Chapter 4: Chapter Three
My breathing got louder as the room remained silent. What was going on? Who was this person.my heart thumped harder in my chest as my eyes stared intensely at the ground. I felt my shoulders shudder slightly at the small cold wind that passed by.
“Raise your head, let me see that face of yours.” The man’s voice soothed into my ears.
Why did he need to see my face, was I not just a lowly slave? The sound of metal drawn from its sheathe resounded in my ears, and soon a cold metal was against my neck. Sweat dripped from my forehead in the sudden shock. Was he going to kill me?
“His excellency has told you to raise your head.” A cold voice sounded.
“Enough, put your sword away.” The noble men said. “Raise your head.” he repeated.
Obediently I raised my head to look at his face in fear of losing my head, simply for not looking at the man before me. A marquis? A Baron? I could not decipher who he was.
“A beauty indeed. A beautiful witch at that.” He said making my breathing stop.
Did he just say… a witch? No, I could not give myself away. He was not sure; he was trying to confirm. Breathe Vanessa, Breathe. I continued looking at him, my eyes not wavering.
“I guess not…” he sighed. “but that’s okay, you will bewitch.” He smiled. There was something off-putting about this man before me.
Keeping my mouth shut, he let out a puff of air. I couldn’t get myself to talk. All aristocrats that had purchased me had one rule, and the was “to only speak when allowed to speak.” I watched countless people have their tongues cut out just because of a simple slip of words. I was going to survive, well at least that was what I was planning on doing.
“Vanessa was it?” he said making me freeze.
I never told him my name, how did he-
“Do not overthink, I have your information since I am your buyer.” he said cutting my thoughts off.
I blushed slightly in embarrassment. I had completely forgotten about the information scrolls that each of us had.
“My name is Conrad Azkalev, and I’m going to be your “master”. What use is it if the master and servant cannot know each other in order to work properly?” he questioned.
I was quite taken aback. This has never happened, so I did not know what to do nor how to respond. In all my years of being bought, no master had ever uttered the words this man that sat before me uttered.
“Hmm, it seems I’m making you slightly uncomfortable.” He said in a light tone. “how about starting by you looking at my face, why don’t we?” he said.
Was I going to be slaughtered is I disobeyed? Or was this some kind of test? I could not understand. Contemplating with myself, I gulped as my hands trembled slightly. I looked up as my eyes locked with his smiling violet blue eyes.
“Well done, you managed to look at my face!” he cheered.
I couldn’t understand this man before me. A smile slapped its way on his face, as he laughed out loud lightly, as though seeing something joyous.
“Well Vanessa, shall we take this elsewhere?” he questioned.
Was he asking for my opinion? This was a First. I nodded lightly as he stood up, putting his hand before me. I looked up at his as his expression did not waver. Hesitatingly, took his hand as he pulled me up as though it was nothing.
“Let’s go.” He said. He turned to the man nearest to the door, “Tell the coachmen to bring the carriage upfront, were heading to the duchy.”
My eyes widened at his words as my heart thumped in my chest.
Ah, this man was the Duke.
*
He sat up right abruptly as the sun shone in his eyes removing the sleep in them. His forehead covered in a cold sweat. Even during the day, she haunted him. It had been a while since he had gotten sleep. A knock came in through the large oak doors echoing in the room.
“Come in.” he muttered as he stood up, walking to pour himself a glass of water.
His blonde hair glistened as the rays of the sun, reflected on them. The door pushed open as his ruby eyes looked towards the entrance where the man who had interrupted him stood.
“What is it?” he questioned quite irritated.
The lack of sleep was playing on his attitude. But he couldn’t help it. He had tried all mean to get rid of the insomnia that had evaded his life, but nothing seemed to work. Even the best physician in Grimlock could do him no favor.
“Greeting to the sun of the Empire.” the man spoke out formerly.
Waving his hand, he acknowledged. “what brings you here? I thought I had told everyone that I was not to be disturbed.” he said monotonously.
The aura of this man was deadly. He was known for his cold and ruthless character. His blood red ruby eyes had looked at the man who had suddenly broken out in a sweat.
“My apologies, his highness the emperor wishes to see you.” the man said articulately, his hands trembling.
“Tell him I will be there.”
“Of course, your Highness, Prince Ian.”
The man excused himself closing the door behind him. Plopping in his chair, Ian could not help but grimace. The sun shined on his face as he lifted his hand, covering the rays from his eyes. A soft wind blowing in.
“Crown Prince…”
It was funny how those words only held a sense of distaste in his mouth. . What was meant to be a blessing, a joy, had become a curse.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone