Chapter 8

Agora's pov.

Leaving her in that bed alone was the only self-control I had for myself. How I managed not to fuck her brains out still baffles me. Yes, I don't find her attractive but seeing her in pain ignites something in me that I don't want to name.

I entered the maids' quarters to inspect their work. I do that once a month, I go there to check, how all the maids have been doing in the palace. Anyone found lacking in any area is to be whipped by the guard and put under supervision till she comes back to her senses.

As I approached the kitchen staff, I spotted Lady Verya lurking behind the counters, a maid by her side. I walked up to her, flashing her a cruel smile. She bowed to me as I walked up to her.

"Your graciousness," she said, smiling.

I nodded.

"Have you given food to the measly slave who is stuck in my chambers?" I asked, my voice void of any emotion.

"I was just about to give her food before I heard you were coming here," she replied, her voice laced with a bit of hatred as she spoke. Was the hatred toward me or the slave? I don't care. I just shook my head and walked off.

I entered the courtyard and saw a tiny lady sweeping. She looked malnourished and frail. I walked to her and she shook when she sighed. She bowed so low I was scared she was going to actually break.

"What brings you here, your Highness?" she said, her voice tender and scared.

"When often do you eat?" I asked, staring at the bones sticking out from her body.

"The lady Verya gives us food that is sufficient for our daily lives," she said, not giving me the direct answer I need.

"What is your name?" I probed.

"Anaya," she responded.

"Anaya, come with me," I said and walked off with the slave and guard behind me.

Once I got to my office, I gestured for them to come inside. I love that my maids are fed well so they can function properly. I wrote a note and stamped it. I handed it to Anaya.

"Here, maid. Go to my chambers door, knock. When you hear a reply, slip it in through the crack. If you, for any reason, open the door or go in if the door is being opened to you, rest assured you won't live to see another door the next day," I said, staring at her.

She shivered at my words and bowed. Yes. This was how I love my subjects. Fear me. There should be no form of friendship between us.

She retrieved the letter and walked out of the room in slow steps.

"Make sure she does as she's told. After that, ensure the head maid feeds her and every other frail maid well. If by next month all the maids look this sickly, she'll lose her position," I uttered, my voice unfazed.

The guard bowed and walked away.

By the time I was done with the council meeting in the throne room, it was already night. I knew I didn't have any laundry or dirty clothes. I get fresh sets monthly and my laundry is being done daily. I just needed somehow to punish her. She being there anytime I come back messes with my sanity. I don't want to always see her face there. She disgusts me.

The first thing I noticed when I entered the room was emptiness. Where was the slave girl? Why wasn't she here? The moon goddess helped me. She didn't go outside.

I walked into the bathroom and there she was, sleeping peacefully, immersed in water. I almost laughed at how she could sleep so peacefully when we lived in a chaotic world, a world where I was present. I was her damn nightmare and she was living in my space... yet, she can sleep?

I think she must have felt my presence as she moved uncomfortably. Once she opened her eyes and caught mine, she almost yelled and fell backward in the water before standing up.

She was scared of me. That was what I wanted. This was the only thing that made me feel superior to her. I wanted her to feel pain. I wanted her to know what it meant to feel immense pain.

"How dare you?" I asked.

She seemed a bit confused when I asked that question. Of course, she had broken enough rules in the short time she had been here that I couldn't count.

As I choked her and pinned her against the wall, I felt something surge through me. When she stared at me, I felt like crushing her. She irritated me. She brought out the beast in me. Her eyes looked so pure and innocent and I felt compelled to just completely erase her existence out of the picture.

I think I felt like she was about to pass out as his face started turning blue. I decided to let her go so she could catch her breath. This wasn't the punishment I had wanted to give her. This would definitely just serve as a warning sign that she wouldn't try something so stupid next. Maybe the next time, she would wear my robe and walk around the room. I don't groom slaves, and she was the worst-looking slave I have ever seen.

As she turned around, I wanted to whip her, find something that would cause great pain to her. I wanted her to feel like a tiny ant in the midst of mammals. I raised my hands and channeled all the hatred I had for her. I spanked her the first time and her voice echoed throughout the room. I was certain people would hear if not for the fact that the room is soundproof.

I wanted to shove a knife down her throat but this was the only thing I could do for now. Killing her would also mean killing me.

Because she is my mate.

Just then, the sound of plates smashing on the floor made us both turn.