Gnoll Boyfriend (Nadeem 2 complete)

     You’ve been traveling with Nadeem, who you had started a secret love affair with. As far as anyone else is aware, Nadeem is keeping you as a sort of pet. The truth is, he is more your pet now. He is devoted to you and head over heels in love. You too must admit, that you have fallen for him as well. 

    The Gnolls are by far, not the best of people. But even you have to admit their tactics and planning is top notch. Nadeem is far from pleased though. His father was a military leader, and his mother was a cousin to the current Empress. He was noble by birth and had been raised going to the best school and had military training to rival a king. He was supposed to be like his father, a leader of men and the grandmaster of Empress Bethsabe. Instead, he was in control of her rabid dogs. He took a ship full of them from coast to coast to pillage, plunder, and steal any capable body for her slave trade. The whole operation made Nadeem sick to his very core. 

    We were returning to his home country, Culuweth the land of Gnolls. The air smelled dusty as we docked at the port. I could smell thick smoke and something toxic.   

    “Nadeem, why does it smell so bad?” I ask him.

    “Do not worry about that.” He pets my cheek as he helps me onto the ground. “The empress enjoys her canons.” He takes my hand, leading me along until we reached a carriage. 

    Nadeem was delivering the latest batch of captured slaves to the Empress. Even though he and Bethsabe were blood relatives, practically raised together, she treated him like dirt. In fact, that was how she treated everyone. Nadeem had told me horror stories about her. She had a hairline temper and threw tantrums like a child. She was malicious and cruel, but he confessed that she was one of the most intelligent people he knew. Her mind was calculating and sharp, and she leads one of the tightest army operations Nadeem had ever seen.

    You hold Nadeem’s hand, knowing he is not looking forward to meeting with Bethsabe. “It will be alright. You will deliver to her what she wants and then she won’t want to see you until the next mission.”

    “Who knows what that could be,” he snarls. He squeezes your hand and kisses your cheek. “As long as I have you, I will fear nothing.”

    I shrug. “Eh, fear a little.”

    He laughs and kisses you. “Just stay in my room. I’ll return to you in one piece, I promise.”

    The palace has a strange smell to it. You’re not sure how to put your finger on it. It sort of smells like the butcher’s shop when your father would take you shopping. That cold smell mixed with blood and meat. It was unsettling, but you weren’t going to give Nadeem anything else to worry about. He makes sure you’re comfortable in his chambers before he leaves.

    You sit by the window, feeling a cool breeze. Moments later, the door opens, and you stand up. “That was fast,” you say. “Nadeem?”

    You hear boots clomping across the floor towards you.

    You grip onto your skirts. “Nadeem?”

    You’re grabbed by the scruff of your neck. “Say nothing, young lady, and come along with me.”

    You yelp and tremble. “Who are you?” You cry.

    “Esdras,” his voice is soft and high pitched. “The empress’s brother. I truly don’t mean you harm, young lady. She told me to fetch you once Nadeem was gone.”

    You tremble, feeling like those moments when Nadeem plucked you from your hiding place. “Why does she want me?”

    “I truly am sorry,” Esdras trembles. 

    You press your lips into a firm line. “Esdras?” You whisper, “Is that correct?”

    “Yuh-yes it is,” he stutters. 

    “Why does the empress want me?” You repeat your question.

    He swallows back a heavy lump in his throat. “I am sorry. I truly am sorry.”

    You take a deep breath as he leads you along, his hand firm on your neck. “You keep saying that. But what does she want?”

    “I cannot say, young lady. That is why I am so sorry.”

    “I see,” you whisper. “I suppose you have no choice in the matter either.”

    He’s silent after that, leading you away. You then hear high pitched laughter and then a horrible shriek. Something crashes and clatters to the ground. A door opens, and there is laughter again.

    “You took your time!” Her voice is shrill. “Esdras! Bring her close.”

    “What is she doing here?” Nadeem growls low.

    “I’m offended you didn’t want to introduce me.” You smell thick perfume and then gloved hands touch your face. “What a sweet little thing.” Bethsabe places her hands over your eyes. “Too bad she’s no better than a broken toy.” She growls low. “Can’t see. Can’t work.” She keeps ahold of your face. “Why on earth would you keep something like this alive, my darling Nadeem?”

    Nadeem takes a few deep breaths then scoffs. “You know how it is, dear cousin. Sometimes you need a chew toy.”

    Bethsabe shrieks with laughter, and she shoves you over to Nadeem who puts his hands on her shoulders. “I would certainly like to see that, dear cousin.” She sneers Nadeem’s words in his face. “There is a table there. Bend her over and chew on her, as you so say.”

    I hold my breath and try to keep my hands from shaking.

    “Sister,” Esdras gasps. “Th-that is so unbecoming!”

    She scoffs. “You have no complaints when I ask you to-” She then laughs, cutting herself off. “Nadeem, why are you hesitating? Getting your dick wet should take no time at all, correct?”

    Nadeem squeezes your shoulders. “Even still, that I, not something I like people to watch. I couldn’t get into the proper mood.”

    “That is why you are a weak man!” Bethsabe snarls. She then scoffs. “Fine then. If she is just a toy, you will have no qualms punishing her.” You hear something grind and squeak then she offers something to Nadeem. “Beat her.”

    Nadeem takes the weapon, which I’m sure it is. “I…” His voice chokes off, and I can feel him tremble.

    “Beat her Nadeem, or I will have to question where your loyalties lie.” Bethsabe’s voice is so close to your ear. “Don’t test me, Nadeem. That isn’t fair after all I have done for you.” You hear her stomp away and sit on her throne.

    You nod, and you hear Nadeem gasp.

    You nod again. “Do it,” you whisper, so only Nadeem can hear.

    “I can’t,” he shivers.

    You cling to his chest. “If you don’t beat me, she’ll kill us both. It’s ok. I can handle it. Just do it Nadeem.”

    “I can’t-” he repeats.

    “I love you. I don’t want you to die,” I feel my tears rolling down my face.

    “Do it!” Bethsabe roars.

    You scream when Nadeem strikes you. You hit the floor, and he continues to strike you with the blunt weapon. Behind Nadeem, you can hear Bethsabe’s rolling, shrill laughter. You scream and cry even as you try to remain silent. You know each sound cause Nadeem a pain you can’t imagine. You black out at some point, only to awaken in Nadeem’s arms, He’s crying, and his tears are splashing on your face.

    “I’m ok,” you whimper.

    “My love!” He whispers. “Forgive me, please! Forgive me!”

    “Nadeem, it’s ok,” you reach out and realize how sore your body is. “I told you…” you flinch and draw your hand back. “She would have killed you.”

    “Gods…” he chokes. “What I did to you!”

    “Hush now,” you murmur. “Where are we?”

    “We’re off the coast,” he whispers. “I took the ship.”

    I moan and take a painful breath. “The ship?”

    “I’m leaving this vile place. I do not know where we will go, but I will never return to this land unless she is dead!” He snarls. 

    “Nadeem,” you whimper, passing out again.

    You wake up and feel the sun on your face. You can hear the ocean outside, and a nurse greets you with a kind voice. Nadeem has docked at a port near the south and is replenishing supplies and gathering a small crew. You’ve been asleep for several days. Your already fragile state made you fall into a deep sleep while you healed. n

    Once the ship takes off again, Nadeem comes to your side and wraps you in his arms. “I was so scared,” he whispers. “But I knew I had to get you away.”

    “I told you,” I smile at him. “What are you planning?” I whisper. “Where are you running?”

    He kisses my palm. “I decided the best place to go would be to Rakshasa country,” he replies. “I know it will be a long journey, but you will at least be able to heal in that time.”

    “Why the Rakshasa?” You ask.

    “King Amit is probably the only man who could stand up to Bethsabe and cause her fear,” he kisses your palm again. “If I can trade him all my knowledge and information for asylum, that is the only way.”

    You squeeze his hand as tight as you can. “If you think that is what is best.”

    “I do,” he touches your cheek. “If that does not work, I will hope he can take you in and protect you.”

    “Nadeem, no,” you gasp.

    “I won’t allow her to have any power of me again. If it comes to it, it will be her or me.” He kisses your forehead. “Now rest up, my love. I will come back as soon as I can.”

    “Ok,” you whisper as he slips away.

    You relax back into the bed, sniffling at the thought of being without him.

    “I doubt that his Majesty will turn you away,” your nurse replies. Her voice is sweet and soothing. He wipes at your forehead with a damp cloth then helps you sit up to eat something.

    “What makes you say that?” You ask.

    She feeds you bone broth, and it is the most delicious thing you’ve ever had. “I’m Rakshasa,” she answers. “King Amit is a good ruler. But it is the queen you must speak to.”

    “Why her?”

    “Queen Mythri is a goddess,” she whispers. “She denies it! But how could a mere palace servant marry a king?” She sounds so excited. “And it isn’t just that about her. Ever since she and Amit married, the kingdom has prospered like I have never seen before! Whoever earns Mythri graces gets blessed in all sorts of ways. She is called the Goddess of Love, you know?” She giggles softly. “All those who seek her guidance end up falling in deep love!”

    “A goddess,” you murmur.

    “She’s wonderful,” your nurse spoons you more broth. “She’s so kind and lovely. If anyone can help you, it’s her.”

    You chuckle. “I don’t believe in gods and goddesses,” you confess. “She will have to really be something to prove otherwise to me.”

    “She will,” you nurse chuckles. “I can assure you that much.”

    Each day, thanks to your nurse, you get stronger. Soon, you’re able to get up and walk around your cabin. At nights, Nadeem wraps himself around you, acting like a buffer between you and the harsh world. You notice he is growing thin. You can feel his bones when you hug him. You know he is under stress, and he’s worried for your safety. You just hope this King Amit and his goddess will be able to soothe his mind.

    You wake one morning to a kiss on the cheek. “How are you?” He whispers.

    “I’m sore,” you roll over and kiss him. “What about you?”

    “Tired,” he whispers. “But I’ll know soon enough if I can sleep again.”

    You take a deep breath. “Are we here?”

    He nods. “Yes,” he clings to you and takes a deep breath. “I am so scared, my love. What should I do?”

    “I will stand beside you and hold your hand,” you tell him. “So help me get dressed. Supposedly, we will be in the presence of a goddess today.”

    “But you’re still so weak!” Nadeem huffs.

    I shake my head. “I will find my strength with you,” I whisper. 

    He helps me dress, and he carries me. Once we reach the palace, he continues to carry me until we enter the throne room where I insist on walking inside. The castle has a lovely smell to it. It smells clean and airy. I can smell spices and flowers. Unlike at Bethsabe’s palace, I feel safe here. I don’t smell danger. 

    “Welcome,” a booming voice greets us. “You’ve come a long way.”

    “You look exhausted!” A woman exclaims. “Was the sea such trouble for you?” She takes my hands and gasps softly. She squeezes my hands then kisses my cheeks. “You poor thing,” she murmurs. “Darling, pull up a chair!” She then helps you to sit down.

    “I am surprised by your hospitality,” Nadeem whispers.

    “This is my wife’s doing,” Amit scoffs. “If it were up to me you’d be standing with nothing until you made your plea.”

    Mythri places a chalice in your hands. “This juice is wonderful!” She says. “It’s made from pineapple and then mixed with some coconut juice. My children go crazy for it.”

    “Pineapple,” I murmur. That first night with Nadeem he fed me the fresh pineapple. I take a deep drink from the chalice. It is tangy and sweet, the cream of the coconut milk reminds me of home.

    “You’ve come at a proper time,” Amit replies. “I have been keeping my eye on the Gnoll infestation in other countries. I am uncomfortable with how close it is encroaching.”

    “I will tell you all you need to know. All of Empress Bethsabe’s tactics and battle plans. I have them with me. They are all yours, and you can use me for anything you want. I just ask you to give us asylum.”

    “These bruises,” Mythri touches your arm. “What happened?”

    “The empress made him beat me,” you answer. “She was going to kill him if he didn’t, so I forced his hand. She is unstable,” you whisper. “She smells strange.”

    “Smell?” Amit asks.

    You nod. “I’ve heard of people seeing auras. Well, I feel like I can smell them.” You touch your nose. “She smells wrong,” you reply. “She was coated in thick perfume, but I could smell something behind it. Not exactly rotten but close enough.”

    “What do you smell here?” Amit asks again.

    “I feel like I am home,” you answer. “I smell things that make me feel safe. The air is clean, and every breath is not a burden.”

    “What a strange power,” Mythri murmurs. 

    Amit sighs. “Nadeem was it?” He asks. “You look tired. Let me fix you up a room. Once you and your wife have rested better, I’ll discuss things with you. For now, know you’re under my keep.”

    Nadeem sighs. “Thank you, my lord.”

    Mythri lets you finish your drink, and she takes you by the hand. “These quarters will only be temporary. Just enough space to let you two rest and get back to normal.”

    “This is more than we need,” Nadeem sighs. “You have no idea how grateful I am to you and your husband.”

    “He’s worried,” Mythri admits. “There is much more than the Gnolls that has weighed heavy on his mind. With you here, he has a weight lifted from him. So I owe you my gratitude as well for making my husband smile.” She then squeezes your hand again. “Are you two married or did my husband misread something?”

    You shake your head. “He didn’t misread anything, but we are not married.” You turn towards Nadeem. “I would die for this man.”

    He sniffles and a nervous laugh escapes. 

    “If you’d like to get married, I do enjoy planning weddings,” Mythri giggles. “I know my daughter is a very long way away from her wedding, but I have already started planning her’s.” She then sighs. “I’m sorry. Let me leave you two to rest.” She kisses your cheek again before she leaves. 

    “I do not feel worthy of you, my love,” Nadeem whispers as he holds me. “How can I marry you, knowing what my hands have done.”

    “It was my will that guided your hands,” you kiss his palms. “After all you have sacrificed for me, how could you claim you aren’t worthy?” You squeeze his hands. “Besides, when a goddess gives us our blessing, we should listen to it.”

The Gnoll Empire:

My name is Esdras, and I am the youngest brother of the Empress Bethsabe. I love my sister, more than anyone in the world. I know to some she may seem terrifying, but that was what she had to become. No one took her seriously when she took to the throne, so she had to make them. She rules with an iron fist, but I know how vulnerable she can be.

    Our cousin Nadeem heads up out fleets or used to. At this moment I have to deliver the news to her that Nadeem has defected from us, taking all our plans and strategies across the strait to the Rakshasa King Amit. 

    She’s sitting alone in her room, looking as beautiful as always. She’s dressed down, wearing nothing but a sheer robe. I know it is wrong, but I love her more than words can say. She looks up, seeing me standing in the doorway.

    “I’m glad you’re here, come in,” she waves me in and stands to meet me. She kisses me, and I taste blood on her tongue. “My beloved little brother, you look ill.” She strokes my cheek.

    “I’m afraid I have bad news,” my voice trembles and I see her eyes narrow. “Nadeem has defected.”

    She smirks. “Good.”

    I stare at her in shock. “How can you think this is good? Nadeem had all our strategies! He’s gone to Amit of all people!”

    “Fucking cat,” she cackles as she ties up her robe. “Come with me, darling.” She takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. “I have something I want to show you. Then, you and I will be the only ones to know of my secret.”

    “Bethsabe,” I gasp, clutching her hand tight. “Aren’t you at all concerned?”

    She tilts her head and glares at me, her dark eyes narrowing. “Of course I am.” She opens a secret door in her wall. “That is why I am showing you this.”

    The staircase behind the hidden door is narrow and tight. I barely fit, and I start to feel suffocated. It opens up, and I gaze down into a massive pit. It is cold, and I heard splashing and growling. I then see it, the glowing golden scales, the bright, frightening eyes. 

    “This is my secret weapon,” Bethsabe captures my face, but all I can stare at is the dragon.

    “How did you do this?” I gasp in horror.

    Bethsabe smirks and cackles. “I have my ways, my love. Isn’t he beautiful?” She grins wickedly down at the sedated creature. “He’s under my control. So to answer your question, I am not worried about the traitor. He can tell that fucking king of kittens everything he wants. All the better.” She looks at me, seeing the panic in my expression. “Don’t you trust me?”

    I stare at her and then look back at the dragon. “Of course I do.”

    She kisses me again. “I do so love you. You’re the only one I can trust.”