Lienna.
When I finally regained consciousness, I realized I was the only one on the bed. How long was I out? I wondered, my mind foggy and my thoughts slow. I tried to sit up, but my body refused to cooperate. My limbs felt like lead, my bones like jelly, and my muscles like they were on fire. I collapsed back onto the bed, exhausted from the mere attempt.
I laid there for a long time, slowly breathing in and out, trying to gather my strength. My head spun, and my body ached all over. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so weak and vulnerable.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I tried again. This time, I was able to get myself into a seating position, although my body protested terribly at the action. My muscles screamed in agony, and my bones creaked in protest. I panted, trying to catch my breath, and looked around the room.
It was indeed empty. King Adonis must have left after I passed out. I felt a pang of disappointment and worry. The room still reeked of sex, and there were still signs of our rough couplings on my body, the region between my thighs sticky with our release. A wave of embarrassment washed over me, and I closed my eyes, biting my lips. Just a few moments ago, I had behaved like a wanton woman, begging to be used in the very manner I despised. I still found it hard to believe that all those words I had said really came out of me. What had possessed me?!
The door to the bedroom opened, and Adonis walked in with a maid next to him. She was holding a bowl of water, her head lowered in subservience. Remembering that I was naked, I felt embarrassed and tried to shield myself, but even my actions felt sluggish. The maid immediately came to drop the bowl on the table nearest to me, placing a clean towel near it before exiting the room, leaving just me and King Adonis.
I immediately lowered my head, my cheeks burning with shame. I heard footsteps approach me, and I stiffened, anticipating his touch. But he stopped just in front of me, dropping something on the bed. I turned and realized it was my dress.
“After you clean yourself up, get dressed and leave the bedroom,” he ordered, the coldness back in his voice once more. It wasn’t like it ever left; I just lost my mind thanks to the aphrodisiac I was fed with.
I felt a surge of anger at the reminder, but I bit it back, knowing better than to defy him. “Yes, your Majesty,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
I couldn’t bring myself to look at him, fearing what I might see in his eyes. Contempt? Amusement? Or worse, pity? I kept my gaze fixed on the floor, my heart heavy with shame and my body aching from the aftermath of our encounter. I didn’t want to be reminded that i was nothing special to them, just a thing to be played with and used.
The thought brought tears to my eyes, but I struggled to blink them back, determined not to show weakness. He walked out of the room, leaving me alone once more. After a moment of feeling sorry for myself, I made to stand up, using the bedpost to support myself. My legs trembled beneath me, but I managed to stay upright, drawing on a reserve of strength I didn’t know I had.
I took a few tentative steps forward, carrying myself to the table where the clean water had been provided. I didn’t know why, but the short walk exhausted me, and I had to grip the table to steady myself. Dipping the towel into the water, I squeezed out the excess and used it to clean my body, wincing as I touched the marks of his rough handling. There were bruises on my skin, and I still felt sensitive, the memory of his touch burning within me. I hadn’t realized just how rough he was thanks to the aphrodisiac. It’s going to take a while for this to fade, I thought, trying to shut my mind to the not-so-recent events.
Once I was through, I picked up my clothes and wore them back, glad that a semblance of my dignity had returned. Thank goodness he wasn’t around to see me like this, I thought, feeling a surge of relief. Through with my dressing, I limped out of the bedroom to the main chambers, my heart heavy with emotion.
There, I found King Adonis seated before a platter of assorted foods, their delectable scent wafting through the air. He looked up as I entered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in my appearance. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks, and I lowered my gaze, afraid to meet his eyes.
My stomach growled loudly, betraying me, and I was suddenly reminded of how hungry I was. I had only eaten very early this morning, before the incident in the council room that led to this moment. I couldn’t wait to get out of his sight and finally have something in my stomach. It had been too long.
“You should eat,” King Adonis said, his voice cutting through the room, startling me. I snapped my head to look at him, surprised. What did he just say? He gestured to the food on the table, a bored expression on his face. “Have something before you go.”
I hesitated, unsure of what to do. I didn’t want to accept his charity, but my stomach was growling louder by the second. I hadn’t eaten in hours, and the sight of the food was making my mouth water. I looked at the spread before me, my eyes widening at the variety of dishes. There were roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and an assortment of breads and cheeses.
I slowly made my way to the table, trying not to show my eagerness. I didn’t want to appear weak in front of him, but my hunger was getting the better of me. I picked up a plate and began to serve myself, trying to focus on the food and not the man watching me.
As I ate, I could feel his eyes on me, boring into my skin. I tried to ignore him, savoring the flavors and textures of the food. It was delicious, and I found myself eating more than I intended to. But I couldn’t help it. I was starving.
When I finally finished, I pushed the plate away, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me. I looked up at King Adonis, who was still watching me, his expression unreadable. I felt a shiver run down my spine, and I quickly looked away, not wanting to meet his gaze.
“Thank you, your Majesty,” I muttered softly, feeling my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. I couldn’t believe I had just thanked him for the meal. It was absurd. He didn’t say anything, and the atmosphere grew awkward, thick with unspoken words. I should have just walked away when I had the chance. Now, I was stuck here, feeling like a fool.
I fidgeted, my hands twisting together in front of me. I didn’t know what to do or say next. The silence was oppressive, making my skin crawl. I dared a glance at him, but his face was impassive, giving nothing away. It was like he was enjoying my discomfort.
This is nerve-wracking, I thought, my mind racing. I just wanted to escape, to get out of there and never come back. But my legs seemed rooted to the spot, refusing to move. I was trapped, caught in this awkward moment with no way out.
The silence stretched on, becoming more and more uncomfortable. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, my pulse racing with anxiety. Say something, I begged him silently. Anything to break this tension. But he just sat there, his eyes fixed on me, his expression unreadable.
Finally, he leaned back on his seat, a sigh escaping his lips. “You can go,” he uttered, his voice dismissive. I jumped to my feet, bowing deeply before turning to leave. Actually, I didn’t walk out of the chambers, I limped out. My legs were trembling, and I winced every time I took a step. The pain was still fresh, a reminder of what had transpired earlier.
Finally, I was out into the hallways, and I let out a sigh of relief, feeling like I had escaped a trap. Though, I still found his actions completely confusing. One moment, he was rough and demanding, and the next, he was offering me food and letting me go. I didn’t understand him, and it frustrated me.
Limping a bit more, I paused in front of the portrait, staring at it again. This was definitely his late mate and children. They looked really happy in it, surrounded by a warm glow. Perhaps, Adonis wasn’t a cruel man in the past. This must have been as a result of grief and bitterness, I thought, trying to make sense of it all.
I glanced back at the door, wondering what lay behind it. What secrets was he hiding? What pain was he carrying? I turned around and limped away, my mind racing with questions. There’s so much I don’t understand, and much more I need to find out.
And I was determined to find out. I would uncover the truth behind his actions, no matter what it took.