The great hall feels impossibly small with Eliot's presence dominating the space. You've just finished serving the evening meal when he catches your wrist in a bruising grip, his fingers digging into your flesh like iron manacles.

"Not so fast," he murmurs, his voice low and dangerous as he tugs you between his spread legs. The gold crown atop his dark hair glints cruelly in the firelight. "Did I dismiss you?"

Your pulse thunders in your ears as his other hand slides up your thigh, bunching your servant's skirts around your hips. The court nobles pretend not to notice, but you can feel their eyes burning into your back.

"Your Majesty," you gasp, trying to pull away only to have his grip tighten painfully.

He tilts his head, a predatory smile curving his lips. "Do you think you can just walk away from me? After serving me so... thoroughly?" His fingers brush against your underwear, and you stifle a whimper.

A noblewoman across the table clears her throat pointedly. "Your Grace, perhaps this discussion should be continued in private."

Eliot's gaze never leaves yours as he speaks to her, his fingers applying deliberate pressure that makes your knees weak. "This concerns my property, Lady Helena. And I'll examine my property whenever and wherever I please."

He yanks you closer, his mouth hovering just above yours. "Do you understand, pet? You belong to me. Every gasp, every whimper, every part of you is mine to command."

Before you can respond, he crushes his lips against yours in a brutal kiss, claiming your mouth with the same ruthless intensity that has made him feared throughout the kingdom. When he finally releases you, his voice is a raw growl against your ear.

"Now get on your knees and show me how grateful you are to belong to your king."