Thanks for being patient with me while I've been away my loves! Time to get this book back on track! I'll try to update again in about five days to a week. Get this on a regular schedule! :)
And... Wattpad fixed itself to where it's now back to how it used to be for writing updates. That means I'm happy and things can go back to being smooth! Yay for that.
Enjoy my loves!
_____
We dismounted the beast, Kratos placing his hands on my hips to help me gently off of it. Placing my fingers on his shoulders, I allowed the assistance because my body was still shaking from the blood rushing in my veins, a natural high taking over me. There was a slight smile on the curve of my lips, and it took all my strength to not allow him to see the enjoyment that I had taken from the ride. It was... something that I had never experienced before. Back at Mother Tree, I would always climb to the top as I was resting from the teachings, and I was able to see all the Kingdoms below and around us. Even then, when I would feel the blood rushing and the joy wash over me, it compared nothing to flying in the clouds. I was still in a state of shock that there was an entire kingdom laying under the surface of the water, all guarded by the large statues around the edge. It was unlike anything that I had ever imagined it to be. How was this world possible?
Kratos sat me gently onto the cobbled stoned pathway, the gates of the palace opening before us, made of a pearl like material that glistened in the multi-colored light of the sea. I was not used to the pinks and greens in the light, everything receiving a different glow to them, almost like a magical spell. The gates rolled upwards inside of the castle, and I was met with the sweet scent of lavender and mint. That was not a combination of herbs and flowers that I would ever have thought to mix well. But, with the calming scent of the flowers slightly overpowered by the awakening mint, it seemed to help dull my senses and calm my frantic heartbeat.
Looking around me, I seemed to seep away from the world that I had once known, and slowly went under the spell of this Kingdom. Looking down at my feet, I watched as the sand slightly shifted under my foreign weight, the world seeming to add a few pounds to me from the depth under the waves. We had heard about this kingdom in the teachings, but never had an Eenack Warrior gone to look at it first hand. We could only go by that of what the scrolls told, speaking of how coral like structure littered the streets and alleyways and the grand towers and outer walls of the palace. But, even as I looked up at the large structure that was opened before me, it was putting the wonderful description to shame.
"Come, I'll give you a tour of the grounds and castle, than I shall show you your room. It's getting close to the late hours of the night, and dinner will be served in a little while. After you are washed up." He said with a small nod of his head. I didn't speak, only allowed myself to relax, knowing that I would finally have some distance from this man. So much had happened over the past few days. How could I have gone from wishing to kill myself and end this torture, to wanting to make Kratos suffer as I have in his final hour? What kind of monster have I become? And why do I not care that I have these feelings?
Jasper flew into the air, seeming to have a destination in mind as he went over the gates to a large balcony at the top of the castle, close to the edge of what sounded to be like a bubbling spring meeting the rushing water of a waterfall. Could it be that they have such a thing in this bubble of society? Kratos took my elbow in his hand, bringing my closer to his side as we started to move forward. I didn't protest this once, knowing that my time away from him was my reward for 'good behavior'. Perhaps if I just seemed to be getting along with him on the surface, he would think me trust worthy, and I would be able to leave the city? Only time -it seemed- would tell.
We walked into the courtyard of the palace, and I was instantly met with a grand fountain made of marble and pearl, sparkling in the soft light coming from the lit lanterns that scattered around it. It was like that of a wild garden back in Namaria, covered in beautiful plants, herbs, and colorful flowers. It was like the world above had been brought here without knowing of where it had ended up. Sort of like my position in life at the moment.
I hadn't realized that Kratos had released my elbows and was now walking up the grand marbled stairs that lead to the doors of the palace.
"Vixas," he simply stated. I just kept my mouth shut and followed behind.
You'll be away from him in a few short minutes, you can handle some alone time with him a little longer. It'll all be over soon. You'll have your own bed, room, and be able to scrub yourself clean of his... intoxicating scent. Now focus, it's just one step at a time.
______
And it had been one step at a time, my body was slowly finding a rhythm of walking beside him in time with his long and elegant strides. While two of my steps equaled one of his, it didn't feel like we were rushed. If anything, it seemed... normal to me in a way. Which was unsettling. I had been shown the grounds and hallways, along with the grand rooms of the palace. From the throne room that was also the ballroom, which was beautifully elegant and bright with warm light that wasn't of different colors, to the library where I would be taught proper manners for what he seemed fit, to the gardens on the top of the palace, which thrived with vines covered in exotic fruit and flowers, perfuming the air with sweet and citrus scents.
But, all peaceful things must come to an end, and we were taken from the gardens to the third floor of the palace, which is where my room was located. I was informed that the 'King' had his own separate wing on the highest floor, where he spent most of his days if not in the throne room trying to help the Kingdom in some way. I found that hard to believe that he wished to help the Kingdoms. If he didn't have the decency to release me from my bonds and set me free completely, than how could he help those that were placed into slavery since before their birth? Freedom is a right, a right that needs to be settled and made illegal in all the lands.
"Here is where you will be staying. Make yourself comfortable. Super will be in an hour, so be punctual." he said slightly hard. I looked at him as he opened the wooden doors for me, allowing them to swing open into the grand bedroom. And, with a single glance in my direction, he left completely, leaving me with his ocean and spicy scent to linger on my skin and clothing.
I had noticed a pattern in the last hour, where he would show me something, and we would seem to linger a few minutes longer than what I had originally thought that he would. But, those minutes that were spent in silence, were also filled with watchful black and blue eyes, constantly keeping me in sight, but not in a way of protection. Like that of a predator hunting down the wounded gazelle. And it seemed that I had been the perfect target, and he was ready to pounce at any given moment. But, what the pouncing with mean, that I still was not able to find out.
Another thing that I had noticed, the closer that we came to allowing me to be in my room and be away from him, the more closed off that he became, along with the more irritable his actions became. I was no longer Vixas, I didn't even have a name when he summoned me. He would just motion me towards him without a word, and in a way I was grateful for it, but in another way, all I wanted to do was strangle him out of frustration. He turned and twisted me thoughts so many different directions, made me second guess myself, and seemed so sure of his ways, that I thought up was now down. Nothing was like it had once been. But, it hadn't been in many, many years.
How foolish of me to wish for a life that was long dead. But, one could always dream and hope of a brighter day tomorrow than the darkness of today.
Taking a breath, I turned towards the room and stepped inside. My eyes went wide at the sight before me, and I instantly felt -in the first time in years- at home. At peace with the world. It was like that of my old hunt in Mother Tree, but in a way, completely different. The space was larger, my chest already opened and dresses placed on the table, neatly folded and ready to be placed away in a wardrobe that sat beside the table that held the mirror. A grand mirror, with pearls rimming the entire outer rim, along with pieces of colorful coral. Like that of a pleasure house, there was a balcony that was open with arches, leaving the space open, giving me a view of the city below.
But, the one thing that truly caught my attention, was that of the bed and the hammock that swung softly in the corner of the room, in between the arches that lead outside. On the hammock lay a tapestry that made a picture of the floating islands, my home. With a pillow that was a soft green and covered in a soft cotton that softly glided under my fingers. I hadn't realized that I had walked across to the hammock and that I was touching it, feeling the strong strands of softened rope under my fingers, but I had. I found tears pricking my eyes as memories of nights watching the stars pass when I was not able to find sleep. All the memories that involved that hammock back home, all of them started to flood back into my mind, and I found myself turning away from the hammock to block them out. I wouldn't allow myself to be sad with thoughts of home when today was a day to remember. I was alone, away from Kratos, and that was something to be happy about.
The bed was lifted off of the floor by a platform that had steps that lead up towards the large bedframe and mattress. Walking up the steps, I moved the slightly see-through canopy curtain that flowed around it. My eyes widened at the sight of the silk duvet that shimmered in the pail lantern light. Running my fingers over the soft green and navy blue patterns of waves and dipps sewn into it, I found myself relaxing against the soft fabric. It was folded over, allowing the pillows covered in the same material to be on a sort of platform that showed the deep blue sheets that laid underneath it. I found a giddy feeling wash over me at the sight of the ocean like bed, but pushed it aside and walked back down the few steps. The canopy curtain, the color of soft clouds, rolled over my skin as I went back down to the hammock, instantly looking at the similar design to the one in my hut. How could he have known about something like that?
Eenack lifestyle was not something that was common knowledge, only a few were brave enough to ask questions of what happened on the floating islands. It was a myth to most that we lived in Mother Tree, and practically legend that we were taught from a young age to fight and hunt. But, I was no myth, and I was no legend. I was a warrior that had been taken from her home and people, forced into a life of prostitution and exile, ridicule, and beatings that I could not fight.
Sitting down on the hammock, I felt my body move back into the position of lying on my back, the familiar sensation of being rocked as I tucked my legs up to my lower belly and my arm under my head to prop my head came back to me like an old friend. It was like I had never forgotten. A small smile came on my lips as I looked up at the nighttime sky covered by the Glass Sea. I could see above the bubbled bowl that different fish, sirens, and marine life were swimming around. Coral and different plant life littered the underwater world, and I felt a sense of peace about the entire situation. How odd to be in a place under the waves, to be able to breath fresh air, and yet still watch the underwater world like I was seeing it through a glass window. The sky above the water was rippled by the wind going over the waves, but, I could still make out the moons and stars that littered the dark navy and purple sky.
My mind drifted, my body relaxed, and I found myself drifting into a daydream and thoughts that I hadn't allowed myself to think in several, several moons. It was odd if you think about it, that no matter where in the Kingdoms you were, if you looked up, it was still the same sky that everyone else saw. Maketis, if he was looking up at the stars and moon now, he would be seeing the same breathtaking view that I was seeing, just in a more clear view. Did he think about me? Wish to find me even after all these years? The tribe could think me as good as dead by this point.
But, in many ways, the thought of my former self to be dead was more true that the wind being invisible. Vixas the Eenack Warrior had died many moons ago, her spirit going into the great sky to be with the great gods. I was not a warrior anymore, no. Sighing, I rose up my arm to look at the crystal cuff that wrapped around my wrist. I was Vixas the Slave, a possession, an object... just like that of a vase that held beautiful flowers on a table to perfume the air of a castle or palace.
Forcing my eyes away from the sight of my bondage and physical proof of my state, I closed my eyes and felt the swaying of the hammock as I brought my feet up closer to my chest, the motion causing me to sway slightly. There was no wind here, the clouds, no sunshine to grace my skin when I would wake and exit the hut. None of that was here. I was trapped in a palace made of beautiful pearl and coral, surrounded by wealth and power, and many opportunities. Yet, with all the people that I knew to be close to me, the warmth of another body so close it was almost painful to think about, I had never felt more alone in my entire existence.
And, for the first time in many years, I allowed myself to become vulnerable, and cry from my own wanting and selfish needs. I simply curled up in the hammock, bringing the tapestry over me as the feathers of the pillow caressed my head, and I allowed my body to shake as sobs softly left me.
_____
Several hours had passed, and I had enjoyed my solitude in the hammock, looking up at the waved night sky, listening to the distant sound of wings flapping, or the far away chatter of the townsfolk below. I had become numb, no allowing myself to think of anything other that what my eyes would look at as I looked around me. Though the sea was a rainbow of color, there was still a warm glow that was cast over the city, like that of a warm smile from a mother looking at her babe. It was comforting, though we were not close to the sun, be far below it under the sea in the kingdom of night.
I had ignored the knocks that would come to my doors, making sure to stay completely quiet as I looked up and out above me. They would leave me alone then, only to come back and call out my name, or the name that Kratos had seemed to force them to address me as. Lady Vixas, it was laughable to have such an elegant title. Who would have ever thought, a paid whore being called a Lady. I was no lady, a lady was like that of her Majesty Amira, who walked with grace and poise and had a sense of elegance around her.
I, however, had an aura of death and destruction, along with hate and anger surrounding me. That was no a lady, therefore I didn't deserve that title. Laughable, hysterically laughable.
"Please, Lady Vixas, his Majesty King Kratos has asked me to draw you a bath so you can be ready for super." I heard a timid voice call out from the other side of the door. It was female, seeming to be no older than a few years after her testing. Taking a breath to calm my nerves that had become wildfire, the heat of the flames dancing across my skin, making me itch, I pulled the tapestry down slightly off of my lips so my voice could be heard.
"You may enter." I simply said, never looking towards the door. But, the three words spoken, yet it was all the permission that she seemed to need. The doors opened softly, only to be closed instantly. Soft feet padding against the floor came to my attention as the small woman passed the bed and went to the bath to draw the hot water. I didn't need to see her to guess her size or stature. With the lightness of her padding feet, she seemed to be on the slimmer side, with enough meat on her bones to hide the outline of her ribs, with hair tucked behind her ears, and garments covering her short frame. And, as she passed me to enter the bathroom, my guessing observation was correct. She was a foot shorter than I, easily not coming up to my shoulders, with fiery red hair that was curly like a vine, her body covered in freckles, and a tiny frame that was hidden by her flowing gown.
The sound of rushing water that was boiling slightly came to my attention, along with the dropping of something that caused the water to bubble like that of a cold Ale. What in the gods names was she doing in there? But, even as curious as I was, I didn't allow myself to move from my position from the hammock. It was the first time that I had felt a piece of home in such a long period of time. Here, laying in this simple little hammock, though it held no memory, it still meant something to me. The strands were not tied as they had been back in my hut, the smell was not the same, none of it was the same, but completely the opposite. Yet, the caress of the soft strands of rope tied in strong knots, the way that it swayed when I moved slightly to get more comfortable, it reminded me of the nights of when I would look out the hole of the hunt in Mother Tree to look up at the nighttime sky. Thought it was different, I suddenly felt closer to my people, my home. And perhaps, that was enough to satisfy my selfish needs... even if for a few more moments.
Time slowed down as she prepared my bath, then came back into the room to open the wardrobe, bringing out a robe of some sort, or perhaps a dress, but nothing to wear on my feet. I was grateful for that, even after years of being forced to wear 'shoes' the feeling was foreign and uncomfortable. I wanted to feel the earth under my feet, feel the warmth of the blades of grass, the cool caress of the stoned ground, it was comforting, even though they were not what I was used to. How could even after years of being away from home, learning that foreign was now home to me, it still have me an uneasy feeling in my heart and stomach.
The young maiden walked over to me, giving me a soft smile, though it didn't reach her dark green eyes. Freckled skin, a small face with high cheekbones that were so defined, it seemed that she could cut something with the deep crease. Was she not well nourished? Offering me her hand, I looked down at it, seeing the bones move under her skin, a few veins prominent through the thin skin. She was so small, so undernourished, so fragile. It broke my heart to see someone under the protection of a 'King' to be so weak and frail.
Moving out of the hammock with grace that my Mother had taught me many, many moons ago, I placed my hand in hers, allowing her to smile once again at me as she lead me to the bath. The room was smaller than the bed chambers, the floors and walls matching, but the bowls that were filled with water from a dripping faucet and an indoor waterfall were all new to me. Even when I was at the Pleasure House, I had been given the option to bath in the gardens alone, not knowing the 'Luxury' that Yokeen had intended for his priced Jewel to begin with. This was new, different, and somehow it was slightly relaxing. The room smelt like warm summers day, filled with the scents of fresh fruit and a few wild flowers.
"I'm going to disrobe you now," she whispered, moving behind me to remove my garments. I didn't protest, didn't speak a word, only stood still and helped her remove the fabric that covered my naked body. When the material was pooled on the ground, I was gently pushed towards the large tub that was made of pearl, the bubbles inside of it almost overflowing, seeming to be ready to give my body coverage that it had not known in years. I stepped in, feeling the burning sting of the practically boiling water, and started to sink down slowly. I was not used to hot water, not unless the sun had heated a waterfall enough to where it was not completely cold. This, like everything else, was different and foreign to me.
The female folded my clothing in a neat pile, placing them on the counter that held the bowls filled with water. There was a shelf embedded into the wall, holding different glass bottles filled with different scents and bubbles. There was only corks that held them closed, not allowing the aroma to fill the room. She came up to me, bringing a cloth with her, only to sit down on the chair that was behind my head, and dipped the cloth inside the water.
"What is your name?" I found myself asking as she lifted my arm up to wash it, removing the smell of sweat and earth from my skin. I watched as the dirt was removed, the wind washed away, leaving clean and pail skin. Yokeen had been very efficient in making sure that my skin did not grow color from spending too much time in the sun. It was unclean, nasty, and men did not appreciate their lover to have dark skin that was not naturally given to them at birth. I never understood why, after knowing darkened skin all my life. But, it had been fascinating to watch the color go into an olive like color in time. Like a tanned hid being left in the sun to remove its color.
"Enya," she said softly, setting my arm back down into the water, only to clean the skin of my right shoulder and neck, along with the place behind my ear.
"Enya..." I whispered, seeming to taste the name as it rolled off my tongue. It was Eenack, meaning Blooming Fire in my native tongue. "And how many silver moons are you?" I asked softly, watching as she lifted my left arm out of the water to wash it like the right.
"I am 47 silver moons," she whispered back, seeming to be ashamed of her young age. My eyes grew slightly wide as I blinked. Only two years over the age of testing in these lands. So young and full of promise, yet she was here, ordered to cleanse me. It seemed that the gods had been unkind to her as well.
I didn't speak again after that, only listened as the water droplets littered and rolled off my skin, falling back into the pool of water that surrounded and heated my skin. She gave me a gentle push to sit upright, and started to wet my hair. I looked forward, looking out at the large window that allowed me to see the city and large statues that held the bowl of air around us. I felt something go into my hair, along with her slim fingers as she started to massage the soap into my hair. It smelt of wild black berries and mint leaves that Yokeen would place into his tea before dismissing us to prepare for the day of pleasure. I found myself relaxing as I looked at the statues, tilting my head back to allow her fingers to reach the top of my scalp and scrap away all the dirt and grim as well.
"Do you know the tail of the statues?" she asked me as she lifted the cloth to start washing the soap from my hair. I hummed an answer, seeming to sound like I did not, but I found my eyes fluttering closed from the calming scents and the feeling of the massage on my scalp. This was a new sensation, and a welcomed one. "It goes back thousands of cycles, before his majesty had taken the throne. His Father -may he rest in peace- was known to be a man of war, constantly going into battle and fighting for land. And, after hundreds of battles, he found himself in the presence of a young maiden who was gifted with the voice of the sirens. He fell in love, and with his heart now clouded with her and not war, he soon discovered that his people did not have a home. Years of battles, wars, and threats from the surrounding kingdoms made finding a home difficult.
"One night, as he went to the Glass Sea cliff to pray to the gods, he looked up at the moons and prayed once again for a Kingdom to give to his beloved wife and future children, along with his people. They say the gods finally heard his prayers, and sent down seven shooting stars, one for each of the gods. They fell into the ocean, sparkling under the water like a diamond in the light of the suns. He walked into the water, only to find that below the surface, there were large rock like creatures coming towards him. Thinking that the gods planned to take away his wife and people, he drew his sword to face the stoned beasts. But, when they came to the surface, standing taller than the greatest mountain, they bowed before him. They swore to give the King a Kingdom fit for the gods, and promised to watch over us until the end of time." she smiled as she continued to wash the soap from my hair.
"Each statue held a sword and shield, able to protect and defend the Kingdom if harm ever seemed to come towards it. Their names are sacred, only spoken in the Cimbalom Temple in the underground starred world. It's a sacred place for the King, meant to be shared with only one person, and a place to pray. And, with each prayer that is spoken in the temple, they keep the peace and protection of our great kingdom." Enya spoke softly, her words filled with joy and life. It was fascinating to hear such a young soul be so passionate about her kingdoms history. It was rare, more rare than rubies in the night. "Legend says that they sleep, breathing the air that fills our lungs each passing day, only to awaken when war on the Kingdom is to come. But, only few know of the Kingdoms entrance, and very few leave the safety."
I didn't answer, only looked out at the large statues, my eyes tracing each indention of circling patterns and sharp details. They did look like they were asleep, yet their eyes were opened wide, looking out at the underwater world, seeming to be looking for any danger.
"How is a world like this possible?" I asked suddenly, not understanding that it was my own voice that had filled the silence around us.
"The crystals that lie inside of their hearts," she said softly, rinsing out the rest of the shampoo. "Those too were a gift from the gods, and with their blessings, when the statues are in their rightful place, a bubble of air is created, like that from the surface. We thrive, a kingdom of peace and prosperity just below the surface." Enya rose then, seeming to be happy with her work. "You're finished. I shall dry you, and then you shall be ready for his Majesty. He asked that you be comfortable and clean before you dine tonight." she said. I nodded, raising up slightly of out of the water, steam rolling off my body from the hot temperature. Just as I started to move out of the tub, a low rumbling of a creature filled the air. My eyes went wide as I listened to the melodious sound that soon followed, high pitched echoes of something in the distance, seeming to be like that of a song.
I walked out of the bathroom quickly to the balcony, looking up at the top of the bubble that surrounded us, seeing large creatures swim above us, a large number of them. I watched in fascination as they danced, their long tails moving gracefully as they twirled some swimming on their back, while the smaller ones opened their mouth to release bubbles that would burst with sound. My eyes were wide as I watched in fascination, never seeing a sight like this before. The flesh that covered them was a deep purple, covered in scales, yet it seemed like it would be soft to the touch, where you hand would glide over the scales with ease. Different colors, shapes, sizes, all different yet similar in ways to show they were all the same.
"What are they?" I asked, unable to look away. I felt my body being covered with fabric, and I wrapped it around myself to cover my nakedness from all eyes, while I could not look away from the sight above me.
She smiled, a true and pure smile, and looked up with me, standing beside me now. "We call them Orakles. Singing Orakles." Enya said with a smile.
"Why do you call them that?" I asked as I watched them dance under the waves, their scales shimmering different shades of pinks, blues, and purples as they twirled under the moons light.
"Because whenever his Majesty returns to the kingdom, they grace us with their songs of joy. And, when they sing, a prophecy has been fulfilled." she whispered, seeming to be as fascinated as I.
"And what is the prophecy that has been fulfilled to make them sing?" I whispered, stepping further out as I watched their large tails move slowly up and down, pushing them along in the water.
"I do not know, only his Majesty and the high priests know. Perhaps at super you may ask his Majesty." she simply state, taking my hand in hers to bring me back into the room to start drying me off. I hadn't realized that I had left a pool of water in my quickened pace to see what the large water beasts were, but as I came back, I noticed it. "Don't worry about the water, the guardians bring it back to the surface, or it slowly sinks into the palace to help it grow and stay plentiful." she said with a smile.
I simply sat down after that, the fire going in the fireplace, allowing my skin to warm up from the cold droplets of water that would leave my skin. My hair had been brushed, and I was told to sit as it dried, going into its naturally waved state. She lined my eyes with coal, and tinted my cheeks and lips with the petal of a red rose, giving them color and life to contrast with my pail skin. I didn't protest, only sit as she worked on my skin and face, never saying a word, only listening to the distant sound of the cackling songs of the Orakles.
______
My body had been covered in a flowing dress, the dip in the neckline showing my breasts slightly, while the sides were cut out to see my ribs that were slightly shown through my slim stature. The fabric flowed around me, the color of a rip wild berry, the deep red complementing my skin and lips. My cuffs were covered with the long flowing sleeves of the dress, and my undergarments were a foreign feeling as they held the flesh of my behind and private area. I smelt like that of the bath, and my hair had a shine to it that I had never seen before.
This wasn't the woman that I knew. I turned away from the mirror, not wanting to see how long my natural lashes seemed to be now that my eyes were lightly lined with coal. I didn't look like a warrior anymore, I looked like someone that belonged to the high court. I was not the person that I knew.
Walking out of the chambers, I found myself going to the grand stairs that would lead me to the dinning hall, where I knew that Kratos would be waiting for me. And that thought alone was enough to make me lose my appetite. The few hours that I had away from him were enough to cause me to be able to think straight, his intoxicating scent not dulling my senses. But now, as I reached the bottom of the stairs, the soles of my feet padding against the cool stone that made the flooring, I found myself unable to move. He would be waiting for me, talk with him, and probably act as if he had done no wrong. I had threatened his life, and I meant it when I spoke those words, I still do. But, he was intimidating, and I was in a world that I was unable to escape from. Could I really allow myself to act as though I no longer hated him, just for the sake of my freedom and his death?
Yes, I could. Because after so many years of doing what was 'right' and not allowing myself to fight, because my freedom was always in my grasp, I had held myself back. Yet now, there was a chance that I would never see the surface world again. And Kratos was my only way of leaving this kingdom if I ever wished to return to my home. Taking a breath, I felt a shudder run through me. Perhaps it was better to face the beast with a smile instead of a knife, even if the knife is plunged through my heart?
Deciding to try to be on my best behavior, though I knew it wouldn't last, I stepped forward and rounded the corner to walk into the dinning hall. The guards opened the doors for me as I came to the large doors that reaching the top of the wall. The room was covered in marble, the flooring sparkling like a diamond in the sunlight, but the walls were of a soft blue and green stone, smooth to the touch. Above my head were three chandeliers, all holding candles that gave the room a soft, romantic glow, the crystals adding different patterns of light to the beautiful walls. Arches that lead out to balconies were on the opposite sides of the room, open for entering and exiting the room. Kratos stood by the table when I walked in, the skirt of the dress flowing around me. He stood and straightened his royal robes, hair pulled back as usual, but his eyes were crystal and dancing in the soft light.
Swallowing down my pride for a few minutes, I walked towards him, my eyes focusing on the green and blue robes that covered his upper body, the long sleeves fanning around his large arms, the fabric flowing down to the floor, while his trousers were fitted to his legs, feet bare. I refused to look at his eyes, knowing quite well that they would practically paralyze me, leave me in my place, and I would be defenseless against this man. Finding my manners, when I came to stand before him, I bowed slightly before him, not saying anything.
But, what surprised me truly, was when I stood back up, he bowed towards me, offering me his hand. I looked down at the large hand, seeing the tanned flesh and toned muscles in his arms rippling. With the openness of his robe, I was able to see the markings in his skin, along with the defined muscles of his abdominal. If I was another woman, and the situation was different, perhaps I would have enjoyed the sight. But, perhaps not.
I slipped my hand in his, instantly feeling a fluttering in my heart that I found myself wishing would go away, and allowed him to lead me into my seat.
"I hope you don't mind it being us tonight, it seems that the high priest is visiting the chapel." he spoke softly, then snapped his fingers once, and a few masked workers came to pour us a glass of red wine. I instantly took the cup and drank the tangy yet sweet liquid, allowing myself to feel the calming burn of the alcohol as it settled into my belly. "It seems your well acquainted with wine, I presume?" he asked, slightly testing and teasing.
I bit back a hiss, only to set down the cup after it was halfway gone, already settling into my belly nicely, warming me. Simply nodding, I placed my hands into my lap, looking at him, seeing the crystal like gaze turn... dark. A darkened gaze that I had seen several times in the pleasure house, but his eyes -as they turned a dark black, rimmed with a deep blue- I found myself swallowing a lump in my throat. Perhaps it was because my body was going through withdrawals from the pleasure that I was used to giving, not knowing what to do when I was not pleasuring men, or perhaps it was because I hadn't had a proper drink in several days. But, something about him caused me to crave touch, want to reach out and run my fingers through his hair once it was released from the bun. But, I swallowed that down as well as turned back to the wine.
It seemed that a few hours away from him had done me some good, but also some bad. How as I going to last around him? And would he ever let me go once his 'point' was proven, if there was a point?
It seemed -like always- that only time was going to tell. And it wasn't on my side.