Two

“A senior sent for you.”

I looked up to see a guard, refer to me. We had just come from the farm and I was sitting with other slaves, peeling some tubers. 

With a nod, I got up and followed him, wondering which of the seniors called for me. They liked to be called vipers as they didn’t want to be referred to as slaves with us. They had the right to send us on errands or worse, punish us however they liked. It still didn’t change the fact that they were slaves, just highly favored. 

When we got there, I was suprised to see it was Jessy. She used to be my friend but not anymore. She was promoted to being a senior slave after she found the madame’s necklace and hence, awarded with the position. She turned to a totally different person after the promotion hence, we stopped being friends and I tried to aviod her as best as I could. 

I was shocked when she instructed me to got to Kieran’s room to pack is dirty clothes and wash. 

Why would she ask me to go there? The young masters hated all slaves, especially the lowly ones like me as they think we stink and they can’t bear our presence. Ofcourse, I knew they weren’t around but I was still scared, nevertheless. 

When I got to master Kieran’s room, I immediately understood why Jessy sent me to do the job, when it would be a pleasure to be here by herself. 

Master Kieran’s room was looking so scattered and unkept that right then, there was no difference between his room and the slave’s room. Well, except for the expensive furniture and king sized bed. 

I got to work immediately, cleaning and arranging till I was almost done. On his table, there was a tray full of dishes and fruits as well and I dared not to look at it for long. 

My eyes caught a big frame that was hung on the wall. It was a picture of the three brothers. Damien, Kieran and viktor. The three sons of Rue pendragon. With a shudder, I continued working and a couple of minutes later, I was done but I couldn’t seem to leave. 

I stood before the large table, salivating at the scrumptious meals that might go to waste. My stomach rumbled in agreement and I licked my dry lips. We barely got any food here and if we are lucky, we get fed once in a day. 

Unable to hold my hunger, I took a quick glance around the room to make sure I was alone, before succumbing to my hunger. 

Staring at the tray, I stretched my hand and plucked a grape from a bunch. I rubbed my thumb around it, marveling at the feeling. I haven’t had grapes in years. With a swallow, I put it in my mouth and chewed on it with my eyes closed, savoring the taste. 

I couldn’t help the moan that escaped my lips. 

“Enjoying yourself?”

I jumped out of my skin as the words were spoken directly into my ears. Stricken with fear, I dared to twirl around and my eyes almost fell out of their sockets when I bumped into master Kieran. 

I choked hard, coughing loudly as I flew away from him. My eyes began to water both from fear of being caught and choking on the grape. 

“You must be enjoying yourself.” He finished with a nod. Although his tone was light, his eyes were anything but cool. A shiver ran through me when I dared to meet his eyes. Never have I seen a soul as empty as his. He looked so cold and defiant, like he had nothing to lose and only now, did I confirm the few rumors of some slaves that had been unfortunate enough to cross him. 

I took a shaky step backwards and he followed suit. My eyes widened and I began to panic immediately.

“P-please d-don’t kill m-me my lord, h-have mercy.” 

I begged, my vision blurry with tears as I recalled the horrible tales I’ve heard about him. He may be the second son, but it has been agreed that he is more ruthless than his father, Rue pendragon. 

How could I be so careless!!

“Who told you I want to kill you?” He asked with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re of no use to me dead.” He finished but I didn’t understand what he meant.

Before I could react, he took one long stride towards me and tugged hard on my chest wrap, baring my chest to him. I gasped, shocked at what was happening as I quickly wrapped my arm around my exposed chest.

Seeing the look in his eyes, I began to move backwards like a frightened prey. I thought fast on ways to escape but he was right in front of me, blocking my path. What use would it be anyways, I would be beheaded in the morning for touching what’s his. What was I thinking, coming to his room? 

I snapped out of my thoughts when I felt a brush against my nipple and I shivered at the intrusive contact. My breath caught in my throat when I realized he had me caged in his arms, his cold orbs boring into my soul. 

I tried to move backwards but my back hit the wall, making a whimper of display escape my lips. He placed his hands on my waist and I began to shake fearfully. An angry look crossed his eyes at my reaction to him. 

“P-please, d-don’t do this. I will take any other purnishment, I-i beg you.” I cried. I really didn’t mind being whipped till I bled into unconsciousness, or being starved for weeks till I could barely stand on my feet. Anything but this. 

My heart broke when a hard edge crossed his eyes.

“Would you rather disobey me?” He gritted and i froze. 

Nobody dares to disobey the young master and definitely not master Kieran. I shivered at the thoughts of what he might do to me.

 Is this how I will die? 

He took a step away from me, crossed his arms and stared at my arms that was wrapped firmly around my chest. I know he was waiting for me to reveal my chest but I couldn’t bring myself to. I was scared shitless but couldn’t move. 

My shoulders shook and I hung my head as hot tears rolled down my cheeks. 

“No one refuses me.” He said coldly, as if giving me a chance to come to my senses. He didn’t move to touch me again, only stared at me, waiting for me to surrender while I cried my heart out. 

When it was certain I wasn’t going to comply, he made an angry sound at the back of his throat as he took a step towards me again. Just when he was about to touch me, a loud knock sounded at the door. 

We both froze as we stared at the door. 

“Come on brother, I know you’re in there.” Someone spoke from the door and I knew it was one of his brothers. 

With a long stare at me, master Kieran finally left me and went to answer the door. 

“Are you sulking again? come on, let me in. I’ve got some news.” His brother said, while I stood frozen by the wall, praying he doesn’t come in. 

They began to talk in low tones, before master Kieran finally left with him, leaving me alone in the room. 

I almost cried from relief but I didn’t have the time for that. With trembling hands, I fixed my chest wrap, wiped my face, ran to the heap of clothes, carried them and hurried out of the room.

 I escaped yes, but I knew it wasn’t over.