My King's Seraglio Page 4

  "'Tis not your fault. I have just been feeling odd lately."

  "Just tell me and it will."

  "Adam?" Tobey looked at him quizzically.

  "Tell me and it will only be you."

  "I can't," Tobey said, the words wrenched painfully out of him.

  * * * *

  During the third week after he'd moved back in with Adam, Tobey started feeling funny. He lost his appetite. He felt bloated all the time. He had intermittent dizzy spells. He even threw up when he smelled food. Not wanting to worry Adam, he kept it all from him.

  "Tobey, you are barely eating again," Luke scolded him. Luke had become a close friend to Tobey, listening to his woes, advising him on matters concerning the seraglio.

  "I have no appetite."

  "Yet again. Something is wrong. We have to call the physician."

  "No, don't. If we do that, the High King will know of it. I do not want him to worry."

  "You do care for him."

  "Of course. He is the King."

  "No, you care for him as a man, Tobey," Luke said softly.

  Tobey didn't argue. It was futile to do so when Luke spoke the truth.

  The next morning, Tobey woke up again to feelings of nausea. And this time, he had stomach cramps to accompany it. Clutching his midsection, he moved carefully out of Adam's arms and made his way quietly to the privy. He threw up into the chamber pot and heaved a sigh of relief when finished. Wiping his mouth, he stood up slowly, only to meet Adam's worried gaze.

  "You are ill," Adam said, censure in his voice. "Did you not call for the physician?"

  "I am all right. Do not fuss."

  "No you're not, Tobey. You have lost weight. Why did I not notice this before? We are calling for the physicians," When Tobey started to say something, Adam added, "And that is my order as High King."

  "And who am I to say no to that," Tobey said, half in pique.

  "You… you are my… beloved." Adam said simply.

  * * * *

  "Well, what is wrong with him?" Adam demanded impatiently.

  "Congratulations, your Majesty."

  "I beg your pardon?!" Adam asked, angry the physician dared to congratulate him on Tobey's illness.

  "'Tis a rare miracle indeed. Lord Mitchell is pregnant."

  "He's what?" Adam asked, not believing what he had just heard.

  "He is with child, your Majesty."

  "But that cannot happen. It doesn't happen," Adam shook his head in disbelief.

  "I think it just did, Adam," Tobey said in wonderment from the bed. The physician looked at him in shock for addressing the King by his name. "Am I really with child?" Tobey asked the physician.

  "Yes, you are, milord. I have done the necessary tests. And your symptoms match."

  "I see," Tobey rubbed against his stomach experimentally. "He… she is in here… a child…" Tobey looked at Adam then, smiling softly. "Our child."

  "Leave us."

  "Yes, your Majesty."

  As the physician left, he took one last look at the scene behind him and saw the High King kiss his concubine gently on the lips before taking him in his arms. It was the first time he had seen such a tender expression on the King's face.

  CHAPTER 7

  "Adam, you are being ridiculous."

  "I forbid you from moving around too much. In fact, it would be much better if you did not leave the bed at all."

  "You forbid me?! Do you even hear yourself? Tell him he's being ridiculous, Luke!" Tobey looked at the servant for support.

  "I am afraid I cannot, milord."

  "Because he is High King?!" Tobey said sulkily.

  "Because he is right. It is rare for men to get pregnant in Naverya. The last successful birth I heard of was ten years ago. And even then, the child bearer had complications during birthing."

  "See." Adam arched an eyebrow at Tobey. "I am right."

  "Yes, yes it seems you always are." Tobey stuck his tongue out at Adam. Luke smothered a laugh.

  "Luke, leave us. It seems I need to teach someone who exactly is High King here," Adam said, giving Tobey a mock glare.

  "Yes, your Majesty." Luke smiled before leaving the two of them alone.

  "Oh, you need to teach me a lesson now?" Tobey asked.

  "Yes, it seems you never learn," Adam approached the bed where Tobey was seated quite comfortably, tucked in under the coverlet.

  "Maybe you never taught me properly?" Tobey teased.

  "Oh, really?" Adam chuckled softly before sitting on the bed and kissing Tobey gently on the forehead. "Perhaps I should remind you again then?" He pressed a kiss on Tobey's lips, parting them to let his tongue slide against Tobey's.

  Tobey moaned in pleasure. Grabbing hold of the lapels of Adam's robe, he brought Adam closer. When the kiss turned from gentle to urgent, Adam gently pushed Tobey away.

  "Adam?" Tobey opened his eyes.

  Adam looked at Tobey, with his reddened lips and dilated eyes and he wanted to push Tobey down on the bed and take him. But he held back. "You are with child."

  "Yes, I know that. I wake up feeling nauseous. And my stomach is growing," Tobey looked down at the small bump which had already formed, and stroked it gently.

  Adam looked at where Tobey's hand rested and felt his heart clench at the sight. He touched Tobey's stomach almost reverently and looked at him. "Our baby."

  "Yes, Adam, our baby," Tobey smiled before kissing Adam again. Once more, Adam pushed him away. "Adam, what's wrong?"

  "I don't think we should make love. It… it might harm the baby." Adam sounded miserable.

  "No, it will not. I've asked the physician. It is all right as long as you don't plan to throw me against the wall or something. Though I wouldn't particularly object, were I not with child," Tobey drew circles on Adam's thighs.

  "I still think we shouldn't…" Adam half-heartedly replied, his cock already hardening as Tobey's fingers trailed along his inner thighs.

  "Do I look fragile to you?" Tobey looked at Adam coyly before sliding his hand beneath the robe, letting his thumb graze Adam's slit.

  Adam gasped before groaning, "Dammit, Tobey, stop tempting me so."

  "Are you tempted?" Tobey said mischievously as he stroked Adam's length starting from the base, rubbing the balls gently. And suddenly Adam found himself flat on his back as Tobey straddled his hips.

  "What the—" Adam gasped out before Tobey kissed him, sucking his tongue slow but firm. "Tobey?"

  "Sometimes, Adam, you talk too much…" Tobey untied Adam's robe, letting his hands linger on Adam's chest, flicking his nipples lightly.

  Adam moaned. "What has gotten into you?"

  "I'm pregnant?" Tobey said before licking a trail down Adam's chest along his sternum, leaving small bites on his lower abdomen.

  "Tobey…" Adam groaned out.

  Tobey did not respond. He'd been taught it was impolite to speak with his mouth full.

  "Enough Tobey," Adam muttered hoarsely, tugging at Tobey's hair none too gently.

  Tobey pulled off Adam's wet, thickened shaft with a resounding pop, licking his lips in slow motion.

  "I do not want to spend myself in your mouth," Adam said, beckoning to Tobey with his hand. "Come."

  Tobey smiled, lowering himself carefully down on Adam's slicked cock. As he felt the slow burn of Adam's hard length filling him up, he groaned in relief and pleasure. Adam held on to his hips, jerking himself upwards before sliding out almost immediately. "Dammit, I forgot… On your side Tobey," Adam lifted Tobey effortlessly and repositioned Tobey, his back against Adam's front.

  Tobey lifted his left leg up, hooking it around Adam's shin. Pushing his ass against Adam's groin, he whimpered. "Hurry, Adam…"

  "Slow. We must take it slow," Adam said repeatedly, as if reminding himself. He separated Tobey's cheeks gently before guiding his hard cock into the lubricated hole. "Mmmmmppphh…" Adam groaned out loud. "It's been too long."

  Tobey clenched his butt cheeks, the muscles wrapping thems
elves tightly around Adam's cock eliciting another groan.

  "Dammit, Tobey, slow…" Adam gritted out.

  "Fast," Tobey replied before clenching his muscles again.

  Tobey stroked his cock and Adam smacked Tobey's hand aside, wrapping his long, callused fingers around the shaft and continuing the tugging motions. He stopped at the slit, swirled his finger in the pre-cum that leaked out, and spread it all around Tobey's swollen length. Tobey moaned softly when Adam matched the rhythm of his hand to the deeper and deeper thrusts of his cock, hitting Tobey's pleasure spot almost every time.

  "Let go, Tobey," Adam whispered in his ear, before biting then licking it. He thrust deeply one more time, his hand clasped around Tobey's straining cock. Tobey let go.

  Much, much later, Tobey laid half on his side, half on his stomach as Adam cleansed his raw hole with a damp cloth. When finished, he softly kissed Tobey's butt cheek, making Tobey blush.

  "Adam!"

  "What? I love your butt," Adam took Tobey in his arms.

  "You're half hard again."

  "With you? Always." Adam kissed the top of Tobey's head. "Rest, Tobey."

  "Hmmmm…"

  Tobey let his eyes drift closed and fell into a dreamless sleep.

  * * * *

  "He is becoming more of a threat to us now." One man said to the other.

  "Something must be done," the other replied.

  "What did Zachary say?"

  "I did not tell him. He might alert the King."

  "Why would he? His position is at risk, too. Ask him. The King trusts him the most. And the servants listen to him."

  "What is your plan?"

  The man took a small bottle out of his satchel and gave it to the other. "This. Just three drops and the child will be erased. With any luck, the father with it."

  * * * *

  "I hear congratulations are in order, your Majesty."

  "Oh stuff it, Will." Adam said, hugging his brother tightly. "News travels fast."

  "Well, it is splendid news, and it hasn't occurred in years." Will smiled. "So, congratulations again, brother. You always did like to do things differently."

  "Yes, but the physician has warned us of the complications that might occur during the birthing."

  "I think you should worry even now. Did our father not warn us before?" And for once, Will was serious.

  "I remember his warnings well, Will." The late High King had only two sons. Adam had grown up without his mother; she died whilst giving birth to him. Will's mother was their father's favourite concubine and she had died of mysterious causes. Investigations had been launched, but no one really knew what happened. Their father knew someone within his seraglio had carried out the act, but having no proof, he could do nothing. "Tobey's food is always tested beforehand, and he now has a personal guard. Caleb."

  "Caleb? Your own personal guard?"

  "He deserves the best," Adam said simply.

  "Take good care, Adam. Treachery is everywhere."

  "I know."

  CHAPTER 8

  "Zachary?"

  "Your Majesty. It's been a long time."

  "I apologise for not seeing you in a while."

  "It's all right. I hear Tobey is with child. Congratulations, your Majesty. You have an heir now."

  "Thank you, Zachary. I always could rely on you for your graciousness."

  "If I may be so bold, your Majesty, why are you here today?"

  "I cannot just come to see you?"

  "Your heart has not been with me since Tobey came."

  "It seems like Tobey's honesty is rubbing off on everyone around me," Adam said wryly.

  "So it is the truth," Zachary said sadly.

  Adam walked over to Zachary and took the smaller man in his arms. "I am sorry, Zachary."

  "I have missed your touch." Zachary inhaled Adam's scent, clutching him tightly. A few moments later, he moved out of Adam's arms. "So, tell me, why are you really here?"

  "Thank you, Zachary," Adam said.

  "Will you not stay the night?" Zachary asked plaintively.

  "I…" Adam looked at a loss for words.

  Zachary sighed. "It's all right, your Majesty. Go, if you must."

  "Again, my thanks Zachary… for everything," Adam paused. "If you were not part of my seraglio, where would you be?"

  Zachary appeared shock before answering, "I do not know, your Majesty, I have never thought about it."

  "I see… well, I bid you goodnight then… my fair Zachary," Adam embraced Zachary, kissing him on the cheek before making his way to the door.

  "Your Majesty!" Zachary called out.

  Adam turned. "Yes?"

  "I have not heard anything, but it doesn't mean everything is all right. Please tell Tobey to take extra care. They do not tell me everything."

  "Why not tell him that yourself?"

  "There is a limit to my graciousness, your Majesty," Zachary said with a wry smile.

  "I understand. Thank you, Zachary."

  "That is the third time you have thanked me today on his behalf," Zachary said half-bitterly.

  "And I mean it every single time."

  "I know you do," Zachary replied softly.

  Adam heard Zachary's door close as he walked down the hall.

  Zachary's reassurance that he'd heard nothing relieved Adam, but he knew he couldn't let his guard down. Tobey's life, and that of their child, was at stake. He would protect them with everything he had.

  He entered the room they shared and saw Tobey lying on his side. He wanted nothing more than to enfold Tobey into his arms and hold him. He walked closer and knelt down to look at Tobey's face reposed in sleep.

  "Are you watching me again?"

  Adam started then laughed out loud. "You're awake?"

  Tobey opened his eyes, a smile evident in his gaze even as he reproached Adam. "It's hard to sleep with someone watching you. Creepy."

  "Yeah?" Adam stood up and sat on the bed, his hand caressing Tobey's cheek. "Why weren't you asleep, baby?"

  "Because you weren't here," Tobey replied.

  Adam could see the sadness in Tobey's eyes before he had tried to cover it, leaving his face almost blank.

  "I came from Zachary's." Adam said abruptly.

  "Oh." Tobey's eyes widened before he closed them tight. Even in the darkness, Adam could see the tears on Tobey's lashes.

  "I didn't sleep with him, Tobey."

  "What?!" Tobey opened his eyes then.

  "I know you want me to be fair to the rest. So that I might have an heir if you couldn't bear my child. Yes, Luke told me. Because you would not."

  "I—"

  "I have not finished, Tobey. Let me speak." Adam paused and upon seeing Tobey's nod, he continued. "I tried… tried sleeping with my concubines. But after the last time when I nearly called out your name while releasing myself in another's arms, I realised I couldn't do it anymore. I realised then that I didn't want an heir, Tobey. I just want you. No one else. The last time I slept with someone other than you was two months ago. Ask anything of me, Tobey, but don't push me to someone else. You are having my child now. There is no need for anyone else." Adam stroked Tobey's rounded belly lovingly.

  "I… I love you Adam."

  "I know Tobey. I know. I love you too. But you know that." Adam grinned.

  "Yes, I know that."

  * * * *

  "So tell me, how did court go today?" Tobey asked. "Since you do not allow me to accompany you for sessions anymore."

  "Are you still griping over that?"

  "I am bored to death, Adam. You forbid me from far too much."

  "That's because I worry."

  "I know. That is why I listen," Tobey said before grinning, "Mostly. So tell me how the kingdoms are and whether my suggestions worked."

  * * * *

  "I can no longer button my pants. Has it only been three months, Luke?"

  "Perhaps I should call for the tailor soon?"

  "Probably. My stomach is g
etting bigger by the day."

  "I have to say that, for only three months, your stomach is bigger than usual."

  "Hmmm, could it be because I am a man?"

  "Or because you are eating more now?" Luke teased.

  "Did you just imply that I am fat?" Tobey chortled.

  "Why no, milord. I wouldn't dare."

  "And speaking of that, my food is later than usual today."

  "Perhaps because you asked for cherry pie in the morning?"

  "It's not me who wants it," Tobey pointed to his stomach.

  "Blaming our child now, Tobey?" Adam snuck up from behind and hugged Tobey, resting his hands on Tobey's slightly distended tummy.

  "Adam!" Tobey cried out in delight, folding his hands over Adam's larger ones.

  "I will take my leave then, your Majesty, milord," Luke smiled at both men, who'd already forgotten he was in the room, before he left.

  CHAPTER 9

  Adam woke up with Tobey in his arms, as usual, snuggled against him. Kissing Tobey softly on the nape of his neck, he mumbled sleepily, "Tobey."

  "Tobey?" And still Tobey did not respond. Tobey, the lighter sleeper between them. Adam turned him around. "Tobey, Tobey?" Adam called out worriedly and noticed Tobey's body temperature was hotter than usual.

  Adam shifted Tobey into a sitting position and gently placed him onto his lap. Tobey, sweating profusely now, no longer felt warm, instead his body was turning cold. "Tobey, wake up, dammit!" Adam smacked him lightly on the face but Tobey remained still, breathing shallowly.

  "Caleb! Caleb! Get in here!"

  The door to his chambers opened immediately and Caleb peeked in. "Your Majesty?"

  "Call the physician. Something is wrong with Tobey. Hurry!" Adam ordered. To Tobey, he softly said, "Dammit, Tobey, I demand you wake up!" Adam continued to clutch onto Tobey's shoulders, tears rolling down his face.

  "Your Majesty…" A voice tentatively called out. "Your Majesty. The physician is here. You have to let Tobey go now." Adam looked up and saw Luke next to Caleb, with the physician right behind the two.