Chapter 21 Safety And Protection

Ryedir made a noncommittal sound at the back of his throat but didn’t reply further.

Laret was an excellent healer and almost fanatical in her care. Not just regarding their physical health, but also mental health. This was especially true for bonded pairs and she was more than happy to take every opportunity to state her mind on just how to strengthen those bonds. Which had resulted in a rather hilarious sex talk with himself and Kari.

Laret was oblivious to social cues and had given a rather long and detailed list of sexual activities that did not need bonding, as though they were adolescents fumbling through sex. He almost snorted at the thought. He couldn’t fault Laret for her overzealous care, especially as it had proven exceedingly entertaining watching Kari stutter in mortification.

The memory dulled his anger somewhat and Ryedir stood with Kari still in his arms. He carried him effortlessly into one of his entertaining rooms and settled into a large plush chair, arranging the omega so he could hold him but still leave his arms somewhat free. It wasn’t long before a few of his staff entered to remove the corpse and clean the blood from the carpet.

Trois appeared soon after with reports to read through. The beta made no further move to question Ryedir, but he caught the worried glance to the sleeping omega while they discussed the running of the Mishal.

Kari still hadn’t stirred by the time Nevis returned with a platter of sliced fruits just like Laret had ordered. The beta lay the fruits on the small table by the chair and curled up on the large cushion in the corner of the room, quietly dozing while he waited for any orders. They stayed like that until Ryedir requested his own dinner.

Trois took the documents they were finished with and left for the kitchens not far behind Nevis. Nevis returned shortly with his dinner while Trois returned sometime later to continue going through the reports. Kari didn’t even stir until after Ryedir had finished his food and Nevis had fallen asleep on the cushion.

He seemed to come back around slowly, cuddling closer to Ryedir before suddenly tensing as though he realized where he was. Interestingly, the slave didn’t move or protest like Ryedir thought he would- instead he seemed content to stay in the alpha’s lap and doze. It wasn’t until Ryedir decided to feed Kari that he got a reaction.

He indicated for Trois to read out the reports instead and used his now free hands to re-arrange Kari on his lap. The omega blinked dazedly at him, his big blue eyes seemed almost world-weary.

He brought a slice of mango to the slave’s lips and a familiar flash of defiance sparked in his eyes. The omega glared up at Ryedir. It was less fiery than usual but the alpha was pleased to see it, nonetheless. Kari was still there, hiding away under the withdrawn exterior.

Ryedir crooned softly and Kari grimaced. “You can stop that now, I’m not some- mmphh!” Ryedir cut him off mid-sentence and forced the piece of fruit into his mouth.

That got a more intense glare. Good, he was coming out of his stupor. The omega’s eyes fluttered shut as the taste hit his tongue and he slowly chewed, savoring his favorite fruit.

Anhia, the head cook, seemed to have developed a soft spot for the young man, if the fact that the plate was filled with all his favorites was anything to go by. Even his grumpy and workaholic steward adores Kari though Trois doesn’t show it and covers it with grumpiness. Ryedir waited until Kari finished his mouthful and opened his eyes again before holding up his fingers in front of his plump lips.

“Now, lick the juices off like a good little boy.” Kari lunged forward and bit down on air where his fingers had been moments ago.

Ryedir chuckled as his teeth snapped shut with an audible click, having expected the reaction. Instead he picked up a half strawberry and offered it to the omega who attempted to grab it in his own hands. Ryedir expertly captured both wrists in one hand and proceeded to force feed his stubborn little mate.

Trois was standing there watching them with an odd look on his face. It was a mix of confusion, disbelief, and a hint of amusement. He snapped back to attention when Ryedir waved at him to continue. He cleared his throat and started to read again only to be immediately interrupted by Jaid. The hulking master-at-arms strode into the room and stopped with a bow in front of him.

Ryedir forced another piece of mango between Kari’s pouting lips before he spoke.

“Report.”

“Negligence and incompetence.” Jaid spoke evenly but his fury was palpable. “I have three men all from different stations that should have seen the assassin as he made his way onto the manor’s grounds. One was found sleeping on duty.” Ryedir’s eyebrows jumped. Jaid personally trained each of his staff and was good at weeding out those looking for a free ride. “He is one of the new lot from the city and I made sure to give him a rude awakening. I would like to request permission to deal with the three men myself.”

“What did you have in mind?”

Kari took the opportunity while he was distracted to bite at his fingers again and this time only narrowly missed. He shot Ryedir a toothy grin, showing off his white teeth. Ryedir leaned forward and bit his ear in retaliation. Not hard enough to bruise, but enough to pull a startled yelp from the disobedient omega.

Jaid dutifully ignored their interruption and continued. “Dismissal for the sleeper and cleaning duties down in the slums for the other two. On top of extra training, of course.”

Ryedir smirked. The two that would stay in his employment were in for long and gruelling days under Jaid’s watchful eye followed by a little public humiliation of the most disgusting kind. “Granted.”

The other alpha bowed, murmuring his thanks before withdrawing. Jaid generally spoke little, preferring to speak with actions instead. Ryedir wondered how many more bruises would be had in the training yard tomorrow while he worked off his steam.

Trois cleared his throat again and after a moment continued with his report. Kari seemed to have finally seen the futility in the situation and had settled against him, now mostly obediently opening his mouth for the fruit. He fell asleep like that, curled up against Ryedir’s chest.

Kari remained asleep even as Ryedir carried him into the bedroom, removing both of their clothes and curled protectively around his omega once in bed.