Naga Boyfriend Kalmin (special preview)

Kalmin notices how you’re clutching your top. “Did this pitiful creature expose you?” He asks. 

You nod again. “He kid, my king,” your voice cracks. “He tried to make me follow him.”

The man snarls. “She lies!”

Kalmin shoves him down, his arm cracking. “You need to learn when to shut up, sir. You’ve insulted me by assaulting what is mine. You should be grateful I have no ripped your arm off and fed to my guests.”

You shiver and tears fall down your cheeks, smearing the golden makeup. 

Kalmin turns back to you. “Take care of her,” he says to the other dancers. 

Your sister dancers lead you away from the ballroom, all of them as concerned as the last. As you step through the doors, you hear a terrifying scream. You turn, glancing out the door as the rest of the guests erupt with applause and they start chanting Kalmin’s name.

You’re taken to the kitchen where you feel most safe. The staff there fusses over you, feeding you dishes meant for the banquet and fixing you a piping hot cup of hot cocoa.

Once the shivering ends, one of Kalmin’s handmaids comes to fetch you. “Our king wishes to apologize,” she tells you with a bow. “If you’ll follow me.” She takes you by the hand, leading you through the palace. She takes you into the west wing, where Kalmin’s living quarters are. The handmaid takes you to a room that’s filled with dark green. 

“What is this?” You whisper.

“Our king wishes you to rest here,” she replies. 

You furrow your brow. “But...but why?”

The handmaid shrugs. “Go ahead and sleep, you will be safe here.” She leaves, shutting the door behind her.

The room is warm and cozy. The dark green of everything feels like you are in a lush, dense forest. The bed is huge, and you’ve never slept in one alone. You’ve always shared, whether it was at home or with your dance sisters. 

You find a wash basin, scrubbing off your makeup before you go to bed. You wake up in the middle of the night. You find a robe hanging in a wardrobe and put it on. 

You open the door and walk outside. The halls are dark save for the light of a torch every few steps. Unable to hold back your curiosity, you wander around. The halls are extremely quiet, that is until you hear a loud scream.

You turn, seeing the doors to King Kalmin’s bedroom at the end of the hall. You hear the scream again and a cry of anguish. You duck back as several of the night staff leave. Once they’re done the hall, you step back out and go to the door.

You peek through the crack, seeing Kalmin is on the ground, his body draped over the side of the bed. To your shock, you see that his body is bound by intricate ropes. 

“Who is there?” His dark voice snarls. “I know someone is there! Come out or I’ll have you killed.”