6. Zarek

The next morning, as I guide Sabrina through the upper levels of my palace, I enjoy her insatiable curiosity. My future bride's eyes sparkle with wonder as she takes in the advanced goblin technology on display. It's almost endearing, the way she thirsts for knowledge like a starving goblin craves sustenance.

"Impressed yet, my bride?" I ask, "Or do you still find our superior engineering ‘tacky'?"

Sabrina tears her gaze away from an intricate piece of architecture, fixing me with a defiant stare. "I'll admit, it's more advanced than I expected. But I've seen my fair share of technological wonders in my travels. You'll have to do better than that to impress your future wife, Your Majesty."

I chuckle at her audacity, pulling her close and planting a possessive kiss on her lips. This female has spirit, I'll give her that. It's a refreshing change from the simpering sycophants who usually surround me, despite the nagging doubts that whisper in the back of my mind.

"Well then, perhaps this will be more to your liking," I say, gesturing grandly at a set of ornate doors ahead of us.

The guards spring forward to open them, revealing the cavernous expanse of the royal library. Towering shelves stretch as far as the eye can see, filled with ancient tomes and gleaming data crystals. The accumulated knowledge of the Goblin Empire spanning millennia.

Sabrina's eyes widen, her mouth falling open in awe. For once, she seems to be stuck for words. I smirk, feeling a rush of satisfaction at rendering her speechless.

"The Royal Library of Jardixia," I announce, my voice echoing in the hushed place. "Every scrap of knowledge our civilization has gathered from the mundane to the arcane. A fitting playground for a knowledge-seeker like you, wouldn't you say?"

Sabrina steps forward as if in a trance, her fingers trailing reverently over the spines of the nearest books. "It's incredible," she breathes, "I've never seen anything like it."

"Well, no, you wouldn't have," I reply. "Come, my curious human, let me show you the collection I have personally curated over the centuries. It may prove useful to a budding academic, or at least interesting."

We wander among the shelves, her eyes growing wider with every passing moment. She devours the titles with a hungry intensity, her face a vision of pure delight.

I can feel my own excitement mounting as we explore, a rare opportunity for us both.

Finally, we come to a halt at the center of the library. The air is thick with dust, and the scent of old paper and leather fills our nostrils. Sabrina gazes up at the towering stacks of books with an awestruck expression.

"Here," I say, "is the most comprehensive collection of ancient and obscure texts that can be found anywhere in the galaxy."

Sabrina glances at me, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes. "I'm guessing you read them all, Zarek?"

"Indeed," I reply, feeling a strange flush of pride at her question. "I wrote some of them."

Sabrina smiles, shaking her head. "And here I was, thinking you were all brawn and no brain. I'll admit, your intellect is quite alluring, goblin king."

I return her smile, leaning in close and murmuring into her ear. "I can assure you, little human, there is much more to me than meets the eye."

Her cheeks flush pink at my words, her pupils dilating slightly. "I'm beginning to see that," she replies, her voice a husky whisper.

"This, my dear, is the culmination of generations of goblin learning. Our ancestors' quest for knowledge, their desire to understand the mysteries of the universe. The Goblin Credo. As king, it is my sacred duty to protect and maintain this knowledge. And to use it to advance our civilization."

Sabrina turns to me, a serious look on her face. "You sound almost noble, Zarek. Almost... like a scholar. It's quite the surprise, actually."

I chuckle, amused at her choice of words. "And you, my curious human, are a female who enjoys being surprised. Now, what do you say we get to work?"

Sabrina's eyes light up, her lips curling into a grin. "Absolutely," she says, practically bouncing with excitement. "What do you have in mind?"

"As the future goblin queen, it's important that you learn everything you can about the empire. From its glorious past to its shining present. You must be a student of the histories, a steward of the traditions. To do this, I think we should start with the Goblin Credo."

For the next few hours, I'm lost to the world as we pour over ancient texts. It's been a long time since I could share my knowledge with someone else. Sabrina's enthusiasm and curiosity are infectious, and it's a thrill to have a kindred spirit who shares my passion for my empire's history. Perhaps I made the right choice of bride after all.

It's only when she stifles a yawn that I realize how long we've been ensconced in the library, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with her. "Seems like someone needs a rest," I drawl, amused.

Sabrina blinks up at me. "Sleep is for the weak," she jokes, but I can see the fatigue etched on her delicate features.

An idea takes root in my mind. "Come," I command, offering my arm in a chivalrous gesture. "I have one more thing to show you before we retire for the evening."

Curiosity piqued, she takes my arm, allowing me to escort her out of the library and toward my private wing of the palace. We wind our way through the labyrinth-like corridors, Sabrina clinging to my arm and peppering me with questions.

"Where are we going? Is it a secret room?"

Her endless barrage of questions makes me smile, and I shake my head. "Patience. We're almost there."

I lead her to my personal study, a grand room filled with many artifacts and treasures from across the universe. But it's what lies beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows that draws her attention—a breathtaking view of the cityscape of Jardixia's capital at sunset, the fading light painting the spires and towers in hues of chartreuse and crimson.

Sabrina gasps, pressing a hand to the cool glass. "It's beautiful," she murmurs.

"A pale comparison to the view from here," I reply, gesturing to the opulent bathing pool set against the windows. "Nothing quite like a relaxing soak while surveying one's kingdom with one's queen, is there?"

She shoots me a heated glance, a provocative smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Is that an invitation, my king?"

I grin wolfishly, already pushing aside doubts in favor of more carnal delights. "Perhaps," I purr, stalking toward her with predatory intent. "But first, I intend to worship every inch of my bride's exquisite body..."

What follows is a melody of sighs and moans as I make good on my promise, pleasuring Sabrina with an intensity and focus I have only ever dedicated to my kingdom. Her climaxes are a symphony, her breathless pleas the most beautiful music I have ever heard.

When we finally collapse into the scented waters, the tension between us is a palpable thing, our hands never straying far from each other. Reluctantly we return to our bedchamber, our damp bodies clad in plush robes.

For the first time in my long life, I entertain the notion that perhaps I've found my match, my true equal in every sense.

Preposterous, of course. I am Zarek, King of Goblins, Conqueror of Worlds! I have no need for sentiment or softness. And yet... as Sabrina shifts in my embrace, her scent filling my nostrils and her warmth seeping into my skin, I cannot imagine ever wanting another female at my side.

Our conversation flows like the finest Jardixian wine, a testament to my wisdom in choosing her as my bride. As Sabrina's laughter fills the air, I'm struck by a moment of inspiration. The dual crystals—those priceless baubles gathering dust in my chambers—what better way to showcase my power and generosity than to give them to my queen?

"I have a gift for you," I declare.

"Oh?" Sabrina arches a delicate brow. "Do tell, Your Majesty."

With a flourish, I retrieve the gems, their ethereal glow casting an alluring light around us. "Behold, the twin crystals of knowledge and secrets!" I announce, holding them aloft like the priceless treasures they are. "Passed down from the first goblin king, these beauties will grant you unparalleled access to all of Jardixia. Go on, take your pick."

Sabrina cradles the crystals in her palms, her eyes wide with wonder. "What's the difference between knowledge and secrets?"

I lean in close, my breath ghosting across her ear. "Absolutely nothing, my dear. It just sounds more impressive when I say it like that... or maybe are they different? Who knows?" I wink at her confused look.

Sabrina's laughter rings out, a melodic counterpoint to my own wit. "You're incorrigible, you know that?" she teases, her eyes dancing with mirth.

"Ah, but that's why you like me," I quip, stealing a quick kiss. "Now, as much as I'd love to continue basking in your adoration, I do believe sustenance is in order. Can't have my queen wasting away, can we? I will find a servant."

"By all means, Your Majesty," Sabrina replies with a mock curtsy. "Far be it from me to stand between the mighty goblin king and his dinner."

"Careful now," I warn, my tone playful. "Keep sassing me like that, and dinner might not be the only thing I devour tonight."

With another wink and a roguish grin, I slip out the door in search of a servant, my mind already conjuring visions of the feast to come—both culinary and carnal. Lost in pleasant thoughts, I barely register the sound of footsteps echoing in the corridor before it's too late.

A flurry of movement, a glint of steel, and I'm surrounded by my own guards, their faces grim and determined. "What is the meaning of this?" I demand, my voice a low growl.

"You are under arrest for treason and sedition against the Goblin Credo!" one of them sneers. "As decreed by the most esteemed council, you will surrender yourself to us immediately!"

Realization dawns like a bitter poison. A coup staged by my own advisers. Rage and betrayal surge through my veins, fueling my every move as I launch myself at the traitorous bastards.

My fist connects with a satisfying crunch, green blood spraying across the stone walls.

They come at me with their blades, but I meet their assault with one of my own, my claws tearing through flesh and sinew like paper. But even as I fight, my thoughts turn to Sabrina, vulnerable and alone just beyond the door. A fierce protectiveness rises within me, eclipsing even my own sense of self-preservation. "Get off me, you little shits!"

With a final, desperate lunge, I slam the lock on the study door, ensuring her safety even as the remaining guards close in around me. Let them do their worst, as long as my queen remains unharmed. I hear her call out, her voice frantic with fear, but before I can respond, there is a crackle of energy, a flash of searing pain.

Suddenly I'm engulfed in the sparking coils of an electrified net. "I'm not some bog beast for you to cage," I spit, the words tinged with venom. It takes a number of guards to drag me away, but I still get a parting blow in.

The last thing I see is a guard's head snapping back, his nose bloody from my fist. A savage satisfaction swells within me, but the feeling is short-lived. The electric current crackling through the net is enough to knock me unconscious, the world going dark.

When I wake, I find myself in a cramped dungeon cell, the dim lighting doing little to improve the bleak surroundings. I'm not sure how much time has passed, but judging by the hollow ache in my stomach, it's been a while.

I curse my foolishness, my arrogance. I had grown too complacent, too comfortable in my position as goblin king. But the council's betrayal is more than just a slight against my authority.

They've endangered the entire empire. Without a monarch to keep the clans in check, Jardixia could plunge into civil war. I slam my fist against the metal bars, the clang echoing in the silent chamber.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the mighty Zarek, caught by a net like a common bogbear," a familiar voice purrs, the words laced with smugness.

I turn to see none other than the councillors, Kla'zar and Obl'ick, flanked by a squad of royal guards. I bare my teeth in a feral snarl, straining against the bars. "You traitorous scum! When I get out of here, I'll tear you apart limb by limb!" I hiss, rage boiling in my blood.

Obl'ick has the audacity to laugh, a grating sound that sets my teeth on edge. "Oh, I don't think so, Your Majesty. You see, tomorrow was meant to be your wedding day, but we've decided to change the festivities to an execution. Much more entertaining, wouldn't you agree?"

I meet Obl'ick's mocking gaze with a fierce glare of my own, my lips twisting into a savage grin. "An execution, you say? Well, I must admit, I do find the idea rather entertaining. Watching you two squirm and beg for mercy as I personally tear out your traitorous hearts—now that's a festivity I can get behind."

"You'll never get out of here, goblin king. Your reign is over. Your bride is already on her ship and will be returning to her people soon." Kla'zar smirks.

My heart drops into my stomach. No, it can't be. I refuse to believe it. My bride would never betray me. Maybe I went a bit far torturing her with pleasure, but she has to know I never intended to kill her. I just wanted answers. She wouldn't run back to her people after I gave her the keys to the kingdom...

Would she?

A deep-seated panic blooms in my chest. What if they're telling the truth? What if she betrayed me and is returning to her own kind? No, it can't be. My mind refuses to believe it, no matter how many times the council taunts me.

I won't let them have the satisfaction. "You're wrong," I declare.

"Are we now?" Kla'zar says. "She was seen leaving the palace. Your guards even tried to stop her, but she got away. She left you, goblin king. Left you here to rot in this dungeon."

Rage and desperation claw at my throat, but I force myself to speak calmly. "Sabrina would never abandon me. I... I love her."

Obl'ick raises a brow, his expression dripping with false sympathy. "Love? You really think a creature like you is capable of such a thing? Face it, Your Majesty, you're nothing more than a means to an end for that girl. The moment she had a chance to escape, she took it."

Kla'zar steps forward, a malevolent glint in his eyes. "You should be worried about yourself, Zarek. The Ancient Rite demands a sacrifice, and what better offering than a disgraced king? With your death, I will ascend to the throne, and the Goblin Empire will be restored to its former glory."

My eyes narrow, a dangerous glint sparking within their depths. I lean forward, my voice a low, menacing growl. "Listen well, you traitorous filth. The only ones who will be sacrificed here are the two of you when I rip out your throats with my bare hands."

Kla'zar scoffs, unimpressed by my threat. "Bold words from a king in chains. You're in no position to be making promises, Zarek."

"You really think the Rite will choose you?" I sneer, contempt dripping from every word. "A sniveling, backstabbing weakling like you? The gods would sooner spit on you than grant you any power. You fools play with powers you cannot even comprehend. You only invite calamity!"

Kla'zar's eyes flash with anger, and he takes a menacing step forward. "Enough! Your words mean nothing, Zarek. In a matter of hours, you'll be dead, and I'll be the one sitting on that throne. And as for your precious Sabrina? She's long gone, returning to her own world and glad to be rid of a monster like you."

My hands curl into fists, my claws digging into the flesh of my palms. I struggle against the metal bars, my muscles straining. But it's no use. I'm trapped, helpless to find the female I love.

The councillors turn to leave, their voices echoing in the chamber's silence. "Rest well, Zarek. Tomorrow, you will die. But we thank you for your... service."

Fury burns through me, a wave of white-hot anger. How dare they plot to steal my crown, my empire, my bride?

Alone with my rage and my fear, I slump back against the wall of my cell, my mind racing as I try to formulate a plan. But even as I plot, a small, insidious voice of doubt whispers in the back of my mind. What if Kla'zar is right? What if, given the chance, Sabrina has left me? What if I've been fooling myself all along, believing that I could ever truly be loved?

No. I can't afford to think like that. Sabrina is mine, now and forever. And I'll burn this whole damned kingdom to the ground before I let anyone take her away from me.

I throw myself against the bars, snarling and spitting like a rabid beast, but there is no one to hear me.