Styxx (Dark-Hunter 22)

Chapter Eight

Wanting to beat Acheron for his selfish thought that came through loud and clear, Styxx covered Acheron's mouth with his hand, and grabbed him. With no clear-cut plan, he pulled him toward the only other door in the room. It led to a bathing chamber. Styxx tried to pick Acheron up to carry him, but his brother dropped his weight, making it impossible.

Even so, couldn't leave him here and save his own ass. He couldn't.

Styxx was still trying to make it to the door on the opposite side of the room when Estes entered from the bedroom they'd just left.

He went cold as Estes's jaw dropped.

After a few seconds, a slow smile curved his uncle's lips. "Well, well ... what gifts the gods do give us who are faithful."

Styxx released Acheron and ran for the opposite door, but Estes caught him before he could open it. He slammed him back against the wall with enough force to knock the air from his lungs.

"My little squirrel ... If you wanted to stay with me, all you had to do was ask."

"I hate you! Let go of me!"

In spite of his struggles, Estes pulled something from his purse while holding him against the wall.

"Acheron!" Styxx held his hand out to him. "Help me, brother!"

Shaking his head adamantly, Acheron stepped back and sank to the floor in abject submission.

Furious at him, Styxx shoved at Estes with everything he had. It loosened Estes's hold enough that he was able to break free. But he didn't make it far before Estes had him again. This time, he covered Styxx's face with a rag.

Styxx bellowed and fought, but before he could do much his vision dulled and the room swam. An instant later, everything went black.

* * *

Styxx came awake slowly to find himself tied to a chair. It took him a few seconds to clear his vision enough to see that he was in his uncle's study. Estes sat behind a large table in a padded chair similar to his father's throne. But what really pissed him off was that Acheron knelt on the cold stone floor at the right side of his uncle. Completely naked, Acheron had his gaze on the ground. He sat back on his haunches with his hands resting on his parted thighs, within easy reach of Estes.

You fucking idiot!

If Acheron had only run with him, they wouldn't have been caught.

"So you're finally awake."

Styxx lifted his gaze to his uncle. "You can't keep me here."

"No? You rode out alone. And I'm quite certain you didn't tell your father where you were going. I know you damn sure didn't tell him what you intended to do once you got here. Even if he did know where you were, all I'd have to say is that you left and that I have no idea what happened to you. You're a prince. Any of your father's rivals or enemies would love to lay hands on you. For ransom. Torture ... and other things. You have no idea how much money a prince is worth on the market." He smiled as if the thought warmed him through and through. "Especially one so young, pretty, and fair. Blue-eyed blonds are the most valued of all, even when they're scarred and used."

Estes reached for a sugared fig that was in a small dish on his desk. He cradled it in his palm then held it out for Acheron. Cupping his uncle's hand, Acheron took it into his mouth, and gently laved Estes's palm and suckled his fingers.

The sight disgusted Styxx.

"Because of your arrogance and actions, you leave me with a bit of a dilemma." Estes pressed his thumb into Acheron's mouth so that his brother could suck on it in a manner that let Styxx know fast his brother was extremely skilled with using his tongue to please others. "Tell me, Styxx, do you know what erotiki sfairi are?"

Sex balls? That would be the closest translation. One that made him fearful of answering.

"I'm going to wager that you don't." He pulled his hand back. "Acheron, open your mouth and let your brother see yours."

When Acheron obeyed, Styxx feared he might vomit. Down the entire center of Acheron's tongue was a solid line of small silver balls that had been pierced into it.

So that was the pain that had caused him to be "treated" in the temple.

"Do you know what they're used for?"

Styxx glared at him. "I think I can guess."

Estes gave him a cruel, taunting smile as he pulled the hem of his chiton up until he was completely exposed to Styxx's gaze from the waist down.

Styxx quickly looked away as bile rose high in his throat.

"Acheron? Let us show the prince what you can do with your jewelry."

Styxx slammed his eyes shut as Acheron rose up on his knees and leaned over his uncle's chair. He didn't want to see this. But he couldn't close his ears while his brother pleasured his uncle.

"Stop!" Styxx roared as he fought against the ropes that held him tight.

But neither took mercy on him, nor did they stop until Estes was fully sated.

His uncle drew a ragged breath then laughed as he stroked Acheron's hair like the fur of a beloved pet. "How I've missed that sweet mouth of yours, Acheron. I'll raise the price on you come the morrow. While you're well used for your tender age, you are also far more talented than any I know. Now go ... prepare yourself for your next patron."

Without a single word or any protest, Acheron rose and obeyed.

Horrified, Styxx tried his best to blot all of this out. Why had he even tried to save Acheron from this? His brother seemed so content and receptive. How, he had no idea. He'd rather be dead than submit to such an animal as Estes or live such a life.

Getting up, Estes moved to stand by his side. He grabbed Styxx's jaw in a fierce grip. "Look at me, boy!"

He opened his eyes.

"I know what you're thinking. You would never stand to be treated thus. You'd fight until you died. After all, you defeated me when we fought in the arena. You could defeat me again. But I think I shall teach you a few things just so you know exactly how powerful you really aren't." He tightened his grip so that his fingers bit into Styxx's jaw. "First, when you won against me, it was in a fair fight with rules of combat. In real life and war, there's no such thing and I never fight fair. But I will give you a chance. You make it from here to the front door and I will free both of you. I'll even do better than that. I'll give the two of you an escort with fanfare home to your father's loving arms. All you have to do is make it to the front door." He cut the ropes holding Styxx.

Knowing it was a trick, but with no idea how, Styxx bolted for the door. The damned thing was locked. He fumbled with the latch. Before he could free it, Estes grabbed him.

Styxx elbowed him in the stomach.

Estes lifted him from the waist and threw him on the ground. Rolling, Styxx shot to his feet and tried to reach the sword that was on Estes's wall. Estes caught him at the waist again and wrapped his entire body around Styxx's. They fell to the floor. Styxx did his best to break the hold, but it was impossible.