Violette POV
The gardens are magnificent. The gardens at home aren’t quite as lovely as these. And all we have at home are white roses that match our family's rather distinct white hair. But this garden.. has flowers off all kinds. There’s even a section of fresh fruits and vegetables that looks absolutely delicious.
“Do you enjoy your time outside?” The guard named Loren asked. I noticed he looks at me every once in a while, debating to speak or to just let me walk in peace.
“Yes, it’s been a very calming time,” I said. I felt the petals of a flower between my fingers before continuing on down the path.
We mainly stayed in silence, that is until I was approached by a woman I’d never seen before.
“So, you’re the Kings slave?” She asked. I looked at Loren who spoke for me. I think at this moment, I’m grateful for not being able to speak to anyone besides Loren. She seemed disgusted and irritated with me.
“Yes, miss Minerva.” He said.
“Mind if I have a small chat with her?” she asked. She flipped her brown hair over her shoulder and glared at me.
“The king wouldn’t allow it,” Loren argued. Thank the goddess for that.
“The king and I are special friends. I’m sure he wouldn’t be upset if I talked to her.” She insisted.
“I’m sorry, Minerva. But no. I have orders and I will not disobey them.” He growled. She crossed her arms and glared at me once again.
“I’ll see you around sl*t, oh.. sorry. I meant slave, but same difference, right?” She laughed. Yeah, real funny.
I am far from a slut. I still have my virtue.. but who knows how long that will last.
She turned around and left us here watching her retreat. My mind was still confused about the interaction altogether and I just shook my head.
“I’m sorry about her,” Loren said. I’m surprised he’s actually being nice to me. With a father like mine.. finding someone who is nice to you without wanting something or doing it out of fear.. that’s pretty rare. I don’t feel as if he has any ill intentions towards me.
“Don’t be. You don’t control her.. unless you do.” I smiled softly and he did the same.
“I don't. Thank the Moon Goddess.” He praised as he placed his hands in the air and bowed his head. I giggled at the sight.
“Who exactly is she?” I asked. I was intrigued with what she said.. a special friend of the Kings. What exactly does that mean?
“A very good friend of the Kings.” He said. I thought I saw him grimace for a second so my mind started racing with theories. She’s an old flame and super jealous that he took me, a princess, as a slave. Or, she’s just a side piece until he finds his mate, if he even has one.. and she’s jealous that he took me as a slave. Or maybe, they’re just good friends and she hates me because of who my family is and the entire war going on between our kingdoms.
“Do you not like her?” I asked.
“She can be enjoyable at times, but I find her snake-like and I don’t like it. And I don’t like the relationship she has with the King.. but I’m just his guard so it’s not my place to speak on it.” He said.
I didn’t speak much more after that as we strolled through the gardens. I still felt quite disgusted with earlier today.. what could’ve been such a peaceful morning turned into a world of hell for me. I haven’t even bathed.. I had the time and I chose sleep.. I think this day may haunt me like many others.
“The king requests us to return.” Loren said and I nodded my head as we turned back towards the castle.
We walked for what felt like forever until we made it to the King's chambers. Loren opened the door for me and I walked in.
“Did you enjoy your time outside?” Master asked. He was sitting at his desk flipping through pages and writing things on them.
“Yes, I did. Thank you, master.” I said.
“I had dinner brought to you. It’s on the table in the corner.” He said. I looked over and sure enough, there was a plate piled high with food.
“Thank you, master,” I said gratefully. I’d missed breakfast and lunch.. I was starving and I was paying for it. Even if I couldn’t stomach the thought of food earlier, maybe I should’ve just eaten anyways.
He nodded his head and continued working on his things.
I devoured the entire plate in minutes. I didn’t realize just how hungry I was. The only thing left were crumbs, and it made me disgusted by myself. I’d never eaten so much in such a short amount of time in my entire life.
“Have you finished your food?” He asked from his office. I finished piling up my dishes and spoke.
“Yes, master. It was very good. Thank you.” I said. I stepped into the doorway of his office and looked at him. He looked very tired like he hadn't been sleeping well lately. His hair was tousled on his head and he had dark circles under his eyes that were starting to show.
“Come here.” He said. I did as he asked even though I wanted to do anything but that. I stopped about a foot away and he looked me over once before speaking again.
“You realize I have to break you in soon, right?” He asked. I was hoping we could get by with it never happening but I know that’ll never happen. The thought of losing my virtue to him makes me so angry. But it also gives me butterflies and I hate it. Why do I have to be so.. weird about him?
“Yes, master,” I said in a low voice.
“You’ve never laid with a man before, have you?” He asked.
“No, master. I was waiting for my mate.” I said sadly. How could he insult my virtue like that? I'm a princess, not a whore. He tensed for a moment at the word mate. He waited a few moments before he continued speaking.
“Why don’t you retire to your chambers for the rest of the evening. There’s nothing else I need.” He said. I looked up at him confused for a moment but nodded my head.
“Yes, master,” I said. He looked like he had more to say but he never did besides to excuse me.
“You may leave.” He said. I bowed my head and made my way out of his chambers.
To say I was relieved is an understatement. I wanted out before he tried to force himself on me like Richard and Marv. If I could get away with never having to please the King, I just might make it.
I made it to my room and shut the door. I walked over to the chair beside my bed and sat down, King Viktor’s scent filled my nose. That’s odd. I leaned my head over my shoulder and sniffed the chair. He has definitely been in this chair recently. But for what?
I don’t ever remember him being in here.. did he watch me sleep? No. That’s absurd, Violette. Why do you have to conjure such ridiculous thoughts? There is no reason for it. Maybe it’s his scent on me and I’m just going crazy.
I shook it out of my mind and stood up. Goddess, it’s hot as h*ll in here! I took my dress off and climbed into bed, leaving the comforter off and only using the thin sheet as a cover. Sleep took me within minutes and I found myself falling into an abyss of endless nightmares once again.