My King's Seraglio Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Note from the Publisher

  Dedication

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  EPILOGUE

  About the Author

  My King's Seraglio

  Ann T. Ryan

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  Cover Artist: Reese Dante

  Editor: Monti Shalosky

  My King’s Seraglio © 2011 Ann T. Ryan

  ISBN # 9781920484415

  Attention Readers: This book uses US English. Thank you.

  All rights reserved.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. The Licensed Art Material is being used for illustrative purposes only; any person depicted in the Licensed Art Material, is a model.

  Attention Readers: This book uses US English. Thank you.

  PUBLISHER

  http://www.silverpublishing.info

  Note from the Publisher

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for your purchase of this title. The authors and staff of Silver Publishing hope you enjoy this read and that we will have a long and happy association together.

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  Lodewyk Deysel

  Publisher

  Silver Publishing

  http://www.silverpublishing.info

  Dedication

  To the two men who inspired it all,

  thank you and may love find its way to you both.

  CHAPTER 1

  Tobey watched the crowd with disdain and wondered again why he had agreed to come for the celebration of the new High King. Yet another attempt by his father to get him married off to someone influential so their family might rise up in ranks. Politics in Naverya. It made Tobey's skin crawl. The things some people would do to attain power; even compromising their own principles. He stayed in the back as others tried to get as close to the royal families as possible. There were five in Naverya; Radcliffe, Rowan, Dillon, Kelleigh, and Tanner, and five kings, each ruling their own kingdom. But the Radcliffes held the most power. Thus the eldest son for every new generation held the position of High King, making the family the most fawned over. Tobey's lips curled in derision.

  "Tobey! Tobey!" his father hissed, trying to get him to go over to where the royal families congregated. As usual, he stood by King Rowan's side, being the chamberlain of the Rowan royal family.

  Tobey shook his head slightly and noted with pleasure that his father frowned at him. A small part of him had always loved to rebel. It would have to be good enough that he came.

  A little later, a nearby conversation caught his wandering attention.

  "Word has it that King Radcliffe's seraglio has only men."

  "Are you serious?!"

  "Yes. Apparently, he has a preference for that particular gender."

  "So, no heir then?"

  "Well, there is still a chance of getting an heir."

  "Only a small one."

  "And even then… to carry the child to full term… well…"

  Tobey listened in on the two courtiers' conversation as they hovered near him before walking away. So, the current High King preferred men. Tobey wondered whether it would fall to another member of the family to produce an heir. Although possible for men to get pregnant in Naverya, the chance of it happening was a minute one. Consummation between two men rarely produced offspring and the act of giving birth often endangered the male carrying the child. More often than not, the biology of a Naveryan male was such that during labour, he might suffer from complications resulting in severe blood loss. That was the reason why many male couples preferred to adopt, instead. But to inherit the kingdom, one must be of royal blood. Tobey guessed adopting would not be an option for his royal Majesty.

  Things seemed to be winding up. Tobey heaved a sigh of relief. With the Radcliffe family leaving, everyone else would disperse soon. His father had not managed to introduce him to any prospective in-laws and for that he was grateful. He still had his freedom. Tobey started to move towards his father, smiling to himself.

  * * * *

  A celebration held in his honour with his favourite concubine by his side; Adam considered himself a lucky man indeed. Fortunate enough to be born into the Radcliffe family, power had always been in his grasp. But his brother William drew the luckier lot, no matter what others might think. Will had the freedom to choose, being the second son. Whereas, as first-born, Adam had to take over the position of High King of Naverya.

  "Does anyone interest you, your Majesty?" his concubine, Zachary, asked.

  "Should they, when I have you by my side?" Adam winked at him.

  Zachary laughed. "Aah. But, your Majesty, you are required to add more, even if you are not interested, for political advantage perhaps?"

  "Yes, I know," Adam said simply. "The seraglio will not be happy, though."

  "The seraglio will never be happy, your Majesty, unless you favour them."

  "But they cannot all be jewels like you, my fair Zachary." Adam smiled.

  "No, they cannot." Zachary agreed teasingly as yet another noble approached with a son in tow.

  "Your Majesty."

  "Lord Irwin."

  "This is my son, Joshua."

  "Good morrow, your Majesty."

  "Good morrow, Joshua," Adam replied as he admired Joshua's glossy chestnut brown hair and deep set blue eyes. Beside him, Zachary coughed. Adam nodded slightly as Zachary added Joshua's name to the list of potential men to be added to the seraglio. He viewed the room in general and saw many courtiers dressed to the nines, especially the men. He was amused at the thought that, apparently, they knew of his sexual preference and had dressed accordingly.

  "All here to impress you, your Majesty," Zachary said.

  "I know. It amuses me. But we still mus
t keep the good relations. How is the list so far?"

  "Not too bad. There are ten names so far, all varying in their kingdom of origin. How many do you plan to narrow it down to?"

  "Less than five, if possible. I do not want to cause more strife within the seraglio than necessary. How my father managed to control his fifty when I can barely manage ten, I do not know."

  "Aah, but that is because of your prowess as a lover, your Majesty," Zachary said, touching Adam's thigh lightly. "We get jealous easily when you favour someone else and they are summoned to your bed."

  "You have no reason to be jealous, though, Zachary."

  "Not now. Not yet."

  "Wait!" Adam held up his hand. His royal entourage stopped walking as their king turned to speak to his chamberlain. "Jeff, who is that?" Adam asked.

  "Your Majesty?" Jeff frowned slightly in confusion.

  "The blond man over there, walking towards Chamberlain Rowan."

  "Did someone catch your eye after all?" Zachary snickered.

  "That is his son, your Majesty," Jeff answered.

  "I see. Call him." Adam ordered. To Zachary, he said, "He is quite a gorgeous specimen."

  "Hmmm…" Zachary looked at the man in question. "Not as gorgeous as you."

  "I do so love flattery, Zachary." Adam laughed with his favourite as he watched Chamberlain Radcliffe approach Chamberlain Rowan. The son turned abruptly and walked towards the nearest exit.

  Interesting.

  "Tobey!" yelled Chamberlain Rowan.

  The son, Tobey, continued walking. Very interesting.

  "Tobey Joseph Mitchell! You get yourself over here right now!"

  By this time, every head had turned to watch the byplay. Eventually, Adam saw Tobey sigh, turn, and walk slowly to his father.

  Adam watched with amusement and also curiosity as the Mitchells approached him. The son trudged along sullenly, almost as if reluctant to meet the High King. The blond man made quite an enigma. One Adam wanted to unwrap at the earliest opportunity.

  "Your Majesty, Chamberlain Rowan and his son, Tobey Joseph Mitchell." Jeff introduced them.

  "It is my honour, your Majesty," Chamberlain Rowan gushed.

  "Oh no, the honour is all mine." Adam smiled as he looked at Tobey, who refused to meet his gaze.

  "Your Majesty," Tobey grunted out as his father's elbow not so subtly landed in his ribs.

  "Tobey, was it?"

  Tobey looked up, directly meeting his eyes. "Only my family calls me that. Begging your pardon, your Majesty, but please address me as Mr Mitchell, instead."

  "Tobey!" his father called out disapprovingly.

  "Oh it is perfectly all right, Chamberlain Rowan." Adam laughed. "Very refreshing… I would like to speak to Tobey alone."

  "Sure, your Majesty, anything that pleases you," Lord Mitchell said.

  His entourage walked away, giving the High King and Tobey as much privacy possible in a crowded ballroom. Everyone except Zachary.

  "Your Majesty?"

  "It's all right, Zachary," Adam replied without looking away from Tobey, who defiantly gazed back.

  "I will leave you, then." Zachary walked away, but not without glancing back to watch his king and the man he assumed would become the latest addition to the seraglio.

  "You do not like me much, do you, Tobey?"

  "I like you well enough as High King of Naverya," Tobey replied formally.

  "Nicely phrased." Adam chuckled.

  "May I be blunt, your Majesty?"

  "You mean you weren't before?" Tobey looked at Adam blankly and Adam took a moment to admire his almond-shaped, chocolate brown eyes and the beautiful long lashes that framed them. "Fine, you may."

  "Why are you speaking to me?"

  "Is it not obvious?"

  "You wish for me to be part of your seraglio?"

  "And I get the feeling you do not want to be a part of it. This fascinates me. Would it not benefit you and the Mitchell family?"

  "Perhaps. But becoming a part of the High King's seraglio has never been my dream." Tobey paused. "No offense, your Majesty," he added quickly.

  "None taken." Adam looked at Tobey curiously. "But I have to warn you, I usually get what I want."

  And for the first time, Adam saw fear in Tobey's dark brown eyes. "Y-your Majesty?"

  "Do not worry, Tobey. I will do no harm to you or your family. I will, however, give you three months to get used to the idea of belonging to me."

  "Do I have a choice?"

  "In life, we rarely do," Adam said. "You can still fulfil your dreams whilst being my concubine."

  Tobey sighed and suddenly stood straighter than before. "One year."

  "Six months, and that is my final offer."

  "I will see you in six months, your Majesty." Tobey walked away.

  And for the first time in his life as High King, Adam ended up being dismissed. He chuckled softly, thinking of the challenge Tobey would be and how he could possibly tame such a beautiful but unruly creature.

  CHAPTER 2

  Six months went by in a flash and a carriage with the Radcliffe crest emblazoned on its side awaited Tobey outside his house. Although Tobey had prayed the High King would have forgotten about him, it became apparent he had not. But it was not like the man did not leave a similar effect on Tobey. He recalled the first time he had seen the High King who had towered over him by a few inches, his broad shoulders filling out his lean and muscled build. The High King's slightly wavy black hair framed his strong jaw line and beautiful greyish-blue disconcerting eyes which made Tobey's stomach flutter in a way that had never happened before when he spoke with a man.

  "Do your best, Tobey. Remember what you have learnt." Those were the only words from his father before he entered the carriage. There were no words of love, just advice on how to please the High King. Tobey waved to his crying mother and younger sister before letting the carriage's window drapes slip from his hands to give him privacy.

  Inside the carriage, Tobey remained alone with his thoughts.

  * * * *

  "He is here," Zachary informed Adam quietly.

  "Thank you, Zachary. Have him prepared and brought to my chambers."

  "Your Majesty… I… I."

  "Are you worried, my fair Zachary, that my affections will shift?" Adam teased whilst kissing him lightly.

  "You seem far too enamoured with him."

  "Possibly because I have not had him yet?"

  "I hope so," Zachary replied softly.

  "I will be back in your arms sooner than you think." Adam hugged Zachary close, letting his favoured concubine feel his half-hardened cock.

  "Do we have time?" Zachary asked, rubbing himself against Adam.

  Adam responded by taking both their clothes off.

  * * * *

  Tobey sat quietly in the tub as servants poured hot water and oils smelling of herbs and flowers into it. A man dressed in fine robes entered, dismissing the servants. Tobey recognised him as one of the High King's concubines.

  "Here." The man thrust something into Tobey's hand.

  Tobey looked at the object. "A bung?"

  "You know these things? Good. Then I do not have to explain to you where it goes." The man looked annoyed to be having the conversation at all. Well, he wasn't the only one.

  "It's not like I wanted to know about them."

  "His Majesty is big. Bigger than most average men. It would be better for you if you wore it before meeting him," the concubine said plainly.

  "Noted." Tobey held the man's gaze as he inserted the cold, steel bung into his hole without flinching.

  "Good. You do not require further assistance then?"

  "What do you think?" Tobey asked almost challengingly.

  "That you better tread carefully. The seraglio is not a place for arrogance." He smirked.

  "Thank you for the advice." Tobey forced a smile and wondered, not for the first time, what he had gotten himself into.

  The question stayed on hi
s mind as he finished his bath and prepared to serve the High King.

  As Tobey walked behind a servant along the long corridor to the High King's bedchamber he saw more men come out of their rooms. All were gorgeous and all were a part of the seraglio. Some viewed him with disdain; others barely acknowledged his presence, deeming him as no threat to them. And more than a few watched him with envy. He wondered about this place where gorgeous men fought for the attentions of a single man.

  "Not just any single man, milord, but the High King himself," his guide said.

  Tobey started, not realizing he had spoken aloud. "I see," Tobey said quietly.

  "I have overstepped my bounds. Please forgive me, milord. I should not have said anything."

  "No, no, 'tis quite all right. Tell me more about the seraglio of his Majesty… uhhhmm… what is your name?"

  The servant looked taken aback, as if no one had asked for his name before. "L-Luke, milord. I'm to be your personal attendant."

  "Tell me more, Luke." Tobey smiled encouragingly.

  As Tobey listened to Luke, he realised the seraglio was not a simple place. There were now sixteen men in the seraglio, including him. Some men were tributes sent by other kingdoms while others had simply caught the eye of the High King. The current favourite was Zachary with Joshua a close second. Politics existed everywhere, especially in the seraglio of the High King of Naverya.

  "Lord Zachary practically rules the seraglio, sir."

  "You call him lord? Was he a courtier then?"

  "I do not know. He was here before I came. But I could find out for you, milord."

  "Tobey."

  "Milord?" Luke sounded scandalised.

  "Just Tobey will do."

  "But 'tis not done, sir. We have to address the entire seraglio as such."

  "Hmmm, all right then… but when it's just you and me, please do call me Tobey."