Born to unite (Born to be a slave; Book III)

19

Kaiya's POV

My hands trembled when I heard my princess had left the castle without me. Left alone among people I hardly knew, and most importantly, I wasn't sure about Arian's whereabouts. What if I run into him? What if he was looking for me?

I shook my head, trying to get rid of my paranoid thoughts. He would not leave the princess alone. He would be by her side wherever she went. Right?

Anna had left to aid the queen, and, for the moment, I was without a task. So strange was the feeling, as for my entire time, I had never left her side. She had never gone away without me and never had left me with Arian.

I would be fine. I should not allow Arian to intimidate me so much.

I was busy thinking of my day's plans. If I had no tasks, for the time being, could I be allowed to roam the castle until Reina was back? The house of Queen Thea and King Edmund radiated wealth and power, but differently than in Sahrian. The decor, floors, and other accents seem to include marble-like material. The rooms were light and bright, and the golden tones framing the artistic pieces blended seemingly with the rest of the interior. In my land, gold accentuated the owner's influence, and the bright yellow element, most of the time, contrasted with the naturalistic wooden carpentry.

Without the princess, I would have never gotten a chance to be here in this foreign land and would never see or learn about people who lived differently. My world would exist only on the small farm and town I grew up.

As I walked through the endless corridors, maids were busy cleaning up rooms - taking out the used snow white duvets and sheets, bringing in the buckets with hot water. The steaming clouds followed each lady who carried it. The aroma of freshness breezed past me. Some windows were left open, and the silky daytime curtains could touch my skin as I walked to my destination, though I didn't know where it was. I let my intuition guide me.

I ended up in a room with a few round tables - some stood by the bright windows, and others hid in the darker corner on the other side of the room. Pink flowers on the tables engulfed the room with a pleasant scent and a bookshelf that the sun could barely reach. A soft carpet muffled my steps as I neared the bookshelf.

Stacked up and close together, the leathery covers formed a thick wall. On the upper shelf, more colorful broke up the earthly tone. What were they about? I was afraid to take them out and look at what was inside, but my fingers continued to trace over the engraved letters.

"As if you could get any use out of them."

Like thunder, a voice shook my core. My eyes stayed peeled to the Mahogany shelf. Frozen as a frightened animal, I struggled to think clearly.

"I am capable of reading." I held my voice firm, not wanting him to know how scared I was.

"Oh. That's right. Who am I to question the poor farmer's education? It is not like everyone has a wealthy family who can ensure that no member stays dumb like a rock." Arian neared me.

I could feel his eyes intensely on me, the emotion that always seeped through his tone of voice. I knew he could be different. Only I caused him this suffering, the deep hatred that never went away from his heart.

Trapped in the darkest side of the room, I waited for Arian to lose interest in me. Being quiet was my best option, but he didn't move away. Arian's gaze didn't waver. He observed me with patience. He enjoyed my suffering.

When a maid emerged from a doorway, I let out a breath, expecting I would have a chance to slip away. She carried a tray with a teapot and a porcelain cup. A few cookies rested on the side, on the smaller, similarly patterned plate. Her face bloomed in a smile when she noticed us, but her eyes never connected with mine.

"Mr. I have brought your tea. Where should I place it?" The maid chirped.

"Leave it here on the table. I will help myself." Arian sounded emotionless.

"I wish you a relaxing time."

The maid bowed but, before leaving, shot her eyes up to look at Arian for the last time. I could see she fancied him. Who wouldn't? Except, those who saw behind his eyes, and had spent more than a minute in his company, had learned his temper. I wished to leave with her. 

Taking a breath, I sprung past the table. The maid had vanished behind the door, and a sudden pressure around my wrist held me from going further. The satisfaction flashed in his pale eyes. His strong arm pulled me closer to where I stood seconds ago.

"Let me go," I said silently. 

"Where? It is not like you have anything else to do."

Arian pulled a chair with a cushioned seat and the back to face the wall, to trap me, so he could watch me squirm under his gaze. His firm grip hadn't released my arm. Leashed like a dog, I stood beside him. As time passed, my legs became stiff, and I could feel the fear paralyzing me.

"Pour me some."

I shook my head. I couldn't do it. I couldn't. My other hand trembled, hidden behind the crooks of my earthly-colored robe. I would spill the tea, and Arian wouldn't be happy. He would have a reason to hurt me more.

"I will not let you leave until you do what I say."

"Why? Why are you doing this to me? I have never tried to harm you. I have never had such an intention. I don't understand." I held my tears from spilling.

"You are still pretending. Should I refresh your mind?"

I shook my head once again. What was he talking about? I wished to get free from his grip, not feel his hot palm on my skin which seemed to transfer enormous amounts of anxiety to my heart. I was so uncomfortable.

"Fine. Tell me. I am tired of not knowing what my fault is." Arian peered into my eyes. "Just ... let go of my arm ... please."

Arian pulled me dangerously close. I almost tripped under my feet.

"No, no. I know you will run away. Better, let's teach you about your family's wrongdoings."