rather than seeing to your men." The Dark King's eyes flared, his face taking on a look of menace, "Do you question my authority, Gregori?" "No." Julius gave Gregori a quick, warning look, "No, my Lord. We merely wondered at your absence. You have never been late to come down." Endymion knew the truth in these words, but did not worry over it. He would rather hours with Selenity then days fighting at war, "I was preoccupied. We will go to see to the patrols now." They circled the lands, checked in with his men who guarded the boarders, and were heading back to the southern regions when they were met with a group of his soldiers riding toward them. He signaled for them to halt, the five of them waiting for the soldiers to make there way toward them. "What is it?" He easily controlled his stallion when the animal's nostrils flared and the dark eyes rolled, prancing about restlessly. The soldier at the head of the group was frightened and did not hide it, "My Lord, in the north.....the men...." Malachite moved his own stallion forward, "What men? Speak man!" The soldier swallowed nervously. "A group of them.....they've been....they've-" "Come, we will see for ourselves." Endymion kicked his stallion forward and they took off, spewing up dust and dirt as they raced for the north of the lands to see what the soldier had been too frightened to reveal. As they neared he slowed his mount, approaching the dark woods that loomed up in shadowy mystery before them, where he could feel hatred and evil flowing from. The stench of death was in the air, the oppressive smell of rotting flesh drifting to meet them as they stopped there horses and stood facing the woods. "I see nothing." Kendrick said. "Neither do I, but I can feel it." Endymion dismounted, his Generals following his move and approaching the woods with him, "Be on your guard. I sense a great evil has been here." He drew his sword from his side, keeping the lead as they walked into the woods and were met by darkness. The sun could not filter through the dense trees here, causing the forest to take on a dark, malevolent look as they moved deeper into it. They all saw them at the same time. Men, several of his men, hanging from the trees before them, there bodies sagging against the rope that was tied securely about there necks. There heads were at sharp angles, there necks snapped and stretched because of the hanging they had endured, dried blood in there eyes and mouths. Vultures had managed the find the bodies even through the forest and had pecked at and mutilated the bodies. He tensed, immediately scanning the area for any sounds, any smells that were not of the forest, but he detected nothing. Malachite and the other three Generals moved forward, all of them looking up at the numerous bodies. "These were the men I sent out to guard the boarders where Miles was said to have been attempting to gather men." Malachite shook his head in pity for them. "Its obvious Miles killed them and left them as a retaliation against you, my Lord." Julius pointed out. Endymion had moved forward, had seen something embedded on each of the men's wrists. He couldn't make out what it was because the bodies were so high up, so he motioned for Gregori to move forward. "Shoot one down." he ordered him. Gregori took out his bow and arrow, aiming high at the one nearest them, then released the arrow. Its aim was precise and sliced through the rope holding the man, the body falling to the ground with a loud thud, vultures flying and screaming their protest at the intrusion. He moved forward, taking the man's wrist and lifting it for their eyes to see. "Adonis' mark." Kendrick gasped softly, horror in his voice. "By the gods." Julius whispered. Endymion examined the mark closely, the exact replica of the one Selenity had. "It would seem Adonis has issued me a direct warning. He is angry I have taken his priestess and is showing me what he is capable of." He dropped the man's wrist, straightening slowly, his eyes sweeping the forest in a cold glance, "Let him come. If it is war he wants, then it is war he'll get." Last Notes: I want to leave a few notes for all of you readers to read since I KNOW I'm going to have tons of questions and blah blah blah, so please read all this if you want those q's answered. Hopefully I'll be able to get to them all. Keep in mind also that I will be answering some questions, but not in too much detail. I don't want to give away the entire mystery for my fic either. 1. Ok, first things first. I noticed how a lot of people said I didn't really go to deeply into Selenity and Endymion's relationship, so I tried to in this chapter, as you guys should notice. Now, are they in love already? Well, that's something you guys should be able to figure out for yourselves. Love doesn't happen in just one moment ladies and gentlemen, it takes time. I know some people are going to wonder if Selenity has feelings for Endymion or not. In this chapter she was giving him the cold shoulder more then half the time right? Well how would you feel if you found out the guy you were currently with and were beginning to care about had another woman? Especially another woman that was running around right in front of you? Think about that. 2. Second, I noticed that in the first three chapters I focused more on Selenity's thoughts then on Endymion's, so I tried to focus more on him in this chapter. And please, I know I first made Adonis seem really perfect and handsome and righteous, but appearances aren't always what they seem. I highly advice all of you readers to keep that in mind as the story progress's. As for Endymion going to war against Adonis....I know you guys are thinking 'how in the hell is he going to go up against a god?'....well, who says Adonis is the only god out there? Trust me peeps, there's going to be a hell of a war later on in this fic. So think about what that may mean until the next chapter. 3. I also want to apologize for not bringing Lita, Amy, Mina, and Raye back into the fic, but it just didn't fit in. I will definitely try to bring them back in the next chapter. Anyway, I tried to satisfy as much as I could and also get the story moving a bit. I finished this chapter pretty quickly and I hope every one of you enjoyed it. 4. Oh and this is to Violet Goddess. Please forgive me for using the title to one of your fics for the title of this chapter, but it fit with the theme of this chapter. I wasn't actually out to copy you, it just ends up looking that way. =) 5. To everyone now, review, review, review! I always want to hear what you guys think! I came through with my promise that I would add faster if you guys reviewed for me, so please keep the reviews coming in. I only add this fast when I know people are reading and interested. So please send any comments, suggestions, or questions to sailorperfect@yahoo.com. Later! p.s. what do ya'll think of Beryl? =) p.s.s. I want to give everyone some advice and all of you PLEASE go see 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers!' Its going to rock and I seriously think everyone in the world should go see it! So please do!! |