Lienna.
I spent the next three days with Caspian, and all I did during that period was sleep, eat, and have sex whenever King Caspian’s rut hit. It was like being swept up in a storm, with no control over my own body or desires. His passion was all-consuming, leaving me breathless and exhausted.
So much so, that when I finally got released on the third day, I had to be helped out of his chambers because I couldn’t walk. My legs felt like jelly, my muscles ached, and my skin was tender from his intense lovemaking. The maids, who had been waiting outside, supported me on either side, their faces a mixture of curiosity and concern.
I stayed in the maid’s quarters for a while, trying to recover from the whirlwind of the past three days. But the stares and whispers I received during that period were unbearable. Every maid, every servant, seemed to know what had happened, and their knowing glances made me feel like a trophy, a prize won by the king’s unrelenting passion.
It didn’t help when I fell sick with a fever, my body weakened by the relentless pace of Caspian’s desires. I lay in bed, shivering and sweating, feeling like I was losing myself in the process.
That’s when King Caspian finally came to see me, his face etched with worry and concern. Seeing the condition I was in, he ordered, “Prepare a room for her in the main castle. She’ll be staying there from now on.” His voice firm and commanding.
Nobody really protested against his order but when I finally mustered up some courage to ask King Caspian for a reason, he said they would need me to be closer to them for future purposes. I was still free to continue my duties as a maid. I didn’t know what to make of my new status, so I just kept my conflicting emotions to myself.
This however, didn’t sit well with Veronica, their mistress. I could still remember the look in her eyes when she found out that my room have been changed and I was now closer to the Shifter Kings. No words had come out of her mouth as she stared at me, but if looks could kill, I would have been six feet under. Her silence unsettled me more than her rage did because I didn’t know what she was thinking this time around.
The behavior of the remaining Shifter Kings seemed to have shifted as well. Especially Hermes who seemed surprised that I helped Caspian in his rut and came out of it unscathed. I was serving him in his study room when he pulled me closer to himself, a hand reaching out to grab my breasts as he gave it a firm squeeze. I squirmed, trying to get out of his hold but it was futile.
“Maybe, I should find out what’s so special about you.” He murmured against my ears, his deep voice sending shivers up my spine as he continued to grope me, his voice tinged with mirth. I bit my lips, still struggling to get away from him.
“No, please. I’m just an ordinary girl. There’s nothing special about me.” I whined when he began to sought out my nipples beneath my layers of clothing. Any more of those flirtatious touches and I was going to get wet.
“I don’t think so…” Hermes growled, making me sit on his laps as his touches grew insistent.
The door opened, and King Adonis walked in, his grim expression deepening as he took in the scene before him. Hermes glanced up at him, a mischievous smile still plastered on his face. “What do you think, Adonis? There’s something about Lienna, am I right?” he asked, his voice dripping with amusement.
I stiffened with embarrassment, feeling my face heat up as I tried to shrink away from Hermes’ side. But Adonis’ response was immediate and dismissive. “I think you’re bothering her,” he said, his eyes narrowing as he strode towards us.
Hermes’ grip on me loosened, and I seized the opportunity to scramble off his lap, my heart racing in my chest. I tried to put some distance between us, but my legs felt like jelly, and I had to lock my knees to stay upright.
“Not that, Adonis,” Hermes continued, his gaze lingering on me with an unnerving intensity. “She claims to be ordinary. You don’t believe her, do you?” He said, his words hanging in the air.
I felt my cheeks burn even hotter as I lowered my eyes to the ground, fiddling with my fingers in a desperate attempt to appear nonchalant. But I could sense Adonis’ stare on me, making my skin crawl. I had to resist the urge to take several steps back, cold sweat breaking out all over my body.
Adonis’ silence was oppressive, making me wonder what he was thinking. Finally, he spoke. “She just might be, Maybe we’re the ones who’s fixated on her.” He muttered and I snapped my head up to look at him, stunned by his words.
Hermes had a thoughtful expression on his face, seemingly agreeing with Adonis’ assessment. He straightened up in his seat, his eyes never leaving mine. “You’re probably right,” he said, his voice laced with a hint of curiosity. “We have urgent matters to discuss, but first, I need to brief you on the investigation we conducted on Lienna’s attack.” Adonis said.
My blood ran cold at his words. They had been investigating the attack? I felt a shiver run down my spine as I exchanged glances with both of them. It looked like they wanted to continue talking with me present, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this.
“Powers were definitely used in the scene,” Adonis announced, his eyes narrowing as he studied me, “but they aren’t present in Lienna. In fact, it seems like she is incapable of harnessing the powers that were deployed in that moment.”
I swallowed hard, looking away from them as my mind reeled with the implications. Should I tell them it’s the moon goddess who’s residing me that manifested during that day? I glanced at them, took in a deep breath and did not.
“What do you have to say for yourself, Lienna?” Hermes asked, his voice firm but curious.
I lowered my head once more, feeling my cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and anxiety. “Nothing, your majesties. Except I’m immensely lucky I survived the incident.” I said, memories of that day washing over me like a tidal wave. The fear, the pain, the feeling of helplessness… it all came flooding back.
“It may not have been me who defended myself, but someone’s did swoop in during that time.” I lied, hoping I sounded sincere and convincing. I didn’t dare look up, fearing my eyes would betray me.
The room fell silent again, the only sound the soft ticking of the clock on the mantle. Hermes let out a sigh, his expression thoughtful. “You’re probably right. We need to find the someone who was present during that time.” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re dismissed.”
Hermes dismissed me with a wave of his hand, and I nodded, bowing my head before turning to leave. The second I stepped out of the study, I let out a deep breath, feeling my legs tremble beneath me. I couldn’t believe I had just lied to the Shifter Kings. What if they found out?
I started to make my way to my room, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Running a hand through my hair, I tried to shake off the feeling of unease that lingered long after I left the study.
But before I could reach my room, a voice stopped me in my tracks. “You must be enjoying your new status.” It said, the tone dripping with sarcasm and malice. I turned to face Veronica, the Shifter Kings’ mistress, her eyes flashing with anger and resentment.
What does she want now?