A THIRST FOR BLOOD

03 | Money does bring happiness

Eris Sown

Estelle had her hand on my back as she pushed me up the stairs. I fight against her, hoping she will let me go. She pulls my hand harshly as she forces me up the stairs with her. "You don't get it Estelle." I told her as I grabbed her shoulders. Breathing out heavily as I try to catch my breath.

She rolls her eyes at me. "What are you talking about?" She says, slightly irritated.

I bit my lip as I looked around. Unsure if those words should even go past my lips. "He...he-"

"Goodness just spill it. He what?" Estelle wondered with crossed arms. Looking at me with knitted eyebrows.

I let out a deep breath as I let go of her shoulders. She grabs my hand and leads me to the other side of the palace. My eyebrows knitted together as I looked around. Not understanding why we were going this way. Estelle pushed open a red door decorated with hints of gold. Revealing a beautiful room, not somber and depressing as the one I had seen on the third floor.

Estelle pushed open another door revealing the bathroom. She turns on the water and I watch how it slowly fills up the bathtub. "You always have to check the temperature." She says and I narrow my eyes at her.

"If you look up above the cabinets, you will see herbs and soaps." I didn't want to help, in fact I wanted to run out of the room the second I got the chance to. Yet I took slow strides towards the cabinet. Grabbed a bag filled with herbs and soap and made my way to the bathtub. She took my hand and dipped it in the water.

"How is the water?" She questions me.

"Warm but not too hot."

"Yes, that's how he likes it." She stands up straight. "I have to get back to the kitchen. Wait for a few minutes then put the herbs and soap in the water."

Afraid I grabbed her arm. "No wait, don't leave me here." I whispered, afraid someone might hear me.

She cups my face, her warm hands heats my cheeks up. "Eris, my sweet pie you will be alright." She tells me as I watch her rush out of the room.

I take a deep breath as I sit on the edge of the bathtub. Let my fingers glide through the water. Switched the water off completely before adding the herbs and soap. Once I relax I allow myself to take in the room. From the bathroom I peaked right into the bedchamber. A room of his own with a big cozy bed. Maids that prepare his baths for him. Food and drinks he gets served, there is no need for him to step foot in the kitchen. I smile to myself as I try to push those thoughts away. There is no point in feeling pathetic for myself, as long as I can bring in money for my family it will be alright.

"Are you done?" A voice spoke and honestly I was getting used to it. I looked up to meet his eyes yet my eyes traveled down. His upper body exposed and the pair of trousers he wore were hanging dangerously low on his hips.

I averted my gaze as I stood up straight. "Yes...my Lord."

The floor has my undivided attention. I don't dare look up and meet his eyes. Without a word he takes slow steps toward me, then removes his pants and hands them to me. I hold my breath as I take them from his hands. I hear water splashing as he steps into the bathtub, and I take it as my cue to leave. I take quick strides toward the door, my hand hovering above the doorknob. I have never been this close with a man, especially not one that is naked.

"Don't leave just yet." he whispers softly. Confused, I turn around, watching him relax with his eyes closed.

"W-What else would you like me to do, my lord?" I ask, keeping a calm composure and doing my best to stay respectful.