Kiss the Stranger

I trembled before I even realized what was happening. My knees gave out and I slumped to the floor. Even then I couldn’t take my eyes off him—I was so terrified I couldn’t move a single finger.
Asghail stood silently, watching me. He didn’t move at all. I couldn’t read his expression—why was he staring at me like that? What was he waiting for? Why had he come so early today? Why, why, why—

I had so many questions, but I couldn’t ask any of them. I couldn’t even part my lips to speak. My teeth chattered together as I sat frozen on the floor. His gaze remained emotionless as ever. Then he slowly parted his lips and finally spoke.
“What are you doing?”
A chill ran down my spine and every hair on my body stood on end. I drew ragged breaths and he ordered,

“Come closer.”
His sweet scent grew stronger. Maybe he was angry. I wanted to run, but couldn’t even stand. I should stand. I should obey. I must come closer.
I can’t.

My knees buckled again, and Asghail frowned. When I unconsciously held my breath, he suddenly stepped away from the window. I startled and opened my eyes wide—and he walked toward me.
The hallway fell silent as the pages hurried aside. With each step he took, his scent thickened until it felt like it would suffocate me.
I have to beg.
I tried to speak, but no sound came out. My mind was a tangle of fear.

I must apologize—if I displease him, then he will—again—me…
“I-I’m s-sor… argh!”
I managed a sound, but my chattering teeth made me bite my tongue. A scream ripped from me as I sat soaked below, trembling, and watched him approach like the reaper. One step, then another.

Haa, haa.
My shallow breaths echoed in my mouth. The world blurred and I could hardly breathe. I dared not blink as he came closer. My mouth dried and my tongue stiffened. Finally, Asghail stood over me.
“…Ah.”

A fragile moan ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) escaped me. I couldn’t speak, only gasp as I looked up at him. He seemed impossibly large; I felt impossibly small. His shadow swallowed me whole. My chest tightened and nausea churned through me—yet I couldn’t flee. Asghail spoke again.
“Fetch the whip.”
In an instant, memories of that day and the man before me merged. He furrowed his brow, and I realized with horror that my lower half was soaked. I had peed myself.

“…Ha.”
I heard Asghail’s sigh—disgust, perhaps. Muffled murmurs and shuffling came from the sides. I was too stunned to notice. Panic overtook me. My fate felt sealed. I needed to beg him not to punish me, but no words came. As my vision darkened, Asghail reached out a hand.
“…Hik!”

I shrank back with a cry—and he caught me. Before I could react, I was lifted off the floor.
“…!”
Only then did I realize he’d hoisted me up. He cradled me on one arm, pinned my other arm with his hand, and looked at me. Our eyes met; I froze, and he said,

“If you vomit now, I will tear out your tongue.”
His quiet threat left no doubt. I raised my free hand to clamp my mouth shut and nodded. The pages floundered around us until one found courage and stepped forward.
“Your Highness, please—allow us to clean this… mess.”

He was right. The sight of me, soaked and helpless, was unbearable. I squirmed, aware that I lay across Asghail’s arm. He remained unmoved.
“Step aside.”
His quiet command sent the page retreating. Asghail strode on, and I clung to my mouth, swaying. The empty corridor rang with his footsteps. His pheromones churned my stomach as dizziness rocked me. I forced down the rising bile and blinked anxiously.
Ah.

I caught sight of his litter in the corner. Memories flooded back—the way Kamar had held me like this. The sweetness of that scent shifted my heart from fear to longing.
‘Yohan.’
His voice echoed in my mind. He’d brought me fruit, kissed me, told me he loved me.

So many memories. We’d loved and wanted each other—I can’t remember a single day.
We promised to stay together. We said we’d die together.
‘Forever.’

Kamar—do you really remember nothing?
Tears threatened, and I bit my lip to hold them back.
“…Huh, uh.”

A sob crept out, but Asghail kept walking. He didn’t look at me. I stared at his dark hair and fought the urge to kiss the litter. I grit my teeth.
We passed a long hallway until he stopped before a door. Guards bowed and opened it. A page hurried after and asked,
“Your Highness, shall we prepare a bath?”

“No, it’s fine.”
Without looking back, Asghail entered. The door closed behind us.
Startled, I took in the chamber. A domed ceiling arched high above marble walls. One side held a large bathing pool and fixtures; beyond, another space lay hidden. Though unused, the vast room glowed with warmth—my body shivered. Asghail looked down at me; I froze and he frowned.

“…Ah!”
Before I could react he seized my arm and pulled me forward. I collapsed on the floor and he said,
“Undress.”

I scrambled to strip off my clothes, trembling. I refused to imagine what came next; I had to obey.
Naked, I crouched on the cold marble. I dared not look up; his gaze pounded me. He spoke again.
“Stand.”

I rose unsteadily and faced him. His eyes traveled from my shoulders down past my chest, stomach, and between my legs. He clicked his tongue. I lifted my head—and saw his scowl. He was displeased. I bowed mine. He crossed his arms and said,
“Turn around. Place your hands on the wall.”
Better than facing him. I spun until I nearly fell. He sighed in annoyance as I steadied myself. Ashamed, I pressed my trembling hands against the wall. I felt him approach behind me; I gripped the wall, but my knees quaked.

A hand brushed my shoulder and his voice murmured,
“I’ve never seen such a pathetic omega.”
His palm pressed hot against my skin, tracing slow caresses down my back.