An advice or a threat

JULIETTE

When Darius led me out of the hall, he stopped halfway and whispered in my ear, “Go to your room.”

I nodded and scurried off to my room. Once settled, I had a quick bath and changed into something more simple.

Feeling relieved after the tedious day, I crashed on my bed and picked up a book, ready to dive into the world of knowledge.

Suddenly, a gnawing feeling struck deep within me, my stomach grumbling loudly.

“Shit.” I cursed. I was so caught up in the chaos that I didn't realize my stomach was still empty.

I dropped the book in my hand and jumped out of my bed, heading out of my room and towards the kitchen.

Fortunately for me, Patricia wasn't in sight, and I found Ria attending to some dirty dishes.

“Hey.” I nudged her shoulder, joining her by the kitchen sink.

Ria flashed me a sweet smile that made her eyes squint, “Hey Jules, what are you doing here?” She dropped the plate she was washing and wiped her hands against her apron.

“Stomach duties.”, I replied and grabbed one of the clean plates.

“Lucky you, I saved some porridge in a pot by the stove. Patricia locked out the rest of the food.” Ria said and I smiled.

“How's Stacy?” I asked, out of curiosity and nothing else.

“Happy her mother didn't die.” Ria replied with a shrug and then a chuckle, “She’s doing great; she will return next week.”

“I can't say it would be good to have her back because of the whole situation surrounding her time here.” I smacked my lips and smiled, “I didn't want to sound awkward…”

Ria shook her head, “I totally get you Jules, no awkwardness here.”

I snickered, “It would be good to see her again. Anyways, thanks for the save.” I patted her shoulder and left to dish out a portion for myself. After which I bade her goodbye, heading back to my room.

I passed by two servants and they laughed out loud, directing their fake laughter at me.

“Hey bitch!” One of them yelled behind me, but I didn't stop. I already made the mistake of giving Halric.

“Coward! You think you are so confident, just wait until the Alpha gives you a befitting punishment for disrespecting his nobility.” and that struck a nerve. Not one of anger, but fear.

My steps lagged and my pace was suddenly slow. I almost stopped, but kept going regardless.

Reaching my room, I tried to ward off the worry ruining my mood with my meal, but it kept bugging me.

I ate absentmindedly, and when I was done, I set the plate by the side of my bed, before redirecting to the edge of the bed.

Drawing my knees to my chest, my fingers curled tightly around my legs.

Every ounce of composure I had left depreciated, as the scene replayed in my head.

I had done it without thinking of the consequences. Darius must have supported me, but it didn't excuse a punishment. A psychopath like him was always looking for reasons to belittle me, to remind me of my place as his property, his slave.

And so I waited anxiously, expecting the door to open, and for Darius to walk in with chains, and bind me. That was the way of men like him. Men with power.

Minutes crept by, slowly, but the corridor outside my chamber stayed silent. An hour went by, and finally the door opened.

I sprang out of my bed, grabbing the hem of my dress to support my nervousness.

Darius stepped in, closing the door calmly. I braced myself for whatever he had in mind to say.

But he didn’t speak, or acknowledge my presence, he just walked past me and sat on my bed, and then I noticed he had a bottle of wine and a glass in his hand, he poured himself a drink and sipped slowly.

Darius didn't look angry, nor did he have that mischievous smirk on his face. His face was just plain, with droopy eyes.

This strange stillness gnawed at me, adding to my stress. Dario wasn't saying anything, and I was forced to ask. “Aren’t you going to punish me?”

He lifted his gaze to mine, and I saw nothing but weariness. “Do you want me to punish you?” He muttered so low, I barely heard him.

I quickly shook my head, “No.” The word tumbled out, sounding desperate. “But… I was expecting it.”

A corner of his mouth lifted, not a smile or smirk, just a tired attempt.

“Why?” he asked, slightly closing his eyes and then blinking them open..

“Because I embarrassed you at the function, in the midst of your nobles.”

Darius chuckled, and swirled the wine in his glass, stretching it to me. “You have done worse.”

“Here.” he offered me the wine he was drinking. I hesitated for a moment, before taking it from his grasp.

“Little advice, stop trying to guess what I will do next. I am not so simple Juliette, I am not so predictable.”

The words sounded more like a threat than an advice.

Without another word, Darius lay on my bed, pulling the sheet over him, he positioned the pillow and rested his head, closing his eyes.

I rubbed my forehead in confusion, staring at the little space he left on the bed for me.

I stared at the wine in my hand, and brought the glass to my lips, downing the contents in one gulp.

I crashed on the floor, thinking about what Darius said. This wasn't just about being unpredictable, it was this absurd change in him.

I had not been faced with his ruthless side, and this was supposed to feel blissful for me, but it was the other way around, his restraint left me unsettled.

I was scared of Darius's gentleness, because it was making me get foolish thoughts of trust, but I knew better. Someone like me trusting Darius would be a death attempt.