CHAPTER NINE

Violet's pov

My curiosity has been piqued. I was restless. I sensed that wherever that path led would open up something unbearable. Still, I needed to know. It was as though something from within me had been rattled.

I stayed awake all through the night. My mind kept wandering like it was lost. I turned on my bed all through, trying to figure out possible reasons why that path in the garden had been excluded from my tour.

Shortly, it was dawn. Just as my eyes were about drooping closed, my door squeaked open and Danya walked in with several other servants. Some servants carried in a large basin with a gold-like signet on it, a few carried in jars of perfumes. However, what caught my eyes was the beautiful emerald gown Danya carried. 

Fascinated by the rich color of the beautiful gown, Danya walked towards me with a wide smile.

"My lady, did you sleep well?" She queried.

Her smile crumbled underneath her face when she saw the dark circles beneath my eyes and my tired face.

"I think not." She whispered. Moving quickly to the windows, she pulled back the curtains. I blinked immediately as the first rays of light hit me, adjusting my eyes to the light.

Danya nodded to the other servants to leave the room before walking back towards me.

"What are all these?" I asked, as I nudged my head towards all the items carried in by the maids.

"To draw your bath, my lady." She answered.

"Alpha Xaden has requested that you have breakfast with him in his personal dining room before he leaves." She pitched.

My brows furrowed in thought.

Leave? Where? 

I rose from the bed daintily like the bed was made of thin glass. Danya motioned me over to the bathing room where she helped shed my night shift. I slipped into the bathing tub.

I sighed in relief as the warm water ease my tired body. The lavender scent filled my nostrils. My eyes fluttered closed longingly. I felt like royalty. For the first time since I can remember, my bath was drawn by others and not the other way round.

My tensed body relaxed wittingly as I felt the soft linen wash over my body. Danya scrubbed gently every part of my body, leaving no part untouched. I flinched when the bath cloth moved towards the angle above my thighs.

Smiling, Danya's hand stilled as she waited for me to relax. 

"My lady, I have to wash you clean." She said sheepishly.

Nodding, I said shyly, "You know, I could have bathed myself. You didn't have to."

"It's my duty, my lady." She responded.

Shortly after, I was led out of the bath. Having soaked in the bath for over an hour, my body felt light and it glowed brightly.

Danya wrapped a towel around my body and began to dab me dry. I was treated like a queen. I felt so uncomfortable to be treated as such. I plied her hands away from my body and moved towards the bed. The emerald green gown laid beautifully on the bed, my fingers roved daintily over it as I admired the beautiful pearls embellished on it.

"Am I to wear this?" I asked.

"Yes, my lady." She answered.

"Why?" I whispered.

Why?

How am I suddenly jerked out of the grasp of slavery, to a world fit for the nobles?

***

I stared transfixed at the sight in the mirror. The emerald green gown captured my curves so well that my body molded delicately into it. My blond hair was piled up in a bun while a few strands from around my edges caressed my face.

"Wow... You're so beautiful, my lady," Danya gasped.

Stunned, I allowed Danya to lead me out of my room to the dining room where Xaden stood nursing a cup of tea as he awaited me.

Immediately he saw me enter the room, his mouth stood agape as his eyes roamed freely down my gown. In a flash, he placed his cup on the table and walked towards me.

He stood so close I could feel his breath on my face. His eyes searched mine longingly. 

My gaze dropped instantly to the floor as I could no longer bear the heat his gaze emitted.

Using the tip of his finger to raise my chin, my gaze met his again. My body surged as though hot liquid was poured down my vein. I was sure he felt it too when he snatched his finger away from my face and took a step backwards.

"I almost didn't recognise you." He said, smiling.

"I also didn't recognize myself." I murmured.

He took my hand and led me to the table where he drew a chair for me to sit.

He nodded to the butler to start serving. Asides for the clanging of dishwares and cutleries, the room was dead quiet.

The food on the table was enough to feed ten people, I surmised. I watched the butler place a large bowl of steamed vegetables, roasted venison, freshly baked crusty bread, and a goblet of ale before me.

My eyes widened at the extravagance.

"Would you be joining us?" I asked the butler.

He blanched visibly at my question.

I looked suspiciously at Xaden. 

"You worry a lot, Violet." He chided. "Now eat. You need enough meat. The servants have their own feast, so you needn't worry about them." He continued gruffly.

We ate in silence until we were almost done with our meal. My head jerked towards Xaden when he said, "I'd be leaving the castle briefly after our meal . I'd be back by dusk."

In a frenzy, I set my fork down beside my plate. 

"Where---?" 

"Don't worry, Danya and Xavier will attend to your needs while I'm gone. Xavier knows where to find me if you need me." He assured me.

Pushing his chair backwards, he came to stand beside my chair. Bending forwards towards me, his lips fluttered lightly over mine. My spine stiffened. Then suddenly, he grabbed the both edge of my chair and deepened the kiss.

"I've been wanting to do that all through our meal." He whispered into my face.

Straightening his body, he said, "I'd see you tonight."

My body immediately tingled in response. I exhaled my pent up breath in a whoof as I watched him walk out the door.

As soon as Xaden left the dining room, I bolted out my chair. 

Turning towards the butler, I pointed towards the door adjacent to the door that led to the gallery. "Where does that door lead?"

"To the garden, my lady." He answered.

"Thank you---?"

"Connor, my lady." He returned.

"Thank you, Connor. I will be going out for a stroll." I said.

"Very well, my lady. I'd ask Xavier to accompany you." He said.

"Never mind. I'd like a moment alone, Connor. I'd be fine on my own." I smiled.

He bowed as I walked out the door.

As soon as I stepped outside, I let the sunlight wash over me. I lifted my face, facing the sky. My eyes fluttered closed as I basked in the euphoria of being free.

I took in the beautiful expanse of the castle and shivered.

All of these are mine.

Mine.

The wind seeped through my skin, making me laugh.

Sunlight.

Wind.

What a combination. They both gave me a sense of freedom.

I made my way towards the garden. The garden was nestled in between a cobblestone path with lush greenery. Its high walls reminded me of the Blue Moon's pack. Its borders were draped with herb beds over laid with lavender, rosemary, and thyme. The thick air filled with heirloom scents. Sniffing the air, my nose caught the scents of pink roses scattered around the garden. I watched the beautiful dragonflies perched fleetingly on the flowers. And in the heart of the garden rested a carved stone fountain trickling with water. Tall yew trees were casted over it and the birds gave music to the quiet of the garden.

My eyes caught the pathway behind the garden. Intrigued by what laid behind the garden, I made my way gingerly towards it.

Once I had reached the end of the pathway, I sighted a thatched cottage. Making my way towards it, I stood admiring its charming lush timber-framed walls. The wooden door was adorned steeply with an intricate lattice pattern.

I grabbed the wooden door handle and pushed the door open, thrilled to discover what lay inside, but then I froze.