Chapter 71:
“As you command.” Emeriel inclined his head, then resumed his cleaning as the soldier muttered, walking away.
IN THE GRAND HIGH COURT
GRAND LORD OTTAI
“With the Banquet only three days away, I propose that on that day, we have a presentation of a new slave,” declared Grand Lord Zaiper.
“Must there be a presentation? I do not fancy that ceremony at all,” Grand Lord Ottai replied, seeking support from the third ruler.
However, Grand Lord Vladya appeared utterly bored, completely uninterested.
“Why? Our people need all the happiness they can get. The Lords love that ritual, and most of them eagerly anticipate it. There is no good reason to forgo that ceremony,” Zaiper insisted.
“Lord Vladya, what are your thoughts?” Ottai looked to Lord Vladya.
“I do not care either way.” Vladya opened the scroll a soldier had just brought in. Another soldier took it as his cue to approach quickly, carrying an inkpot and quill. Vladya took the quill, dipped it into the open inkpot, and began scribbling on the parchment. “Do as you wish.”
“You see, even Lord Vladya is in agreement,” Zaiper continued. “I mean, the male needs some downtime and fun. When was the last time he enjoyed himself? With his bloodhost bonded to another and heavy with child, he may not even be indulging in her body.”
“Please do not tell me that you still mount Adissa,” Ottai reproached Zaiper with a stern look.
“My bloodhost?” Zaiper smirked, crossing his arms.
“What do you think?”
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“She is bonded to another. She has two offspring.” Ottai shook his head.
“And so? There is no law against it. It is not like we can help it. It is difficult to be rational when one’s body craves desperately,” Zaiper drawled. “Besides, she practically begs for it.”
“You get her drunk on pheromones; she does not have a choice,” Ottai admonished. “You can choose not to pump her full of your elixir while feeding from her.”
“Mmm,” Zaiper feigned pondering the idea before another smirk emerged. “And where is the fun in that?”
Ottai sighed deeply, resigned. “You are beyond redemption, Zaiper. You think only of yourself.”
Zaiper dismissed him with a wave. “As for the upcoming presentation, we shall be holding two sessions. The first will take place at the banquet. It’s possible we won’t be able to introduce all the slaves on that particular day. Therefore, the second introduction is scheduled to take place four nights after the initial presentation.”
Ottai shook his head. “Every year, we lose what remains of our soul. We, the grand lords, should be striving to unite our people, to set them on the right path again instead of remaining in the depths of our despair. Daemonikai will not be pleased with what has become of us.”
Vladya’s elegant hand, moving rhythmically against the scroll, paused. He did not look up or acknowledge Ottai’s statement, but his hand remained still for several long seconds before he resumed his scribbling.
Meanwhile, Zaiper waved Ottai’s concerns away. “Well, it is unfortunate that the grand king is dead, but the living must move on. There is absolutely nothing wrong with our lives now. This is the way our people were always meant to live.”
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