My Tainted Reputation.

Elle’s POV

I threw myself on the bed, finally having the chance to find rest.

My supposed roommate didn’t even bother to show any concern.

What a heartless witch.

She should pray I never get the chance to deal with her because she won’t like it.

As for that night, the plan was to sleep like a baby so I could wake up like a giant.

I had been working for only a few days but my bones were starting to protrude from my chest.

He was using every part of me.

I was exhausted.

The plan started out well. However, I had barely slept for two hours when I got the call.

“The king wants you.”

I groaned at my roommate who passed the message. “You can’t tell them I’m sleeping?”

“And why would I do that? Aren’t you here to work?”

I gave her a sharp look. “Come on, you can’t actually be that mean. I’ve barely had any sleep.”

“That’s not on me. You wanted to work so work.”

I let my eyes linger on her for a while marinating my mind on the evil I would do to her if I ever got the chance.

I mean she was being mean for no reason.

Even when we crossed paths during working hours, I would be with the king and the minion but she would pretend to only see them, greet and pass me.

What did I do?

I just got there?

Bianca, Bianca, pray you never fall into my trap.

I groaned out of bed, refusing to do any personal hygiene and just going straight to his chambers.

He wanted to work me like a dog?

This was what he got.

I lazily dragged my tired legs into the room and surprisingly, he was alone.

Where is Mr Minion?

“You sure took your time. Didn’t plan on working today?”

I bowed dramatically. “Forgive this unnoble slave of yours, my king. How dare I even try to catch a bit of slumber when I haven’t served thee?”

He locked his jaw, eyes narrowed.

Good.

He should at least feel some guilt for what he’s doing to me.

“Well then, this crown will not wear itself. Especially when my slave is here.”

I blinked, surprised.

That wasn’t the reaction I was aiming for.

He should be feeling bad and offering me rest, not this.

I stood sideways, staring at him with pouted lips.

The fact that I had a lot to say but couldn’t was pissing me off.

I just tightened my jaw and walked forward, grabbing the royal robe that felt heavier than me.

“Do you mind…bending a little, I can’t reach your shoulder from here.”

He lifted his brow, questioning.

“My king, dressing you has never been on my work list. I literally can’t reach you,” I added, squeezing my face.

“Is that so?”

“Mhmm.”

He paused for a minute before proceeding to scoot down.

Barely.

I still had to stretch my legs to throw the heavy robe over him.

Then, he squeezed his nose once, flicking me a sharp stare.

“Is everything okay, my king?” I drew.

His stare darkened as he ran his eyes over my body.

“Is this the same dress you had on last night?”

“Uhmm, yes. Why?”

He stood straight, creating a distance between us. “I should be asking that, not you.”

I blinked, confused. “What?”

“You heard me. Why do you still have on the same dress?”

“Uhh, I don’t know. Maybe because I’ve been working and tired.”

He lifted a brow. “Is that so?”

“Of course.”

“And I bet that’s also your reason for abandoning basic hygiene?”

I froze.

“Wh—what?”

“Are you actually deaf or just pretending because I said you haven’t bathed?”

My face went white.

“My king?” I quickly shriveled myself away from him, creating much distance.

“…you reek of sweat and repercussions. Go have a bath!”

Jesus!

My mouth fell.

“I’ve—I’ve been busy…because of you.”

“Nothing that stopped the twenty four hour water supply on this property. Plus it’s free. In your room. Am I wrong?”

My lips pressed tightly together so did my fists beside me.

“This is…” a dry chuckle slipped out. “…this is a lot. I mean I know we didn’t get off on the right foot which was completely your fault by the way. But this is too much. The punishments. The torture. You’re traumatizing me!”

“Then quit,” he answered quietly to my raging, shame infested confessions.

I bit my tongue hard, trying not to explode.

I wanted to.

Hell, I wish I could.

But I couldn’t.

My father’s life was on the line. His pretty golden haired neighbor who I suspected was also his girlfriend had put her fate in me. She was already doing the hard work of taking care of him, finding that healing stone was my only contribution.

My assurance to keep my father alive. I couldn’t just quit. He could die.

He smirked, no doubt reading my response on my face.

I won’t quit. I’ll punish him by stealing all the healing stones they have. All of it.

He brushed past me, wore his crown himself which ultimately made me feel worse, before marching to the door.

“Wash yourself properly before I get back.”

He paused.

“And while you’re at it, find me Caius and have him report immediately.”

He shut the door.

My reputation.

I dropped to the ground, mourning my tainted reputation.