Lienna.
My heart began to race and I stood there frozen, unsure of how to proceed. When the silence became stifling, I tried to clean up my mess once more. Hermes raised his hand, making me stop.
“Don’t bother,” he said, his voice firm but calm. “It’s just water.”
I felt a surge of embarrassment at his words. Of course, it was just water. I was overreacting. But it was dirty water!
Hermes turned to the soldier I had collided with. “You’re excused, go and clean yourself up. Oh, and while you’re at it, call other maids to clean up the mess.”
The soldier bowed his head before leaving, casting a brief glance in my direction. I felt a shiver run down my spine as our eyes met.
Hermes turned to me, his gaze piercing. “You, come with me.”
I flinched, immediately bowing my head. “Y-yes, your Majesty.” Stifling a groan, I followed after him. Why does this keep happening to me!!
As I followed him, I couldn’t help but wonder what I had done wrong. Was I in trouble for my carelessness? And where was he taking me? It soon became clear that he was taking me to his wing and a wave of vertigo slammed into me. I hope it’s not what I think it is, but then when has it been ever what I did not think?
Hermes led me through winding corridors, his long strides forcing me to quicken my pace. We eventually arrived at a grand door, adorned with intricate carvings of mythological creatures. He pushed the door open and gestured for me to enter.
The doors to his chambers opened by the guards who was standing next to the doors and he looked back at me, urging me to enter. I hesitated for a brief moment before crossing the threshold and walking into his chambers.
King Hermes chamber was vastly different from King Adonis and for a moment, it made me wonder how King Caspian own would look like since it all reflected their personality. The room was a stark contrast to King Adonis’ dark, brooding space as more curtains were rolled away, allowing for more sunlight, there was even fresh flowers in vases in corners of the chambers, filling the room with their amazing scent.
The room was lavish, with plush furnishings and shelves lined with ancient tomes. Hermes closed the door behind us, and I felt a sense of trepidation wash over me. We were alone, with no witnesses to whatever might transpire.
Hermes gestured for me to follow him, and I trailed behind him, my eyes scanning the room. Shelves upon shelves of leather-bound books stretched towards the ceiling, and plush couches and chairs were arranged in cozy conversation circles. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and wood polish.
As we walked deeper into the room, I noticed a large, ornate desk in the corner, covered in papers, quills, and strange, glowing artifacts. Hermes stopped in front of the desk and turned to face me, his eyes piercing.
“So, Lienna,” he said, his voice low and measured. “I think it’s time we had a little chat.”
I swallowed hard, trying to calm my racing heart. What did he want to talk about? And why did I feel like I was in so much trouble? “You spent the night with Adonis, didn’t you?” He asked, his voice piercing through the silence like a dagger.
I paused, the question rattling me. Why was he asking me that? Did he know something? I nodded slowly, my voice barely above a whisper, feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment. “Yes, your Majesty. I did.”
Hermes stared at me for a while, his eyes boring into my soul. Then, he walked towards me, his long strides devouring the distance between us. I resisted the urge to take steps back as he circled around me, his movements fluid and predatory. He stopped directly in front of me, his eyes blazing with intensity.
Placing a finger under my chin, he raised my head, forcing me to meet his gaze. I bunched my dress into my hands, trying to maintain eye contact with him. His touch sent shivers down my spine, and I felt like I was drowning in his piercing green eyes.
“Hmmm…” He murmured, seemingly lost in thought. “I wonder why he’s so fixated with you.” He muttered to himself, his brow furrowed in question. Then, he looked at me, his eyes narrowing. “What’s so special about you, anyway?” He asked, his voice dripping with curiosity.
I swallowed, my heart pounding in my chest. “I don’t know, your Majesty.” I answered truthfully, feeling like I was walking on thin ice. “But please… ” I trailed off, unsure if I should say what I really wanted to say.
“Go on.” He urged me, his finger still under my chin, his eyes never leaving mine.
I took in a deep breath, licking my lips. “I’ve not yet regained my full energy, please.” I whispered, the blush on my face spreading to other parts of my body.
“Oh… I’m not doing that.” He said, his voice dismissive, but his eyes sparkled with amusement, making me wonder if he was serious.
Then his eyes darkened, his gaze sending shivers down my spine as he took a step closer to me. “Though, now that you mention it, I just might end up considering it.” He said, his voice low and husky, making my heart pound in my chest like a drum. Cold sweat broke out on my skin as I felt trapped in his intense gaze. Just why is my life like this!? It’s so infuriating.
Then he furrowed his brows, his expression softening slightly. “Did he hurt you that bad though?” He asked, his voice tinged with concern, but his eyes still gleamed with a hint of mischief.
I shook my head. “Not really, your Majesty. I drank an aphrodisiac before we began.” I said, holding my breath, hoping he wouldn’t react badly.
Hermes’ eyes widened in surprise, and then he broke out into a chuckle, his laughter deep and throaty. “An aphrodisiac?” He repeated, still chuckling. “That crazy bastard.” He murmured, shaking his head in amusement.
Hermes circled me once more, his gaze boring into my skin like a caress. I lowered my gaze, the grip on my clothes tightening. Then I felt his hand on my backside, his fingers squeezing gently. I squirmed, trying to get away from his hold, but he held firm.
“You make delightful sounds though…” He growled behind my ears, his voice dropping to a low, husky whisper that sent shivers down my spine.
My body betrayed me, growing warm at his words, my breathing quickening. I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I tried to process what was happening. What!? Why!! I’m clearly being manhandled here! I thought, trying to muster some shame, but my traitorous body refused to cooperate.
Hermes sniffed the air, his head tilting slightly as he scented something. A deep rumble emanated from his throat, vibrating through my entire body. My heart began to pound in response, my pulse racing with anticipation and dread.
“Is that your arousal that I smell?”