A Game Of Fire I

The soft click of her heels echoed as Sienna swiftly walked through the half-lit hallway. Just as she arrived at Kieran's chamber, she saw a maid carrying a tray of refreshment towards his door.

Perfect timing.

The girl had barely noticed Sienna's presence when she suddenly stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

“That's for the Alpha?” Sienna asked smoothly as she eyes the tray.

The maid hesitated for sometime before nodding.

Sienna smiled, she wasn't trying to play friendly— she was intimidating the poor girl.

“Go, I'll take it from here.”

The maid blinked confusedly.

“But I was ordered to—”

Sienna took a step closer as she lowered her voice just enough to make the girl feel uneasy.

“Do you think the Alpha cares who brings it? Or he'd be more annoyed if you delay his night snack by doing this?”

The maid knew arguing with Sienna was never an option, since what Sienna did at the quarters earlier, the maids decided to avoid her. The girl swallowed hard then handed over the tray without another word before walking away.

Sienna smiled to herself, she composed herself as she walked into Kieran's room.

Kieran barely lifted his eyes when Sienna entered his chamber.

“What do you want?”

She wasn't supposed to be here after what she did earlier.

Sienna closed the door behind her, she held onto the tray tight, she knew Kieran was not an easy one and she was overstepping boundaries but she had to take the chance.

She leaned against it in a way her curve came into full view

“You ordered late night snacks”

He shot her a glance, clearly unimpressed.

“I don't recall asking for that”

She ignored his remark, taking slow deliberate steps towards him.

“No. But you look….tense”

Her voice was now softer, smoother. She placed the tray on the table and leaned in, just enough for her scent to tease his senses.

Kieran tensed up— she smiled seeing the effect she was already having on him.

“You work too hard.” She reached out, her fingers skimmed his shoulder.

“You should let someone take care of you at least once.”

His jaw tightened as he finally raised his golden eyes to meet with hers— there was no hint of warmth nor amusement in them, Sienna ignored it.

Her finger traveled down his chest, her nails barely touching the fabric of his shirt— this act silenced him.

“You never thought about that?” She teased

“What it will feel like to let it all out”

Kieran's breath deepened and for the first time, she caught something flicker in his eyes.

Perfect!

Encouraged She strode closer, their bodies almost making contact, her lips just a few inches from his.

“You act like you're made of brick,” she murmured.

Her warm breath fanned against his skin.

“But I know you better, since the day you let me stay— I saw right through you”

She lifted herself on her toes, finally closing the distance between them.

Just like that, everything changed.

Kieran moved fast. Too fast for her to process.

One second, it seemed she'd already gotten him right where she wanted. The next second, she was slammed against the table— Kieran's hand gripped her wrist so tight that it hurt.

His eyes burned into hers but it was cold— Icy cold.

“You think you can play games with me, huh?” His voice, sharp like a blade.

She swallowed in fear but she knew better than to let her fear show, she smirked.

“Did I offend you, My Lord?”

His grip tightened— his fingers digging into her skin.

“You have absolutely no right to be in here,” he spat furiously

“And you're even overstepping your place—” he laughed but it wasn't out of amusement— it was pure mockery.

Sienna's smirk was shaken and Kieran shoved her back with pure irritation.

“You weren't the one supposed to serve me, were you?” He asked coldly

“You cornered the real maid, didn't you?”

Sienna only managed to straighten her dress and keep a blank expression.

“You're mistaken, Alpha”

He let out another dark laugh.

“What? You think you're special because I let you stay under my roof?” His voice, still as sharp as ever.

“Need I remind you, you're nothing but a useless rogue I took pity on.”

Sienna’s chest tightened but she didn't react.

Kieran stepped closer, his figure towering over her.

“I don't tolerate insolence,” he growled. “And I sure as hell don't tolerate arrogance from a stray who should be kissing the ground I walk on for my mercy.”

He let out a cruel smirk.

“So you think seducing me would increase your worth?— look here, you don't worth anything close to the dirt on my boot”

Her fist curled into a ball— his words sliced deeper than she wanted to admit but she refused to let him see that.

“You're nothing— understood?”

She forced a smile on though she was boiling inside.

“Well, you're right— I'm nothing. it's your loss though.”

She left the room, her chin high and posture elegant.

But as soon as she stepped into the hallway, her stomach twitched.

Laughter filled the air.

A group of maids stood nearby, whispering and giggling amongst themselves. She was shocked, she thought they'd all gone to bed.

“Looks like the poor rogue got out in her place,” one laughed 

“Guess she was too filthy for our king to reject a night with her” the other smirked mockingly.

Sienna’s lips curled

She slowly walked up to them, still standing tall like nothing happened.

“You're probably right,” her voice smooth

“I'm probably not good enough for him” she leaned in, her eyes dark and dangerous.

“But I'm too good for you”

The girl's smirks dropped at her boldness.

Sienna laughed softly, shaking her head

“It's funny how the only thing y'all have to feel good about is my rejection— says a lot about your low lives, doesn't it?” She mused.

The girls fell silent; some gasped, speechless.

In satisfaction, she walked away letting them swim in their humiliation.

She knew she had been rejected but she was never letting that stop her.

She never loses a battle.

—————

The next morning, the head maid instructed Sienna to go serve Kieran and his beta who were watching the warriors fight at the training ground.

As she walked in, she noticed Lucian, Kieran's beta staring lustfully again.

“My lord, you're staring.”

He smirked as she approached, he was seated right beside Kieran watching the fight.

“Can you blame me?” Lucian teased, his eyes travelling down her body.

“You do make a pretty distraction”

She just smiled and move over to Kieran

“Greetings Alpha”

He just ignored her like she wasn't existing. She tried to concentrate as she gently poured his drink but she heard an all too familiar sound.

Whoosh!

The sound sliced through the air and before her mind could process the situation, her body had already moved.

She spun, her eyes caught the flash of the sword— flying straight at Kieran.

Without thinking straight, she grabbed the handle midair, twisting her wrist just as she had practiced back at the order. In one swift movement, she twirled and fired the steel towards its source.

The blade set itself into the ground near the stunned warrior, the action impact rattling through the arena.

Strong silence followed, the entire training ground froze.

Lucian's jaw fell in awe, the warriors gaped.

And Kieran…

He stared at her, his golden eyes dark and unreadable.

“How,” he started slowly, “did you do that?”

Sienna straightened, she brushed her hands against her dress casually. “Do what, my Lord?”

“Don't play dumb with me” his eyes narrowed.

Lucian let out a low whistle. “Damn girl, that was—”

“Shut up Lucian.”

Lucian chuckled but it was clear Kieran wasn't amused— he stood, took a step towards her, his gaze locked onto hers.

He knew too well, a rogue maid like her shouldn't have those skills. She held his unreadable gaze not knowing what would come next— even for a high ranking assassin like her, Kieran was too unpredictable.

Kieran's voice came, low and dangerous.

“What are you?”