Rich Blood

Chapter 11: The Interrogation

"Mr. Blooding?"

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"The Feral. Sir, he is awake."

With only moving his head towards the closed bathdoor Richard shouted, "Thank you, Hester. I will be down shortly."

We stayed quiet until we heard the bedroom door close. He turned back to face me.

"I need to go take care of this." He moved his hands further towards my body. "We need to have a discussion when I get back."

I nodded still breathing deeply, and with what seemed like every ounce of strength he could muster, he pulled away from me and went to get dressed.

I waited in the bathroom, unsure as to what to do until a few minutes later once I knew I was

alone. Then I left to go upstairs to my bedroom. Technically there was still work to be done for me but my senses were completely frazzled. I wanted to rip into him and let him do the same to me. Had we not been interrupted it probably would have ended that way.

It was dangerous, it was stupid but I wanted him. And he seemed to want me too, it struct me as odd. I went into my own bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. My face and chest flushed with desire. But I looked a hot mess. I suddenly became so embarrassed that this was how I looked when he was so close to me.

He didn't seem to mind though. Why?

He just felt bad for you. No, let's not go with that one. He just wanted to f**k. That's better.

I can deal with the idea of someone wanting me to be their plaything more than being someone's pityfuck.

I decide that I can go without cleaning the third floor rooms today and finish my day early. I strip down and head to take a bath to unwind and calm myself down. He wants to have a discussion later and I need a clear head.

RICHARD'S POV

Walking away from Selene was much harder than I had expected. I can't believe I let myself get that close to her. I know she's felt me staring at her, but a few more seconds and I would have marked her without question and made her mine.

I get dressed, leaving her yearning for me in the bathroom. Even walking out to the hall I could smell her heightened passion. I close the bedroom door and find Hester looking at me, that ridiculous smile on his face. He knows.

"You have impeccable timing."

"I am sorry sir, I did think to wait until after, but the Feral, he... well, he has said some curious things. He says he has information about your newest hire."

"We already know about her being a spy."

"He said something about her being... betrothed."

My wolf snarled. Where I was causally walking to the basement before, I was now nearly running.

Before I enter the basement, I calm myself. My entire reign is built on being level-headed. I proceed. My basement is built to be even more of a fortress than the rest of my home. Security measures are top notch, I pass the guards, giving them a nod and make my way to the cell where the prisoner is being held.

"Ahhh, Rich Blood." He smiled with blood dried in his mouth. My nickname from my youth, when I used to fight for fun. Before I cared about my lineage and what reigning meant.

I don't give him the satisfaction of responding to that name. I sit down at the chair placed across from him. A metal table dividing us. Silver chains with silver spikes driven into his arms, legs and neck, which prevent him from turning. I just stare. I won't make the first move.

He sniffs the air and looks at me suspiciously. He can smell her on me.

After moment of silence he starts to speak. "You took long enough. How rude to keep a guest waiting."

"You are no guest of mine."

"No? Tsk. Tsk. So rude, your highness."

"I was told you wanted to speak to me." I ignore his attempt to get me riled up.

"Well, I figure, you have me in a bind, quite literally," he motioned towards his limbs, "and I figure I have some information you may find interesting."

"Being what?" I'm growing impatient.

"The Southern Packs are not happy with you, my lord." His tone is malicious.

"This is not news. Uprisings are everywhere. What I want to know is how you got into the Lycan Downtown District and who your orders came from."

"It's been planned for months. Where the direct orders came from, who could say?"

"If you have no useful information, then you are wasting my time."

"Oh, I have plenty of information. But, first, I need medical attention."

"Information first. Then we'll talk about it."

"How about, oh, a wager then?"

"I'll give you some names of the rebels, and you get that pretty little maid of yours to patch me up. I know she was pretty good with her hands in the south." I stare him down, keeping my face as stoic as possible."How is your new help servicing you? Selene Fengari, right?"

I want to jump across the table and rip out his throat, but I maintain.

"What do you know about Selene Fengari?"

"Oh, just that she is sent here by her father to gather your secrets, and once she succeeds she's to be married to Demetrius Veer."

The mention of his name sends my wolf into a frenzy. He alone has caused more deaths under mine and my father's rule than any of the other rebels combined.

I decide that the best way to play these cards is to act like I am all in. Keeping my composure I respond, "Is that so?"

His face dropped, "Surely, you didn't already know?"

"Surely, you didn't think I wouldn't? If a drugged out Feral had the "inside knowledge" and I didn't, what kind of king would that make me?"

He froze.

"So, if there's nothing else, enjoy your stay here." I get up to leave.

"NO!" He cried. "I can give you more information. My bosses."

"I know who they are." I continue towards the door.

"No, please." He racked his brain searching. "Hideouts! I can tell you where all the hideouts are."

"You are wasting my time, I don't need to know where you keep your stolen goods and-."

"Even if one is holding a High Priestess?"

I turn back around, facing him again. I can tell by looking at him, he isn't bluffing. "Tell me then."

"Bring me your maid, let her clean me up. Then I'll tell you everything."

This isn't going to end well.