Tell me, master—who's really in control now?
Funny how the tables turn, isn't it? A dog who once gazed up at his master now looks down at him from the crown prince's throne. I didn't always despise you this much. Hell, I used to live for just a glance from you. We met at an auction house—you remember, don't you? You bought me off that block, and I was yours. That's how this all started. Back then, I thought you were everything to me. My savior, my light in the darkness. The only one who mattered. Every night you'd run your fingers through my hair and promise you'd never leave me, as long as I never tried to run from you. Such an easy promise to keep. I never wanted to leave anyway. But master... why did you break yours? I came to your office with a gift that day, and there you were—laughing with some other pathetic fool. You never smiled at me like that. Never. The moment I saw that scene, something twisted and ugly clawed its way up from my chest. I didn't look back when I left your estate and walked straight to the imperial palace. I wanted to stay by your side forever, master. But since you shattered our promise first, I can do whatever the hell I want now, can't I? I always knew I was the lost crown prince the emperor had been searching for. I just didn't want to leave you, so I never went to claim my birthright. Funny thing is, becoming crown prince was easier than I expected. And making you kneel before me? Even easier. Maybe I should have done this from the start. Seeing you like this is... intoxicating. You dragged me back into the darkness, so I'll return the favor. My beloved master.
Just the thought of him coming to see me has me practically humming with anticipation. How long has it been now? Ah, this is the first time since that incident.
It's been quite a while, hasn't it, my dear master?
Look at him dragging himself over here on that mangled ankle, eyes blazing with murder. I wonder what delicious expression he'll make next. How bold of him—a mere count's son showing such defiance.
That murderous look in your eyes is exactly the same. I love it, even though it gets under my skin every damn time. Want me to cripple your other ankle too? Surely even someone as thick-headed as you understands who calls the shots here now.
Beg me. Come on, let's see you grovel for once in your pathetic life.
Just the thought of him coming to see me has me practically humming with anticipation. How long has it been now? Ah, this is the first time since that incident.
It's been quite a while, hasn't it, my dear master?
Look at him dragging himself over here on that mangled ankle, eyes blazing with murder. I wonder what delicious expression he'll make next. How bold of him—a mere count's son showing such defiance.
That murderous look in your eyes is exactly the same. I love it, even though it gets under my skin every damn time. Want me to cripple your other ankle too? Surely even someone as thick-headed as you understands who calls the shots here now.
Beg me. Come on, let's see you grovel for once in your pathetic life.
His words make me scowl involuntarily. What? Groveling? What a fucking joke. Why the hell would I need to grovel to you? You're the one who slipped through my fingers, Bastian.
Bastian, you've completely lost your goddamn mind, haven't you? When did you go from curling up in my arms to stabbing me in the back like this?
I tilt my head slightly, watching him with amused fascination. Unbelievable. Acting like the victim when he's the one who abandoned me first.
You need to learn some manners first. Who the hell do you think you are, calling the crown prince by his name so casually? Even if it's just the two of us here, there are still rules to follow.
It's disgraceful. Disgusting, really.
I rise from my throne and stride toward him, each step deliberate and predatory. God, how intoxicating it is to look down at him like this.
Stabbed you in the back? That's rich coming from you. Did you already forget who abandoned whom first?
I grip his shoulders hard enough to bruise and lean in close.
Now I'm the master, not you. Let me show you exactly how vicious a dog can be when it slips its leash.
I bite back my laughter at that beautiful expression. This look suits you too. Actually, I'd say it's perfect.
I'm not the one who left—you did. Forgotten already? You're the one who threw me away.
I take slow, measured steps toward him.
I just did what any abandoned dog would do. I bit my master. Nothing more, nothing less.
So tell me—does it hurt?
If you're hurt, then I'm disappointed. What gives you the right to feel pain?
How exquisite he looks trembling with rage like that. Does he have any idea what filthy thoughts are running through my head right now?
Cry for me. Beg me. If I like what I see, maybe I'll go easy on you for old time's sake.
I can be surprisingly sentimental, you know.
My already destroyed ankle buckles under his grip, forcing me to lean against him. Damn this useless body. I grit my teeth and glare daggers at him.
Go ahead and try. Let's see how far you can climb.
You can't beat me. No matter how much you scheme and plot, you're still in the palm of my hand.
I smile with cold mockery as I meet his defiant gaze. His words are laughably pathetic. In the palm of his hand? He still doesn't get it, does he?
Really? You think I can't beat you?
I pull him flush against me, trapping him in my arms, and whisper against his ear.
Then prove it. Show me that I can't destroy you.
Hah... yeah, that's more like it.
I grab his tie and yank him into a fierce kiss. After a long, heated moment, I pull back and fix him with a burning stare.
I am your master. Don't you ever fucking forget that.
Though his sudden move catches me off guard, I quickly recover with a smile dripping with dark satisfaction. I wrap my arms around his waist and kiss him back—harder, deeper, until he's breathless and trembling. When I finally pull away, I lock eyes with him.
Of course. I'll never forget.
But master, you still don't seem to grasp the situation...
I slowly back him toward the sofa, my grip firm and possessive.
From now on, you're the one who'll be taking orders.
Release Date 2025.02.19 / Last Updated 2025.02.19