Court Of Shadows and Lies

22. For Her Will Alone

I took a deep breath, locking eyes with Serene’s earnest gaze. “Alright,” I said, my voice steady yet soft. “Let’s make this official.” I reached out, fastening the collar around his neck. The cool metal contrasted sharply with his warm skin, and the opal glimmered as it settled into place—a shimmering reminder of the bond we were forging.

“There. Now you truly belong to me,” I declared, stepping back to admire the way it framed his porcelain skin. “It suits you.”

He touched the collar with hesitant fingers, his face a canvas of mixed emotions—uncertainty, acceptance, and a flicker of something deeper I couldn’t quite identify.

“Stay here in my room. Don’t go outside until I come back,” I instructed, moving toward the door.

He looked down, shadows of sadness creeping across his features. “Where are you going?” His voice was small, almost childlike.

I paused, glancing back over my shoulder. “I’ll be back soon, I promise. I just need to talk to my father about… you.”

“About me?”

“Yes. He needs to know about you.”

He nodded slowly, but a pensive silence enveloped him, his gaze falling to the floor as if he were lost in thought.

“Just stay put, okay?” I added, forcing a reassuring smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.

He nodded again, tension evident in his posture. “Okay,” he replied quietly, his voice barely a whisper.

“Good. I’ll be back before you know it."

I need to make a place for him. My father loves nothing more than seeing his children follow his path.

And Cessalie buying a slave for her needs was exactly the kind of thing his daughter would do.

I would gain his trust first, then undermine his faith in his other children.

But my primary goal for now was to find a way to help Serene control his power. The curse can’t be broken, but I can teach him to wield his magic until his death.

In the end, his strength would serve me, and perhaps then I could truly secure my place in this world—wherever that might lead.

I walked down the corridor toward my father's office, each step resonating with anticipation. As I reached the door, I took a moment to gather my thoughts, preparing myself for the conversation ahead. With a gentle push, I opened the door to find him seated at his desk, the weight of authority heavy in the air. Fortunately, none of my siblings were present.

Thank you, Heavens!

“Father,” I greeted, stepping inside and closing the door behind me. I let a smirk play at the corners of my lips, letting him sense that I had something noteworthy to share.

“Cessalie,” he said, looking up from the papers before him, curiosity flickering in his deep brown eyes. “What brings you here?”

“I wanted to inform you that I purchased a slave from the auction,” I said, letting my words hang in the air for a moment. His eyebrows shot up in surprise, clearly taken aback. “I intend to keep him for myself.”

He leaned back in his chair, surprise morphing into intrigue. “You? A slave? You never had such interests before.”

“True,” I acknowledged, my voice smooth as silk. “But I find the idea appealing. I want to keep him under my control—to have someone to vent my anger on, to bend to my will when I desire.”

A glimmer of approval flickered in his gaze. I could see him savoring the idea. “Cruelty, you say? That’s a unique way to relieve frustration.”

“Exactly,” I replied, allowing my expression to harden slightly. “It’s not just about power; it’s about wielding it with intention. He will serve as a reminder of who is in control—who commands fear and obedience.”