The Princess Slave
Chapter 20

Violette POV

It’s been a few days since I got punished by the King. My bottom isn’t as sore, with Lillian’s healing paste it seems to be doing great. Even with the silver collar keeping me from shifting along with the daily wolfsbane.. I’m healing pretty well.

“The King permitted for you to pick how you get your wolfsbane today, miss.” Ms. Beatrice said. She held in front of me a metal tray. On the left was a syringe, which is what I’ve been getting. I’ve always had a fear of them so the cup of wolfsbane-soaked water on the right looked much more appealing to me.

“I shall drink it,” I said and reached for the cup. When the smell hit my nose I swear my nose hairs burned as well as my sinuses and lungs.

“That’s goddess-awful.” I g*****d.

“Ahh, just be quick about it. Might not be so bad.” She said. I cocked an eyebrow at her and chuckled.

“Sorry.. I don’t think I’ve ever taken wolfsbane.” She said.

My Father made me take daily doses. At first, they were small, then we gradually built it up over the years so I have a very high tolerance. Except.. it wasn’t given to me like this. I took it in pill form.

Lillian knew that.. and she’d almost slipped up the other day. If the King found out.. let’s just say he wouldn’t be too happy. So I guess, maybe I have lied. Or it was simply that he didn’t ask so I didn’t have anything to tell.

I dumped the burning contents down my throat almost spewing it out mid-swallow. I swallowed the last drop and handed Ms. Beatrice the cup and coughed.

“Ohh, I know, Princess. Here’s something to wash it down.” Lillian handed me another cup of her usual tea.

“Thank you, Lillian.” I choked. I rubbed my chest before taking a sip of the tea.

I still have some of my strength.. though I’m surrounded by Lycans with strength twice what mine is. I can still mind link.. but that’s no use either. There’s no one close enough to link and no one I trust enough. Lillian won’t be 18 for another couple of weeks and Sylvia’s 15.. neither of them can mindlink. The silver collar keeps me from shifting.. and it also has built-in shocking features.. I’d rather not learn what that feels like.

“You will work in the King’s chambers today. He is also in a mood so tread lightly.” Beatrice said.

“We’re cleaning the King’s chambers?” Lillian asked. I know there was no way Lillian was allowed to go.

“No, Lillian. You will be in the gardens with Susie. Go, you must get ready now they’re expecting you soon.” She pushed Lillian on.

Lillian looked back at me but I shook my head. She needs to not argue.. this isn’t home.

“I’m still his slave. Just go and enjoy the flowers for me.” I said with a smile.

“I will bring you the most beautiful flower I replace, Princess.” She smiled brightly. I nodded my head.

“Thank you, Lillian.” She left the room and I looked at Ms. Beatrice.

“I’ve sent for supplies. You may go now, Loren should have them by the time you get there.” She said.

I nodded my head and stood up.

“How have your pains been?” She asked curiously.

“They’re not too horrible. I haven’t had many since the day before the ball. Maybe a couple.” I said.

“I’ll keep looking and I’ll figure out what it is. Just keep taking the herbs, it’ll help until then.” She said. I could see a hint of pity on her face. Whatever the pains are.. they get worse with each time. The herbs help somewhat.. enough to take the edge off anyway. I don’t know how much longer that will last though.

“Thank you,” I said with a smile.

“Hurry now, the King waits.” She said. I made my way to the door and opened it.

Dread settled in my stomach when I reached the King’s chambers. Loren indeed had the supplies as Beatrice said. He handed them to me with a soft smile. His eyes glazed over and then he reached for the door.

The King is in his usual spot at his desk, he looked like he hasn’t slept in days. His hair tousled on his head and dark bags under his eyes. I glanced at Loren who slowly shook his head while he pulled his lips into a line.. as if telling me to be careful.

My mind raced as I walked through the door. I wonder what has him so.. moody. I looked around the room which was quite messy. Clothes were thrown on the floor, papers strung around the room randomly, and his blanket laying halfway off the bed and onto the floor.. There was definitely dust, my nose was paying for it..

I sat down the cleaning supplies and began picking up the things on the floor. Chills crawled up my spine and I felt cold all of the sudden. I rubbed my arms before continuing to pick up the room.

I stared at his bed curiously. I wasn’t allowed to touch it, yet the blanket was laying halfway on the floor. What’s so bad about touching his bed? It’s like the grey door. That’s located in his office, I’ve only ever seen it a few times..

Why do I have such outrageous rules?

I shook my head and turned away from the bed. There was not a chance I was going to upset him in any way today. If he’s truly in such a bad mood, I might not get whippings as a punishment this time.

•••••••••••••••••••

As I began scrubbing the floor the blanket caught my eye again. I peered up and over the bed, seeing him staring right at me with a blank expression on his face.

“Is there something you wish to ask?” He raised his voice thinking I couldn’t hear him because of the wolfsbane.

“Y-yes.. Master. There is.” I said nervously.

“You may ask.” He said. He didn’t move an inch as he held my gaze.

“Your.. blanket, Master. It’s halfway off the bed. Can you.. fix it?” I asked.

“I was wondering if you would say anything. I noticed you eyeing it several times.” He said. I looked away and looked at the blanket, then back at him.

“I-I just didn’t want to break the rule.” I stuttered out. My palms began sweating when he didn’t respond for a moment. I feared I’d angered him.

“Good girl.” He said. He stood up and walked out of his office. I looked up at him and my heart skipped a beat.

I moved back when he leaned down and grabbed the blanket, throwing the corner lazily over the bed. I felt his eyes on me but I didn’t look up until he spoke again.

“Do you know what today is?” He asked.

“N..no Master.. I don’t.” I said.

“Today is the 6th anniversary of my little brother Liam’s death” his voice was cold and deadly.