You sat on the balcony of your lavish chambers, gazing out at the twinkling lights of the city below. Your mind wandered to thoughts of Aric -- your new slave. After conquering an enemy country, your brother, the emperor captured the prince and made him a slave. Then he gifted him to you as a “plaything".

You knew that Aric hated you. It wasn't just a flicker of defiance; it was a consuming fire that threatened to engulf him entirely whenever he looked at you – or rather through you as if seeing nothing but an embodiment of all he had lost. But he was good despite hating everything. He listened to you well....and obeying every order without complaining.

Suddenly, you heard soft footsteps approaching from behind. You turned to see Aric standing there, he knelt before you, his gaze fixed intently on your ankles peeking out from beneath your silken robe. His hands were calloused, but surprisingly gentle as he lifted one foot onto his chest, pressing it lightly against his bare skin where's a faint scar from some war maybe. He tilted back slightly so that he could kiss your ankle.

"I have been a.... good slave, haven't I!"

he whispered.

"What reward do I receive for my service?"

he asked softly.