The Pet and his Duke by Beryll Brackhaus & Osiris Brackhaus

Author:Beryll Brackhaus & Osiris Brackhaus
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Gay, Romance, Queer, Age Difference, Slavery, HEA
Publisher: Osiris Brackhaus
Published: 2020-06-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11 - Home on the Range

Again and again, Robert ran his fingers through the soft fur of his coat, trying to use the sensation to calm his nerves. He had been nervous plenty of times in his life, but this was different. Tonight, he wasn't simply at the mercy of events, a powerless witness only needing to worry about what might happen to him. No, tonight, he was expected to be an active participant, doing things without being prompted, maybe even making decisions. His actions would have consequences.

What if he made a mistake?

He wasn't ready. And why would he want to be? He was a pet. He didn't have any official status. But he had repeatedly failed to convince Lady Karr of his insignificance and now he was paying the price. He was trapped inside this hoverglider, with no way out, until they reached the grand reception.

Thomar suddenly laid his hand on Robert's fidgeting fingers. Somehow, he had managed to forget that he was sitting right next to him. Thomar looked as calm and composed as he always did when out on official business.

“It's going to be fine,” he said, gently stroking Robert's hand. “You look great. And I'm sure she'll appreciate the gesture of you wearing her gift for the occasion.”

It didn't feel reassuring that, for once, Thomar hadn't correctly guessed the reason for Robert's nervousness. He knew he looked good. After all, he had spent hours reading up on what was appropriate attire for an official demon function and as many hours putting together his outfit so as to look regal yet understated and matching Thomar's, which was a more decorated version of his usual severe black uniform. Dark grey dress pants and a button down shirt of the same colour felt stiff to him, but the material was exquisite and they were tailored to him. And they looked great with the fur coat, which had been Lady Karr's first gift. He had played arm candy plenty of times – that he could do. But he had never been expected to do more than smile and look pretty.

Thomar probably had enough things of his own to worry about and was elsewhere with his thoughts. That had to be why he hadn't read Robert as accurately as he usually did. The opening ceremony for the newly built, central fortress of Lady Karr's barony on Aylian would see many demon dignitaries attending – and most of them hadn't sworn an oath of fealty to Thomar.

But Thomar had insisted that Robert should accept Lady Karr's invitation, without providing any better explanation other than that he would enjoy having him along. Which was an excellent reason, of course. He didn't want to disappoint or embarrass his master.

But there was so much that could go wrong!

Thomar cocked his head in curiosity, catching up to the fact that he had apparently misjudged the reason for his pet's nervousness. “Now, what has you in such a tizzy? It's just a party.” He eyed Robert for a moment.

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