Lienna.
It’s been a few weeks, and a semblance of normalcy has settled into my life. I say this because, since that day, none of the shifter kings have summoned me to the playpen or anywhere else. And though I loathe to admit it, I’ve actually been missing them. Actually, it’s my body that has been missing them. Ever since I discovered what it meant to experience carnal desires and pleasures, it was all I could ever think about. The realization shocked me to the core when I found myself thinking about them more than necessary, especially King Adonis and his detached personality.
Every waking moment, my mind wandered back to the feel of their hands on my skin, the way their eyes burned with desire, and the sound of their growls as they claimed me. Even when I fell asleep, they would infiltrate my dreams, and I’d wake up all hot and bothered, my sheets drenched with sweat. Sometimes I’ve gotten so aroused, it was frightening. I’d try to distract myself with books or chores, but nothing seemed to work. My body craved their touch, their kisses, and their rough handling.
I tried to blame it on the aphrodisiacs I was given, but there’s no way they could work that long. It’s been weeks, and the effects should have worn off by now. But the truth was, I couldn’t deny the way my heart skipped a beat whenever I thought of them. I couldn’t deny the way my body responded to the mere memory of their touch.
Strangely enough, I’ve been anticipating the next time I’ll be summoned, and getting saddened when I realized it wasn’t forthcoming. How times change. A few months ago, I would rather die than be near those kings, now all I want is for their hands to be all over me, for their lips to claim mine, and for their bodies to pin me down.
Enough of this crazy thinking, Lienna, I thought to myself when it became too much. You should know by now that you’re just another slave and not of any importance to them. Shouldn’t you be focusing on other things, instead of craving something that’s impossible? Especially when it’s clear that there’s someone who’s trying to kill you because you caught the Shifter’s kings’ eyes? I said to myself one day after I woke up after a restless night of having them appear in my dreams again.
Tears sprang to my eyes at the thought, but it was the truth. I had to stop fixating on them. They were kings, and I was just a slave. It was a futile dream, and I needed to snap out of it. Determined to stop thinking about them, even if for a moment, I decided to go out with Daisy. For the first time since I arrived here, I would be leaving the fortress to spend time in the village nearby and then the woods before we returned back to the fortress.
It was one of those few moments where slaves and maids like us could be allowed to leave the fortress, and I wanted to take advantage of it. I wanted to feel the sun on my face, the wind in my hair, and the earth beneath my feet. I wanted to remember what it felt like to be alive.
Dressed in the prettiest dress I could find, I did my hair, arranging it into a neat braid, and wore my sandals. Daisy came to meet me in my room, and together, along with other maids who wanted to visit town, we headed out of the fortress in a luggage carriage.
As we rode, my heart began to race in excitement. I watched trees zip by, the refreshing scent of the earth filling my nostrils. I felt a sense of freedom that I hadn’t experienced in months.
Back when I was still a lord’s daughter, I loved going out. It was one of my favorite things. Exploring new places, visiting markets, all those things brought me great joy. I had even thought that I was going to be an explorer if I didn’t get married. Alas, life had other plans for me.
But for today, I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present. I chatted with Daisy and the other maids, laughing and joking like I used to. We talked about everything and nothing, our conversation flowing easily.
As we entered the village, I marveled at the sights and sounds. People bustled about, going about their daily business. Children played in the streets, their laughter carrying through the air. It was a normal, peaceful scene, and I felt a pang of longing. This was what I wanted a simple life.
“Come on… Let’s try some of these things out before we go back!” Daisy called out to me, waving her hands excitedly. I chuckled, joining her as we perused stalls and purchased things our little money could afford. Still, it was a lot of fun, and I laughed harder than I had in a long time. The carefree atmosphere was infectious, and I felt my worries slowly fading away.
When the sun was high in the sky, Daisy suggested we go to the river and play there. “It’s the most beautiful place in Norrenhall, thanks to the clear waters, sandy banks, and lush forest. There’s even a blueberry patch in the woods! Rumors say it’s blessed because it never runs out of blueberries!” She explained, her voice animated.
The mention of blueberries alone made me excited, and together we went to the river. True to Daisy’s words, the river was an incredible place. There was already a handful of people when we arrived, some swimming in the clear waters while others had picnics by the bank. Daisy wanted to swim as well, while I offered to gather blueberries.
“Oh… It’s not too far off from here. You’ll clearly see a path leading to the blueberry bushes.” She explained, and I nodded, picking up a basket.
I ventured into the woods, and just like Daisy had pointed out, there was indeed a trail. Smiling to myself, I began to walk it, humming a tune. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle chirping of birds. I felt at peace, my heart light with joy.
I soon arrived at the huge patch of blueberry bushes and very eagerly began to pick and put them in the basket. The juicy fruit was ripe and ready to be picked, and I couldn’t wait to taste them. Engrossed in what I was doing, I stiffened when I heard a twig snap, the hair on my neck standing on end.
Rising up, I looked around, but couldn’t see anyone around. I tried to shake off the feeling, telling myself it was just a small animal. But the uneasiness lingered. I looked around once more, my senses on high alert as I scanned the woods.
Is someone in the woods with me?