Position Wanted (Challenge #61, Hustling; Gyokumen Koushou/Ni Jianyi; PG)
Title: Position Wanted
Author: opalmatrix
Warnings: Adult concepts, sensuality, a swearword
Pairing(s): Ni Jianyi/Gyokumen Koushou (implied)
Spoilers: Ni Jianyi's background
Notes: written for saiyuki_time, Challenge #61, Hustling; time allowed: 45 minutes; time taken: 50 minutes
Summary: The Lady of Houtou's prisoner turns out to be a little more interesting than she expected.
He was not a particularly imposing figure as he stood there, flanked by two of her most massive guards. His robes were torn and dusty, and she could smell his human blood from where she sat. His hair and eyes were as black and glossy as the wings of a crow.
"Perhaps you're wondering why I have bothered to bring you here," she said. "Have you heard the legend of the benefits of consuming the flesh of a Sanzo priest?"
His gaze sharpened, and he smiled: an intimate, almost fond expression that was rather shocking, given his circumstances. "Of course. But you seem much too intelligent to believe in that piece of twaddle."
There was not even a hint of fear in either his face or his scent. "You speak boldly. Do you know who I am, you wretched human creature?"
"Gyokumen Koushou, the Jade-Faced Princess, consort of the Ox-King."
He was not unpleasant to look upon, for a human. There was something sharp about him, something of the predator in his refusal to fear her. "If you know that, why do you address me with so little respect? Your are only alive because I have not yet decided how you shall die."
"I'm flattered that you're finding that a challenge."
He should have been terrified. She flexed one of her clawed hands. "You are insolent. You don't seem to realize that I could rip your heart out and consume it before your dying eyes."
"That would be a terrible waste."
His eyes were traveling over her as he spoke. He was utterly shameless. She should have been revolted. Instead, she felt a heat within her that she had missed for far too many years. "What do you mean? You're just another pitiful human. I've destroyed hundreds of them. with no more thought or effort than it would take you to crush an insect."
"Could any of them offer you what I can?"
Why was he so sure of himself? Her face felt flushed. "What could you possibly offer me? I rule this entire domain."
"I can give you back your lord."
Ukoku Sanzo followed his new mistress down the imposingly barren stone hallway, enjoying the arrogant sway of her hips. Her ass under the heavy silk of her gown was admirably firm and her step lithe enough to promise plenty of flexibility. The idea that she could rip him into small pieces - if he let her - only increased his sense of lustful anticipation. Challenges were hard to come by, and therefore precious.
The servants who hurried before her threw open a set of ostentatious doors, elaborately carved and bound in metal. The guards who trailed him stopped just outside. The servants withdrew after Gyokumen Koushou and her guest entered the room, which was furnished with small, elaborately carved tables and low, comfortable chairs.
The Lady of Houtou continued on, around a carved screen, and and he followed her into an inner chamber dominated by a huge bed with silk sheets and coverlet, brocaded cushions and bolsters. It seemed that he had guessed right, and it would take little effort to make her his mistress in every respect. As far as that aspect of the game went, he felt mildly disappointed: too easy.
However, as she turned to face him, her lips red and moist and full of life, he had to smile. She was dangerous, evil-minded, and thoroughly desirable. She wasn't to know - and with skill and luck, she would never learn - that he had no idea, at the moment, whether he would be able to deliver on his promise.