Hello! It's good to be back, the long wait is over, here's the Book 2 of "The King's Whore." Enjoy reading! **** I immediately shake my head and want to chase the picture away. Close my eyes convulsively and I'm starting to wonder which of us is crazier. Is it me or Xerxes? Eventually I see things that aren't there. He's still stroking my head and seems to want to give me time to collect myself. Xerxes probably has no idea that this is exactly what causes me to have hallucinations. So I wanna push myself up I have to prevent my brain from having the strength to fool me into thinking such things. But I still hear my mother's voice. How she calls to me It's almost seductive. Would be so easy. But I don't want to give in to that. No matter how bad the pain is. I will fight. It's almost paradoxical that I keep rebelling. There is nothing, which is worth the effort. As Xerxes said. I really have no reason to resist my inner hell. But neither does he. Xerxes is the king. He could rampage in the streets and no one would stop him. And yet he doesn't seem to want to give in. Sometimes there doesn't have to be a good reason to take the harder path. This thought strengthens me and I push myself even further up. My eyes are still tightly shut, but I don't want to see the wounds on my arm. Not realizing what my skin looks like. The bandage that protected my suicide wound is gone. I can feel that. The cold air caresses the arm. This is probably still in the Iron Maiden. But that's not important either. The important thing is that I manage to stand up. If only it weren't so damn hard. My arms are really shaking and even pushing through is like an ordeal. Still, I manage to sit down. But the trembling in my limbs does not stop. These show how weak I am. I do not care. I don't have to pretend to anyone in this room that I'm strong. Yes, not even me anymore. Xerxes chuckles and grabs my shoulders. He immediately pulls me to my feet and I stumble. Open my eyes and now I see him again. No distorted grimace. just the reality. "Do you have something to say?" He tilts his head slightly and indeed he looks like he's interested in what I'm saying. But he's not. He just wants to hear what fits into his world. Not her Truth. I shake my head imperceptibly and can only look at him. Can't understand why he's so blind. How can a ruler of an entire country have so little idea of what is happening right before his eyes? He immediately purses his lips and looks at me. The gaze stays on my arms for a little too long and I have to pull myself together not to look at them too. "You can take it pretty well," he whispers, looking back at me. It almost seems like he likes that fact. But he probably does. It's a way for him to take his brutal streak out on me without a too bad one Having a conscience. That's the problem when the really serious wounds are internal. It's not the blood on my body that scares me. I can wash that off. The deep holes and cuts aren't the problem either, but that I'm falling apart inside and nobody sees it. Whether that's my fault or theirs, I can't say. Would it help if if I showed my brokenness? Would you care? "Most scream like crazy once the iron maiden is closed." Now Xerxes slips down my arm, smearing some of the blood onto his finger and eyeing the shiny dark red curiously. "But not you. Tell me, why is that?" And as the green eyes return to mine, my bottom lip starts trembling again. Why? Because I don't know anything else day in and day out. Not that I do once had a torture device on my skin before Xerxes. But that's not necessary either. I have someone who chained me. Took so much from me. Why should I be frightened by the blackness on the outside when it's omnipresent? It doesn't make a difference. But I've already told Xerxes that. That fact is what drove me here. So I just shrug. "I can't tell." He nods slightly and a smile develops in him. "Why don't I believe you." There's no question. He accuses me of lying again. I would love to yell at him to stop it. that it suits his mood. But not a word leaves my lips. I am silent. As so often. Only a tear shows what Xerxes is doing to me. That he is hurting me. But this time he ignores the salty drop and sighs resigned to. "You leave me no choice." It sounds like he's bothered that he has to keep making me suffer. But I know better. The glint in his eyes belies his words. I immediately shake my head and want to take a step away from him. Just not into the Iron Maiden anymore. But before I can even lift my foot, he grabs my upper arm. I notice that he doesn't touch my wounds, but it's only worth a weary thought. "Don't send me in there anymore," I whisper, unable to help a sob. It's not even that I fear the nails. The pain. No, I know that if he puts me back in the mantle of iron now, then I'll stay there for a long time. A very long time. And I don't want the blackness in it to make me believe things that don't exist. I couldn't escape there from what my brain is making me think. I'm more afraid of myself - from the shadow that is my constant companion - than from torture per se. And Xerxes doesn't push me in the direction of the Virgin again. He just takes a step closer to me. Leaning down slightly and wrinkling his nose. "Then give me a reason why I want to keep you with me." I look at him for a moment, the words ringing heavily. He wants me to give him a reason. What kind of reason? Say I lied? But it works just not as if Xerxes is still following this. Something is different. Except I can't tell what it is. And so I let out a shaky breath as I think feverishly. But it's not that easy. There's a quagmire in my head and every decent thought just seems to be swallowed, so I watch Xerxes, the velvety robe clinging to his body. Makes him look so noble and hides the horror that slumbers in him so well. But that's not what catches my attention, it's his crotch. There's a bump. Xerxes excites this situation. That should make me completely panic. Pull the rug out from under my feet and I should just hate him. But that's not the case. That's the territory I'm comfortable with. my damn work So I take another deep breath and suddenly it makes sense. He wanted me to let go. The only question is whether I can still do it. But it's my only chance. So I stand on tiptoe and kiss his cheek. Xerxes hums softly, but I can't make out from that sound if that's what he wants. But since that's the only clue I have, I continue to slide my lips down his cheek. Let the stubble scrape against my soft skin and feel his chest with trembling fingers. I have to hold onto his shirt a bit because my legs are still jelly-like. But I can't get the iron maiden out of my head. It is anchored to me like a memorial. want to show me what follows Xerxes should at least give me a clue as to what he wants. I'm ready for anything But since he doesn't do that, I take his silence as approval. So I feel my way further with my mouth. Kiss down his neck while my fingertips slowly wander down. Getting closer to his crotch. I can almost feel the heat coming from it. He's clearly aroused. But Xerxes is not the first to take pleasure in my torment and then seek his sexual fulfillment. And he won't be the last either. And when I let my tongue slide lightly over his skin, he grabs my shoulders tightly. I wince immediately, because there are also the small wounds of the nails. He presses it with his fingers, making me gasp. But I don't break away from Xerxes. Let him feel my breath hitting his skin. That doesn't seem to appease him, however. Instead, he throws me around. Push me against a wall. And that makes me whimper. The rough plaster scrapes over my injuries and tears my skin open just a little more. The pain gets bigger. Still, I keep my eyes on Xerxes. Wants to find out if that's a good or bad sign. But again there is nothing to be seen on him. The rich man's mask robs me of all clues. Only a slight grin creeps onto his lips before he removes the distance between us. And since there is still no word from him, I continue. Grab his crotch with trembling fingers. I just can't kiss him anymore. Xerxes is too close and I can't tiptoe anymore. Then I would only cause myself even greater torment because the wall would probably rip my entire back open. The small punctures in my back are still manageable. They hurt, but that's okay. I could survive that. But my skin is no longer protective. Any wrong move could tear them open further. Exposing my flesh and giving me such poison. So I just lean my forehead against him while slipping my fingers under the waistband. "And do you think that you will achieve your goal with that?" Amusement resonates with what is said and makes me stop. No one who is satisfied sounds like that. So I just close my eyes in resignation and my heart clenches again. Makes me groan in agony. But I have to answer, so I shake my head and meet his eyes. "No." It's far too quiet. Shows too clearly that I very much hoped that would be enough. But this time, Xerxes ignores the obvious lie and leans down a little further. And with that, his presence grows. Seems to me downright crushing. But that's not all he does to me. Xerxes gives me hope that I can still escape. That I can still go home tonight. I could live one more day. "Then why are you going on if you know that you can't convince me with that?" Immediately I make a desperate face and squint down. My fingers are still under the waistband of my trousers. So damn close to his hardness. Xerxes seems to have seen what I was looking at. Immediately he chuckles and grabs my hand. Pulls it out from under the fabric and presses my palm hard against his bulge. Lets me feel how hard his member is already. It's him not even embarrassed that he's taking pleasure in my suffering, instead he raises an eyebrow in amusement. "Did you really think that you could convince me if you jerked me off?" Another gurgling sound leaves his throat and indeed this thought seems to amuse him. "Yes? Or did you want to suck me off, Kalota?" And now the exuberant expression gives way to a serious one. Immediately I swallow hard and have trouble following his mood swings. I'd love to know Xerxe's thoughts and even begin to understand what's going on here. "I hoped so," I whisper, pressing my lips together, trying to stifle my whimpering. I can't. Xerxes lets out an annoyed sound and lets out a deep breath ?" He approaches me a bit more and without checking it, I duck my head a little. Suddenly I'm afraid that he wants to hurt me. Not by a torture device, but by his teeth. his fist. "Kalota, I've got enough women who would get on their knees and suck my head any damn second if I wanted to." I nod slightly, and as crazy as it sounds, I'm fully aware that he's telling the truth. Of course the king has enough willing wives, but that's actually what I'm here for, fulfilling sexual desires, those who can't find fulfillment at home. "I don't want that." And now he removes the last space between our faces. The first time Xerxes' lips are stiff, mine. They're nice and soft. But he doesn't kiss me. Instead, slides on and now lets me feel his breath. Like this one descends on me and brushes against my skin. It only pushes me further into utter helplessness. "I don't want a woman who panders just to gain an advantage." Very slowly, Xerxes lets a finger wander on my pelvis. Circles, only amplifying his full presence. "I want one who forgets everything around her and acts without thinking." He presses my hand against the erection again and growls with pleasure. And I? I hold my breath. I would like to tell him, "There are other ways to do this. Those that don't cause the woman pain. But there's something in me that tells me that's the way he wants to do it. That Xerxes wants the deep despair to be so strong that only the hold of another person can get you out of there. And he wants to be that person. And he's just showing me one thing: Nothing can save me from the iron maiden. He wants me to break it. And before If I can say something back, he grabs my pelvis tightly. "I want a shitty woman who doesn't tell me what I want to hear, but who is finally honest." Despite the low volume, the aggressiveness of the words can hardly be surpassed. They leave his mouth hard and sit like lashes. Me I sob and want to say something, but before I can even open my mouth, he pulls me away from the wall. I'm thrown forward with a violent jerk. And again I have to concentrate on not falling. My legs buckle Makes me stumble and the hook makes me whine It digs deep inside me and from now on I can't tell if I'm still unharmed God, there's pain Everywhere. And so I want to submit to my fate. Just let me fall But I don't fall No more hard impact on the ground. Instead, there's a hand that's holding me. Protects me from touching the stones again. But despite the rescue, my vision is blurry. However, this does not come from the tears, but from my absolute helplessness. "You just have to listen to me," I whisper, wishing I had more strength to shout out those words. Then at least he would hear them. So I'm not sure myself. I also notice that I'm using Xerxes's first name. It I don't care. Let him wallow in it. It doesn't make any difference. But again he doesn't listen to me, pushes me forward and again I recognize the iron maiden. And now I'm not imagining the red on my nails. Mine Blood sticks to them, drips onto the floor. Absolute panic takes over me and lets my breath go only shallow. Then something happens to Xerxes. I see it. The mask falls. I don't even know why I'm so sure of that. But suddenly the wrinkles on the face seem deeper. And his chest rises and falls a lot. The whole attitude is suddenly different. Tense and by that he gives the impression that he is preparing for an attack - as if he wants to attack me. "You'd better go in there now." At this, Xerxes points to the iron maiden and I follow the gesture with my eyes. Everything inside me is screaming that I should do this. I should go. My whole inside is screaming at me to I have to protect myself. Still, I shake my head. "No." Xerxes makes a sound somewhere between a growl and a laugh. It sounds dangerous. Kinda fake. "Why are you so blind and don't see when it's better to just listen?" And now he's stroking my cheeks, removing the strands that are stuck to my lips. "Tell me Kalota, why don't you see the danger , even if it's right in front of you?" "Who says I don't see the danger?" My lower lip is still trembling and I feel more and more vulnerable. I know that I'm facing Xerxe's monster here. That it could jump out of its cover at any time, just to be merciless to ram his claws into me. I would need someone to protect me. To put their hand over me and at least keep the greatest dangers away. But there is no one. I have to fend for myself. Like always. He snorts and wrinkles his nose. Seems almost a little irritated. "You're standing here even though I told you that I'm constantly plagued by thoughts of murder?" I still hold his gaze, but I can't stop myself from shaking more and more. I'm unspeakably cold. But it's coming this time not from the temperatures in this room No, the man in front of me creates that feeling. He leans forward, brushing my hair back down my back. "So either you don't believe me or you're dumber than I thought." The voice is lowered. Almost neutral. And yet the coldness in it can be clearly heard. This makes me shiver even more. Goosebumps me slowly absorbing and showing Xerxes only too clearly the effect his words have on me. He is serious. Every fiber of his screams that Xerxes is losing control. And still a voice screams loudly in me that I could still choose the iron maiden. If I'm fast enough, I could duck into their protection. It's paradoxical that even a torture device seems safer than the man with the green eyes. But there is something else besides the whirlwind inside me. Certainty. If I don't face Xerxes now, he'll never believe me. Then nothing would change. He would keep accusing me of lying. I would say no. It would be a whirlpool that pulls me deeper and deeper. Something I already know - something I experience every day. And here I finally see the opportunity to change something, at least in one respect. to break the circle. And so I just stand there. I'm anything but calm. And to say that I'm not afraid would be a lie. This cuts off the air I can breathe. And yet I know that this is the right path. Xerxes straightens up a bit. And although he distances himself a little from me, his presence grows. But this time the darkness seems to transfer from him to me. For a very short time I have the feeling that I can see the absolutely evil in the green eyes. "How long do you mean, before you beg me to go to the Iron Maiden?" His voice has changed. Somehow it seems deeper. The beautiful melody is gone. But I don't deal with that what was said too important I notice that he doesn't even doubt that I'm going to beg him about it. "Not for long." That's probably true too. At some point I won't be able to endure the torment and want to escape from it anymore. Even if I think it would be the wrong way. Xerxes laughs and grabs a strand of my hair fingers and looks at them almost in a trance. "You really are an interesting person." I would like to ask him what he means by that, but I can't get a word out. He scares me beyond words. There's that calculating kind again that I fear so much. I do not know. But this time something seems to be different. I just can't grasp what that is. Nevertheless I stop. Don't move me a damn millimeter. "And do you think I'll give in to your plea?" Now he looks at me again and tugs at the strand between his fingers lightly. Not so much that I have to move my head, but enough that the tweak is present. He's trying to distract me from answering. That's obvious. But I learn from my mistakes. At least sometimes. "No, probably not." And I'm starting to wonder why he's asking me all this. It's clear he's about to hurt me. The glint in his eyes shows it. So why is he delaying? Xerxes smiles and suddenly I feel like an open book, the twisted grin on his lips is knowing. "Tell me to start putting my words into action." It's obvious what he's getting at. Tell me to hurt me. To start the aggression myself. And the worst part is that I'm really thinking about it. I feel like I'm walking on a thin sheet of ice. One that separates me from the raging sea. And the layer of ice is melting. Slowly. Ceaselessly. It's the uncertainty that drives me driving me insane. It is clear that there is no escape. The sea will take me with it. But I could take the agony of waiting. Just one leap and the ice would shatter beneath me. I swallow hard and Xerxes reaches around me. This puts her even closer to me. "Isn't it exciting that we weigh things up ourselves in such situations?" he whispers and I tremble under his words. It shows that Xerxes is also familiar with this situation. "But there is one more thing, Kalota." He grabs the rope, loosens the knot from the hook and that's exactly where the train is over. The rope is now only hanging on the collar and very slowly he pulls the iron for me out. And just as I'm about to take a deep breath of relief, he scrapes the tip of the hook across my skin. But even that goes under. I'm transfixed for the next words. Xerxes takes his time, however. Positions a little closer me. I can feel the warmth from him. Hear his calm breathing. Then I would probably be able to detect a tenseness in his muscles and at least be somewhat prepared. And as the hook arrives at my shoulder and just slides over it, they meet again our looks. "The fact that you're still able to weigh shows you're not scared enough." The last part of the sentence drops the voice dangerously. And I'm so prepared to have the hook rammed into my skin that I I don't pay attention to Xerxes' hands. I don't notice how he positions them on my breasts. It's only when he pushes me back that I realize the danger isn't in the hook. It's the iron maiden's open door. The nails moving are also in this one. But before this knowledge has seeped into me, it will be too late. Xerxes pushes me to the door. Into the middle of the nails. And this time it's no easy scraping. No pecking. The metal is rammed right through my skin by Xerxes. Still, I want to look Xerxes in the eye. Face my tormentor. He looks back at me. Slightly smiles and the black hair is tousled on his head. And in that moment, I realize he just lost the battle inside. It's almost over. The knowledge makes me smile faintly, and as all tension drains from my body, Xerxes releases me. With that, my grip is gone. My legs cannot bear the weight of my body. I just collapse. A shrill scream whips through the room. But even that sounds so far away. As if I were in another room. Then I hit the ground. The dizziness gets bigger. God, I feel like I'm about to throw up. And despite the fog in my head, I can feel the flames on my back. How these cause endless pain. I make a strained tone. I want to raise my head, but I can't. I have to gag immediately. The world is spinning around me, so I just close my eyes. Surrender me to faint. But I'm not allowed to. Something hits me hard on the side. Brings me a little more into reality. I gasp, clenching my eyes convulsively, but the fog clears. And that's how I see Xerxes turning me onto my back. Elicited an anguished sound from me. God, all the skin on my back must be torn. It feels like everything is an open wound. "Look at me," Xerxes barks, not a shred of sympathy to be heard. As if he doesn't give a damn about what he's doing to me. And he probably is. He told me - said he would It takes other people's suffering. I overestimated myself. Really thought our resemblance would give me an advantage. How naïve I am. Still, I want to comply. But even lifting the eyelids seems like an insurmountable task. It keeps popping up The orange glow of the torches, however, is immediately plunged back into darkness. But Xerxes gives me time. And it's only when I open my eyes that he speaks: "You're really fascinating, Kalota." He tilts his head slightly and I would like to laugh. Fascinating. That would probably be the last word I would think of in this situation. But before I could even try to answer, a scraping sounded. One created by dragging iron along stone. And that clears the fog out of my head entirely now. I immediately look next to me. Recognize the knife. Xerxes follows my gaze and sneers. "You know, my father was a despicable man." He lifts the blade between us and turns it slightly. Lets the glow of the torches dance on the silver. "But he had his good ideas." And now Xerxes looks from the knife to me. The look alone is enough to make a whimper squeeze down my throat. Death lurks in the green eyes. It's slowly coming over to me. "Part of it was that each of his victims was given a mark." Xerxes squats, but I only half perceive it. The word sacrifice echoes heavily in my head. Steals everything from me. Only one thought is present: If I If I don't fight back now, he'll slaughter me right here, right on this floor.